Criminal defense lawyers in Palo Alto, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Palo Alto, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you're looking for a Palo Alto, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consult with an attorney.
Reasons to Find a Leading Palo Alto, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're delaying, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California frequently is very tough on crime, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
Beyond this, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to accidentally give the prosecuting attorney evidence that hurts you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be accidentally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Reviewing your case with a Palo Alto, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your defense lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 prepared for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
Palo Alto, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Nobody in Palo Alto, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Do the following during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to maximize your chances of a beneficial outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Causing trouble, trying to get away, or harming the law enforcement officers won't do you any good. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are interviewed by the government officials, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Find a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Palo Alto, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the first one of these should be to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Palo Alto, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Securing your freedom prior to a potential trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Document Everything: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should document any evidence you have regarding your case and make copies to show your attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with the right Palo Alto, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a strong defense.
How Our Palo Alto, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
Every criminal defense lawyer will take a different approach. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are focused on your experience and how we can serve 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 know the difference we can make in your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Prepare a rock-solid defense typically featuring motions to suppress evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case reaches a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state 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 both during plea negotiations and 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 clean slate after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
Areas of Expertise for Our Palo Alto, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Palo Alto, 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
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Palo Alto, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Palo Alto, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Palo Alto, 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. If you're accused in Palo Alto of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Palo Alto, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. 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. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Palo Alto, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Palo Alto, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a Palo Alto, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- 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.
What To Look For in Your Palo Alto, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Palo Alto, CA, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Working with the proper criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships Within 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.
- High Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Clear Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Palo Alto, CA:
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 prosecution and satisfying the jury.
When you call our Palo Alto, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Study Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the District Attorney – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll dissect the state's argument 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 take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
What You Can Expect From Our Palo Alto, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
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. And if your case does end up going before a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We're top-rated by both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We offer reasonable payment plans, and our phones are available whenever you need to if you need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Palo Alto, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Palo Alto, CA, residents ask about 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, nobody is perfect, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
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.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can detain you without a court order.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Palo Alto, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Palo Alto. 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 save time, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Call Our Palo Alto, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Speak with one of our lawyers now – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison as soon as possible.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Palo Alto, CA:
Payment Plans
