Criminal defense lawyers in Norwalk, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Norwalk, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe someone asked you for a favor, and you didn't realize it was illegal. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you have to find a Norwalk, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, 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 have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
Reasons to Find a Leading Norwalk, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're delaying, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California is known for being very punishing towards convicts, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
On top of that, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more you risk doing something to unittingly give the prosecution evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unknowingly digging a deep hole for yourself.
Working with a Norwalk, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
Whether it's midday on the weekend or the middle of the night during the week, you need a lawyer who is prepared for your call. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're available around the clock for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Norwalk, CA
Nobody in Norwalk, CA, enjoys getting arrested. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Take this advice during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to improve the likelihood of a beneficial outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Refusing to go, running, or harming the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are interrogated by the government officials, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Call an Attorney: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – the first one of these should be to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Norwalk, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being released prior to a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Collect Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should gather any data you have related to your defense and make copies to show your attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with the right Norwalk, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a potent defense.
How Our Norwalk, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both craft a defense specific to you and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We will go about your case by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – we look at the police investigation, our conversations with you, and our own inquiries into your case all give us an intimate understanding of it.
- Create a effective defense making use of motions to suppress evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should the case reach trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, dissect the state's case against you, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you get a fresh start once the case is over. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
Case Categories Our Norwalk, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Norwalk, CA, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Norwalk, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Some of the most common Norwalk, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Norwalk, CA. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Norwalk, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Norwalk, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. 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. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need an expert Norwalk, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our attorneys for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Norwalk, CA.
What You Want in a Norwalk, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Norwalk, CA, but not all law firms are created equal. Hiring the proper criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Positive Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
The Steps Our Norwalk, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. We don't believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our Norwalk, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Investigate Your Charges – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Negotiate With the State – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll scrutinize the state's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Advantages of Working With Our Norwalk, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
When you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting a team of criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of courtroom experience, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors. We know the way the prosecution builds its case, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. And if your case does end up going before a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We're highly regarded by both clients and legal experts. As premier Norwalk, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We're upfront with our fees, and our phones are available any time of day if need an update on your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Norwalk, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Norwalk, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a Norwalk, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, people can make mistakes, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Do convictions ever expire from my criminal record in California?
Technically no. Barring special circumstances, after a conviction, the government will always keep it on your record. However, after a certain time period, they can seal the record, lessening the negative impact.
Do criminal records in Norwalk, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can arrest you even if they don't have a warrant.
What are wobbler offenses in California?
California defines several alleged crimes as wobbler offenses – these are crimes that can either be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.
It's almost always better to have them be set as misdemeanors, and your lawyer should explore any options available to avoid felony charges.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to get through cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get someone who knows how to handle your case.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Contact us today – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom at once.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Norwalk, CA:
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