Criminal defense lawyers in Pittsburg, CA. A Pittsburg, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe your child called you from jail, and this situation requires a Pittsburg, 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 fight for your rights and freedom. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation case review.
Reasons to Find a Pittsburg, 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 delaying, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California can be very punishing towards convicts, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
Beyond this, the longer you take to work with , the more danger you are in to unconsciously give the police evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unknowingly setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Hiring a Pittsburg, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your defense attorney may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
Arrests can happen any time of day or year, and we're ready to help whenever they happen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're available around the clock for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
How to Handle an Arrest in Pittsburg, CA
Being arrested in Pittsburg, CA, is a very stressful event. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Follow these steps while in custody, to increase your odds of a advantageous outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Refusing to go, running, or harming the police won't do you any good. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are interrogated by the investigators, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Find a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Pittsburg, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Pittsburg, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Staying out of jail prior to a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should put together any evidence you have on the charges and provide it to your defense attorney.
If you do all of this and work with a premier Pittsburg, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a strong defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Pittsburg, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you work with us, you're getting a law firm that not only knows how to win in court, but also knows how to treat you like a person, not a case number. Because we have a client-centered focus, we both craft a defense specific to you and care about the broader implications on your future.
We will go about your case by:
- Learning about 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.
- Design a effective defense utilizing motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side 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 show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a fresh start once the case is over. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Pittsburg, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Pittsburg, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Some of the most common Pittsburg, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Pittsburg, CA. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Pittsburg, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. We will fight against any of the following charges in Pittsburg:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Pittsburg, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. 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. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Pittsburg, CA. 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 Pittsburg, 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.
Get in touch with our attorneys with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What To Look For in Your Pittsburg, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Pittsburg, CA, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Hiring the proper criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Stellar Reputation – both from previous clients and their peers.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Open and Honest Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Pittsburg, CA:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Pittsburg, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Study Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Be Your Go-Between With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
Why Choose Our Pittsburg, 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 exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. And if your case does end up going before a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're highly regarded by both former clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can speak to one of our team members any day and any time if you learn something new about your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Pittsburg, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. Most people feel very stressed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Pittsburg, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Pittsburg, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, nobody is perfect, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
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 Pittsburg, CA, criminal defense attorney.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Pittsburg, CA?
There are options to seal your records for many misdemeanors and even several felonies. In California, this process is called sealing a record, but is sometimes referred to as expungement. A criminal defense lawyer can assist you with this process.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Yes, 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 I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can detain you without a warrant.
What are the consequences of a criminal conviction?
Criminal convictions often carry fines and either prison or jail time. On top of that, you can face challenges in employment, housing, professional licensing, and possibly immigration. Because of this, it's critical to work with a criminal defense lawyer to minimize your chances of being convicted in the first place.
How does sentencing work in Pittsburg, CA?
In Pittsburg, CA, sentences for criminal convictions normally fall into one of two situations:
- After a plea deal, the sentence is usually whatever was agreed upon
- After a conviction in a trial, the judge will use legal guidelines to decide on a 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. Prosecutors use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Pittsburg, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get someone who knows how to handle your case.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Reach out right away – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense at once.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Pittsburg, CA:
Payment Plans
