Criminal defense lawyers in Palmdale, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Palmdale, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe your best friend tried to drive home after one too many drinks, and this situation requires a Palmdale, 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 stand by your side. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free review of your case.
Why You Need a Palmdale, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're delaying, the the evidence against you is piling up. California frequently is very punishing towards convicts, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
Even worse, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to accidentally give the prosecution evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be inadvertently setting a trap for yourself.
Talking to a Palmdale, 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 defense attorney 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 always ready for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
Arrested in Palmdale, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
The arrest process in Palmdale, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Follow these steps while going through the arrest process, in order to strengthe your odds of a good outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Refusing to go, running, or harming the police won't help you in the long run. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are interrogated by the government officials, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Find an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Palmdale, 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. Securing your freedom before a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should put together whatever findings you have on your case and make copies to show your attorney.
If you do all of this and work with a skilled Palmdale, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Palmdale, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
We believe that criminal defense lawyers have an obligation not only to represent you in court, but to get to know your case from your perspective. Because we listen to you first, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and know the difference we can make in your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Learning about 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.
- Create a rock-solid defense by filing 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 if the case needs to go to trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. 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 get a fresh start after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your future be defined by your past.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Palmdale, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Palmdale, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Our Palmdale, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Palmdale, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Palmdale, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. We will fight against any of the following charges in Palmdale:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Palmdale, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. 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. 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 Palmdale, CA:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Palmdale, CA, are as grave as murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Palmdale, CA.
How to Pick a Palmdale, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Palmdale, CA, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Good Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Clear Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
How We Fight in the Palmdale, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. 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 convincing the jury.
When you call our Palmdale, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Study Your Charges – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Look for Deals With the District Attorney – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll battle against the state at trial and explain your side of the story 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 case to a higher court for justice.
Why Choose Our Palmdale, 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 the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We've received acclaim from both clients and experts. As premier Palmdale, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and our phones are available any day and any time if you think of anything you need to ask us or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Palmdale, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. Most people feel very stressed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Palmdale, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Palmdale, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, nobody is perfect, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
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 Palmdale, CA, criminal defense attorney.
If I'm convicted of a crime in Palmdale, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Palmdale, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
If I'm arrested in Palmdale, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, 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.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
if you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can arrest you without a court order.
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.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
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 handle cases faster, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Contact Our Firm – Your Future Depends On It
Whatever Palmdale, CA, charges you're facing, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
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 crafting your case without delay.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Palmdale, CA:
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