Criminal defense lawyers in Oakland, CA. Everyone in Oakland, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you urgently need a Oakland, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to fight for your rights and freedom. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.
Reasons to Find a Oakland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're hesitating, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California is known for being very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference for your future freedom.
Even worse, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more likely you are to unintentionally give the police evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unknowingly digging a deep hole for yourself.
Finding a Oakland, CA, criminal defense lawyer early not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
Arrests can happen any time of day or year, and we're ready to help whenever they happen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're available at all times for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Oakland, CA
Being arrested in Oakland, CA, is a very stressful event. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Follow these steps during and after an arrest, in order to improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Refusing to go, attempting to flee, or harming the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are questioned by the investigators, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Talk to 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 lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): During a special hearing, a judge will likely give you the opportunity to post bail and enjoy your freedom before a potential trial. Being able to go about your life prior to a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should put together any data you have on the charges and send it to your defense attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with a premier Oakland, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a mighty defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Oakland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we believe that criminal defense attorneys have an obligation to care for clients as people, beyond just looking at the charges they're facing. Because nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and know the difference we can make in your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Researching 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 strong defense through motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, working with expert witnesses, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case reaches a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, dissect the state's case against you, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, 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 clear your record after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Oakland, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Oakland, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Oakland, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. In Oakland, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Oakland, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Heroin
- Drug Possession
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Oakland, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. 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 can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Oakland, CA. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. 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.
Contact our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Oakland, CA.
What You Want in a Oakland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Oakland, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Connections With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Positive Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- 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 – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
How We Fight in the Oakland, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, scaring the state and satisfying the jury.
As soon as you call our Oakland, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Learn Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Be Your Go-Between With the District Attorney – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
What You Can Expect From Our Oakland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our lawyers have experience. When you work with us, you're getting a law firm with a combined more than five decades of legal experience. We know what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
Our connections in Oakland, CA, courts allow us to get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. That said, if there is a trial in your case, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both former clients and 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. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can call us 24/7 if you have any questions or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Oakland, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Oakland, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, errors can always happen, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
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 Oakland, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can place you under arrest even if they don't have a warrant.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Oakland. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. The state uses them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Is at Stake
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, you need a strong defense strategy. You deserve top-notch representation. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Speak with one of our lawyers now – 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 defending your freedom today.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Oakland, CA:
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