Criminal defense lawyers in Pico Rivera, CA. A Pico Rivera, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe your roommate went out last night and ended up in handcuffs, and you're in need of a leading Pico Rivera, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, 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. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free consult with an attorney.
The Importance of Working With a Pico Rivera, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're hesitating, the the evidence against you is piling up. California frequently is very harsh in sentencing, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Even worse, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more possible it is to carelessly give the prosecuting attorney evidence for their case. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unknowingly setting a trap for yourself.
Reviewing your case with a Pico Rivera, 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 attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
If you've been arrested, it doesn't matter the day or time — call us now. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always ready for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Pico Rivera, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Pico Rivera, CA. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Take this advice while going through the arrest process, in order to enhance the likelihood of a advantageous outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Making a scene, trying to get away, or harming the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: If you are questioned by the authorities, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Call a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): After an arrest, if you are charged with a crime, you'll probably be given an option to for pretrial release. Being able to go about your life before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Collect Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should collect whatever findings you have on the charges and make copies to show your defense attorney.
If you do all of this and work with a premier Pico Rivera, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a potent defense.
The Role of a Pico Rivera, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and understand the impact we have on your life.
Our team will support you by:
- Researching your case from all angles – we examine the prosecution's case, conduct our own research, and listen to you in order to get the full story.
- Create a strong defense typically featuring motions to suppress evidence, hiring expert analysts, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case needs to go to trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- 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 record follow you into the future.
Case Categories Our Pico Rivera, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Pico Rivera, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Pico Rivera, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Pico Rivera, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Pico Rivera, CA. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Rioting
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Pico Rivera, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. We will fight against any of the following charges in Pico Rivera:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Pico Rivera, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Pico Rivera, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. 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 if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Pico Rivera, CA.
How to Pick a Pico Rivera, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Pico Rivera, CA, but there's a wide range of quality. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Positive Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Clear Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Pico Rivera, CA:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and persuading the jury.
As soon as you call our Pico Rivera, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Investigate Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, without excessive bail.
- Connect With the State – We have experience with crafting 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 present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
Why Choose Our Pico Rivera, 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 way the prosecution builds its case, 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 plea bargains that can protect your freedom. And if your case does end up going before a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're highly regarded by both clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Pico Rivera, CA, court. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can call us at any time if you need an update on your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Pico Rivera, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. Most people feel very stressed, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Pico Rivera, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, errors can always happen, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the government 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 police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), 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 a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to get through cases faster, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Get in Touch With the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Pico Rivera, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Speak with one of our lawyers now – the more time that passes before you start building your defense, the harder it will be to protect your freedom. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense as soon as possible.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Pico Rivera, CA:
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