Criminal defense lawyers in Palm Springs, CA. Everyone in Palm Springs, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you made a mistake and need a second chance. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you're in need of a leading Palm Springs, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
Whatever the case is, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is prepared to go to bat for you. 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 reach out online for a free review of your case.
Reasons to Find a Palm Springs, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're holding back, the state is working on its case. California has historically been very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
Plus, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more danger you are in to carelessly give the prosecution evidence against you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be accidentally making it harder on yourself.
Hiring a Palm Springs, 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 defense lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
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 at all times for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Palm Springs, CA
Being arrested in Palm Springs, CA, is a very stressful event. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take this advice during the arrest and following court procedures, to increase your odds of a positive outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Acting out, trying to escape, or fighting the government officials won't help you in the long run. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Remain Silent: 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.
- Speak With a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call 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 able to act freely before a trial can be invaluable.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should document whatever information you have regarding your case and make copies to show your lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a leading Palm Springs, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a mighty defense.
How Our Palm Springs, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we take the time to get to know you, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Build a powerful defense typically featuring motions to have evidence thrown out, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if the case needs to go to trial. We protect you from a biased jury, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you start over after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Palm Springs, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Palm Springs, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. Some of the most common Palm Springs, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Palm Springs, CA. They range from assault to resisting arrest. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Palm Springs, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Palm Springs, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. 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. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Palm Springs, CA that's as significant as 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. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our attorneys if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Palm Springs, CA.
Top Qualities for a Palm Springs, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Palm Springs, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Picking the proper criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Good Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- 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.
- Transparent Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Palm Springs, CA:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and gaining the confidence of the jury.
As soon as you call our Palm Springs, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Study Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Connect With the District Attorney – We'll look for a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll challenge the district attorney 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 appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
Why Choose Our Palm Springs, 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 from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We've received acclaim from 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 Palm Springs, CA, court. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can talk to one of our representatives at any time if you have any questions or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Palm Springs, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. 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 Springs, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, people can make mistakes, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
If I'm arrested in Palm Springs, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, but with a catch – the state keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
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.
If you've already been convicted, what are your options?
California's appeals process is available if there were any errors or mistakes in your court case. A skilled attorney will always explore every available appeals avenue and explain what options you have to keep fighting your conviction.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is the process where the state's lawyers and defense lawyer come up with a deal for the defendant, wherein the defendant likely pleas guilty for a reduced penalty. District attorneys use them to handle cases faster, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Get in Touch With the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Depends On It
When you're facing charges in Palm Springs, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Call now – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom now.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Palm Springs, CA:
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