Criminal defense lawyers in Oakland, CA. Everyone in Oakland, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a mistake and need a second chance. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you need a leading Oakland, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Whatever the case is, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is see you through the challenge. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Call us at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a no obligation case review.
The Importance of Working With a Oakland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're biding your time, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California has a reputation for being very punishing towards convicts, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
Additionally, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more likely you are to unittingly give the prosecuting attorney evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be unknowingly decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Reviewing your case with a Oakland, 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 suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always ready for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
Oakland, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Arrests are high-tension situations in Oakland, CA. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Take this advice during and after an arrest, to enhance your chances of a good outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Causing trouble, attempting to flee, or harming the police won't do you any good. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are questioned by the investigators, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Contact a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Securing your freedom prior to a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should put together any information you have on your defense and send it to your lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a skilled Oakland, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a mighty defense.
How Our Oakland, 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 create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – we learn your case from both your point of view and the district attorney's, giving us the tools for a powerful defense.
- Craft a strong defense through motions to have evidence thrown out, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court should the case reach trial. We protect you from a biased jury, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you get a clean slate after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
Areas of Expertise for Our Oakland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Oakland, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Our Oakland, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Oakland, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. If you're accused in Oakland of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Oakland, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
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. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Oakland, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Oakland, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
What To Look For in Your Oakland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Oakland, CA, but not all law firms are created equal. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Relationships Within Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Stellar Reputation – both for winning and treating their clients right.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Clear Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
The Steps Our Oakland, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. We don't believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, petrifying the state and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
As soon as you call our Oakland, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Evaluate Your Case – 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.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Connect With the State – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Advantages of Working With Our Oakland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., features a group of former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers who have turned their talents to criminal defense. We have over five decades of courtroom experience. We know the type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our connections in Oakland, CA, courts allow us to get a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. And if your case does end up going before a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and legal experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Oakland, CA, court. Our rates are affordable, and you can talk to one of our representatives regardless of the time if you need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Oakland, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Oakland, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Oakland, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, nobody is perfect, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Are federal charges harder to beat than state charges?
It depends on the case, but generally, federal prosecutors' offices have more resources than state prosecutors, which means that you're up against a much tougher opponent. If you're facing federal charges, you need a high-level Oakland, CA, criminal defense attorney.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in Oakland, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Yes, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
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 detain you even if they don't have a warrant.
How does California's Three Strikes law work?
California's Three Strikes law is a system in which certain serious criminal convictions assign a "strike" to a person's records. If that person is convicted of another crime in the future, they can face an increased prison sentence.
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 get through cases faster, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Contact Our Firm – Your Freedom Depends On It
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, you need a strong defense strategy. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get someone who knows how to handle your case.
We will watch out for your rights and make sure you get justice in your case. Talk to one of our representatives today – the longer you take to contact one of our attorneys, the larger the state's case is growing against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense now.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Oakland, CA:
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