Criminal defense lawyers in Panorama City, CA. Nobody in Panorama City, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you urgently need a Panorama City, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help you. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a no obligation case review.
Why You Need a Panorama City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're pausing, the state is working on its case. California can be very punishing towards convicts, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Beyond this, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more chances you have to unittingly give the prosecution evidence for their case. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be unintentionally setting a trap for yourself.
Talking to a Panorama City, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 around the clock for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Panorama City, CA
Being arrested in Panorama City, CA, is a very stressful event. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Take the below steps while in custody, in order to enhance your chances of a favorable outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Causing trouble, running, or attacking the government officials won't help your case. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are interviewed by the authorities, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Contact a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – be sure one of them is 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 prior to a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should put together whatever information you have regarding the charges and provide it to your defense attorney.
If you do all of this and work with a premier Panorama City, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a strong defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Panorama City, 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 all our cases are focused on our client, we both craft a defense specific to you and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
Our team will support you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – we look at the police investigation, our conversations with you, and our own inquiries into your case all give us an intimate understanding of it.
- Prepare a high-level defense typically featuring motions to have evidence thrown out, working with expert witnesses, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if there is a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you carry on after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Panorama City, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Panorama City, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. In Panorama City, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Panorama City, CA. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Panorama City, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Panorama City, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. 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 are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Panorama City, CA:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Panorama City, CA, is murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our legal team with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
How to Pick a Panorama City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Panorama City, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Choosing the proper criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Insights About Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- High Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Transparent Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
The Steps Our Panorama City, 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 believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Panorama City, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Learn Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, without excessive bail.
- Negotiate With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal which works best for you.
- 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 explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
Why Choose Our Panorama City, 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 can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
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, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
W're known for our success amongst both clients and legal experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can speak to one of our team members at all times if you think of anything you need to ask us or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Panorama City, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. It can be hard just to move forward, 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 Panorama City, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Panorama City, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, errors can always happen, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
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 these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can arrest you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Panorama City, 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 the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Depends On It
When you're facing charges in Panorama City, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Get in touch as soon as possible – if you take too long to get started on your defense, you'll be fighting an uphill battle against the prosecution. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison immediately.
We also provide the following legal services in Panorama City, CA:
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