Criminal defense lawyers in Palo Alto, CA. Everyone in Palo Alto, 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 had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you're searching for a experienced Palo Alto, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your freedom.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, 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 boast a proven track record of success. Call us at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free review of your case.
Why You Need a Palo Alto, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're waiting, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California has a reputation for being very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
On top of that, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more danger you are in to unconsciously give the state evidence they can use against 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 setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Finding a Palo Alto, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your attorney may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're available around the clock for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
Arrested in Palo Alto, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Being arrested in Palo Alto, CA, is a very stressful event. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Here's what to do during the arrest proceedings, in order to enhance your chances of a beneficial outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Being difficult, trying to get away, or attacking the police won't improve your situation. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are interrogated by the police, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Contact a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is 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. Staying out of jail before a potential trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Document Everything: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should organize all data you have on your defense and provide it to your defense attorney.
If you do all of this and work with the right Palo Alto, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Palo Alto, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
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 take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and care about the broader implications on your life.
We assist you by:
- Studying 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.
- Prepare a powerful defense using motions to suppress evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case reaches a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. 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 provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your future be defined by your past.
Case Types Our Palo Alto, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Palo Alto, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Palo Alto, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. 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 Palo Alto, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Palo Alto, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. 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 Palo Alto:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Palo Alto, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Palo Alto, CA, is murder. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need an expert Palo Alto, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. 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 attorneys with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What You Want in a Palo Alto, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Palo Alto, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Connections With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Insights About Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Clear Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
The Steps Our Palo Alto, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our Palo Alto, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Learn Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- 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, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
Why Choose Our Palo Alto, 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 strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Our connections in Palo Alto, CA, courts allow us to get a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. That said, if there is a trial in your case, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We've received acclaim from both clients and legal experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Palo Alto, CA, court. We're transparent in our pricing, and our phones are available any day and any time if you think of anything you need to ask us or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Palo Alto, 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 without a guide, there isn't a map to find your way through the situation. We've put together some of the common questions Palo Alto, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Palo Alto, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, 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.
If I'm arrested in Palo Alto, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, but with a catch – the government keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can detain you even if they don't have a warrant.
How does California's Three Strikes law work?
California's Three Strikes law is a system in which certain serious criminal convictions assign a "strike" to a person's records. If that person is convicted of another crime in the future, they can face an increased prison sentence.
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 get through cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Depends On It
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Palo Alto, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Get in touch as soon as possible – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense today.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Palo Alto, CA:
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