Criminal defense lawyers in Palm Desert, CA. A Palm Desert, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. 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 one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you urgently need a experienced Palm Desert, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to fight for your rights and freedom. We have over 25 of the leading 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 consulation.
The Importance of Working With a Palm Desert, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're delaying, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California frequently is very tough on crime, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference the outcome of your case.
Beyond this, the longer you spend on your own, the more you risk doing something to offhandedly give the state evidence that hurts you. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be accidentally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Reviewing your case with a Palm Desert, CA, criminal defense lawyer early might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, 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 always available for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
How to Handle an Arrest in Palm Desert, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Palm Desert, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Follow these steps while going through the arrest process, to strengthe your odds of a advantageous outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Acting out, trying to escape, or harming the police won't help you in the long run. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: If 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 a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Palm Desert, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the first one of these should be 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. Being released prior to a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should gather all evidence you have on your defense and share it with your lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a premier Palm Desert, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a staunch defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Palm Desert, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because your defense should be centered around you, we both build a defense based around your situation and know the difference we can make in your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Absorbing 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 effective defense through motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if there is a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you clear your record once the case is over. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
Case Types Our Palm Desert, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Palm Desert, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense lawyers 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. In Palm Desert, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- 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. Sometimes, you don't even have to do something violent; making threats or just wrongfully carrying a firearm could end up with you facing charges. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Palm Desert, 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. We will fight against any of the following charges in Palm Desert:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Palm Desert, 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. 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. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Palm Desert, CA, is murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
How to Pick a Palm Desert, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Palm Desert, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Transparent Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
The Steps Our Palm Desert, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
As soon as you call our Palm Desert, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Understand Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether 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 will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Connect With the District Attorney – We'll look for a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Advantages of Working With Our Palm Desert, 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 from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
Our connections in Palm Desert, 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.
W're known for our success amongst both former clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. Our rates are affordable, and you can call us 24/7 if you learn something new about your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Palm Desert, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. 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 Palm Desert, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Palm Desert, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, errors can always happen, 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 Palm Desert, CA, criminal defense attorney.
How long does a conviction stay on my record in California?
In California, the 'Clean Slate Act' allows for some convictions to automatically be sealed. For most felonies, this occurs after four years, and for most misdemeanors, this occurs after one.
If I'm arrested in Palm Desert, CA, is that on my record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
if you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can detain you without a court order.
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 are the advantages of plea bargaining in Palm Desert, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. Prosecutors use them to handle cases faster, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Contact Our Palm Desert, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
For any criminal charges in Palm Desert, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You deserve top-notch representation. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Call now – while you're waiting to hire an attorney, the prosecution is building a case against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story the minute we get in touch.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Palm Desert, CA:
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