Criminal defense lawyers in Pleasanton, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Pleasanton, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you're looking for a experienced Pleasanton, 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 help you find answers. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation case review.
The Importance of Working With a Pleasanton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're lagging, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California can be very tough on crime, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Even worse, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more danger you are in to carelessly give the state evidence against you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unintentionally making it harder on yourself.
Contacting a Pleasanton, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, 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 always prepared for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Pleasanton, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Pleasanton, CA. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Follow these steps while going through the arrest process, in order to enhance the likelihood of a good outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Causing trouble, trying to get away, or harming the government officials won't help your case. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are questioned by the investigators, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Find an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Pleasanton, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Pleasanton, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being released prior to a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Collect Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should organize all information you have regarding your defense and share it with your defense attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with the right Pleasanton, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Pleasanton, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 take the time to get to know you, we both build a defense based around your situation and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Prepare a mighty defense using motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, hiring expert analysts, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if the case reaches a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, dissect the state's case against you, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- 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 start over once the case is over. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
Case Types Our Pleasanton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Pleasanton, CA, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Pleasanton, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. In Pleasanton, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI 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 Pleasanton, CA. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Pleasanton, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. 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 Pleasanton:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Pleasanton, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Pleasanton, CA:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Pleasanton, CA, are as grave as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. If you're facing murder charges like the following, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
How to Pick a Pleasanton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Pleasanton, CA, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- High Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Transparent Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
How We Fight in the Pleasanton, 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; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, scaring the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
As soon as you call our Pleasanton, 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 Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the Prosecution – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
Why Choose Our Pleasanton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our lawyers have experience. When you work with us, you're getting a law firm with a combined more than five decades of legal experience. We know the type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Our connections in Pleasanton, CA, courts allow us to get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. 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.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both clients and legal experts. As premier Pleasanton, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. Our rates are affordable, and you can talk to one of our representatives at all times if need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Pleasanton, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. Most people feel very stressed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Pleasanton, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, errors can always happen, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Do convictions ever expire from my criminal record in California?
Technically no. Barring special circumstances, after a conviction, the government will always keep it on your record. However, after a certain time period, they can seal the record, lessening the negative impact.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can place you under arrest without a warrant.
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 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 can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in Pleasanton, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Start working on your case 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 building your defense today.
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