Criminal defense lawyers in Norwalk, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Norwalk, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you're in need of a leading Norwalk, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you find a way forward.
Whatever you need legal help with, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Get in touch with a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a no obligation consulation.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Norwalk, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're hesitating, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California has a reputation for being very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Even worse, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more chances you have to offhandedly give the prosecution evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be inadvertently making it harder on yourself.
Connecting with a Norwalk, CA, criminal defense lawyer early is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're constantly prepared for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
How to Handle an Arrest in Norwalk, CA
Nobody in Norwalk, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Take the below steps while in custody, in order to strengthen your chances of a positive outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Making a scene, attempting to flee, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are questioned by the police, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Call a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): After an arrest, if you are charged with a crime, you'll probably be given an option to for pretrial release. Securing your freedom before a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Document Everything: As a first step in building your defense, you should put together any findings you have on your defense and send it to your defense attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with a leading Norwalk, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a staunch defense.
How Our Norwalk, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
We believe that criminal defense lawyers have an obligation not only to represent you in court, but to get to know your case from your perspective. Because all our cases are focused on our client, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and understand the impact we have on your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Create a high-level defense utilizing motions to have evidence thrown out, consulting subject matter experts, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should your charges go to trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We'll always be honest with you about realistic outcomes for your case, and how we can work to get you the most positive outcome.
- Helping you carry on once the case is over. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
Case Types Our Norwalk, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Norwalk, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Our Norwalk, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Norwalk, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. We will fight against any of the following charges in Norwalk:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Drug Possession
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Norwalk, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Norwalk, CA:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Norwalk, CA, are as grave as murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our legal team today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Top Qualities for a Norwalk, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Norwalk, CA, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – situations can change outside of working hours, so you want to work with a firm that can pick up the phone any time you call.
- Open and Honest Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
How We Fight in the Norwalk, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We don't believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
As soon as you call our Norwalk, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Evaluate Your Charges – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Connect With the State – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Norwalk, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we have over 50 years of experience in the courtroom, as judges, prosecutors, police officers, and criminal defense attorneys. We know the strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. That said, if there is a trial in your case, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We have an esteemed reputation with both former clients and experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We don't surprise you with fees, and our phones are available 24/7 if need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Norwalk, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. It can be hard just to move forward, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Norwalk, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Norwalk, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, people can make mistakes, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
What is the hardest criminal charge to beat?
Each case is unique, so there isn't a hard and fast rule on "which charge is the hardest to beat." Generally speaking, though, white collar crimes, crimes against children, and repeat DUI accusations are treated harshly.
Do criminal records in Norwalk, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is the process by which your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney negotiate to find a lighter sentence for the person charged with a crime, in exchange for a guilty plea. District attorneys use them to save time, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Contact Our Norwalk, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're up against the Norwalk, CA, prosecutor, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Don't wait – the Norwalk, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story now.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Norwalk, CA:
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