Criminal defense lawyers in Petaluma, CA. Everyone in Petaluma, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and this situation requires a experienced Petaluma, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you find a way forward.
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 successfully defended a wide range of charges. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free review of your case.
Why You Need a Petaluma, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're biding your time, the state is working on its case. California is often very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
On a related note, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more danger you are in to unintentionally give the district attorney evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unknowingly digging a deep hole for yourself.
Finding a Petaluma, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your 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 ready 24/7 for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Petaluma, CA
Nobody in Petaluma, CA, enjoys getting arrested. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Take this advice during the arrest and following court procedures, to strengthen your chances of a good outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Refusing to go, attempting to flee, or harming the law enforcement officers won't do you any good. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are interrogated by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Find an Attorney: 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 Petaluma, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Securing your freedom before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Document Everything: As a first step in building your defense, you should put together any information you have related to your defense and provide it to your lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a premier Petaluma, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a potent defense.
The Role of a Petaluma, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we believe that criminal defense attorneys have an obligation to care for clients as people, beyond just looking at the charges they're facing. Because we listen to you first, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your future.
We approach each case by:
- Researching your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Build a rock-solid defense using motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if the case needs to go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney 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 at the trial's end. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you get a clean slate once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your future be defined by your past.
Case Types Our Petaluma, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Petaluma, CA criminal charge, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense lawyers 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. Our Petaluma, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Petaluma, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Petaluma, 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. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Petaluma, CA, are as grave as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need an expert Petaluma, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Petaluma, CA.
What You Want in a Petaluma, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Petaluma, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Choosing 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.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Good Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- 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.
How We Fight in the Petaluma, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
As soon as you call our Petaluma, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Examine Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, without excessive bail.
- Connect With the State – In many cases, we're about to obtain 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 scrutinize the state's case at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Petaluma, 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 will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
You can hear about our stellar performance from both former 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 Petaluma, CA, court. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can call us regardless of the time if need an update on your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Petaluma, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Petaluma, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Petaluma, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, people can make mistakes, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
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 Petaluma, CA, criminal defense attorney.
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?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the government 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?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
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 a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to get through cases faster, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Get in Touch With Our Petaluma, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Is at Stake
If you're facing criminal charges in Petaluma, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Talk to one of our representatives today – 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 crafting your case as soon as possible.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Petaluma, CA:
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