Criminal defense lawyers in Pleasanton, CA. Nobody in Pleasanton, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and this situation requires a Pleasanton, 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 experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation consulation.
The Importance of Working With a Pleasanton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're waiting, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California can be very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
Plus, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to unittingly give the district attorney evidence against you. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be inadvertently setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Talking to a Pleasanton, CA, criminal defense lawyer early is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
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 always prepared for your call and don't make you wait — we're ready to start working on your case as soon as we pick up the phone.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Pleasanton, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Pleasanton, CA. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Do the following during and after an arrest, in order to improve the likelihood of a good outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Being difficult, attempting to flee, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are interviewed by the government officials, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Speak With an Attorney: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – the first one of these should be 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 act freely before a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Gather Evidence: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should collect whatever facts you have regarding your case and make copies to show your lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with a premier Pleasanton, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a potent defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Pleasanton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Every criminal defense lawyer will take a different approach. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are focused on your experience and how we can serve you. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both build a defense based around your situation and understand the impact we have on your future.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Studying 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 strong defense through motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, working with expert witnesses, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if there is a trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you get a fresh start after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Case Types Our Pleasanton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Pleasanton, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers will stand by your side against:
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 Pleasanton, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Pleasanton, CA. Sometimes, you don't even have to do something violent; making threats or just wrongfully carrying a firearm could end up with you facing charges. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Pleasanton, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. If you're accused in Pleasanton of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Pleasanton, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Pleasanton, CA. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a Pleasanton, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our legal team today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
What To Look For in Your Pleasanton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Pleasanton, CA, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections Within Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Good Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- 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.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
How We Fight in the Pleasanton, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. 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 state and satisfying the jury.
The minute you call our Pleasanton, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Investigate Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Whether 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, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Connect With the District Attorney – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll scrutinize the state's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Advantages of Working With Our Pleasanton, 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 the way the prosecution builds its case, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. But if your case does reach a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
You can hear about our stellar performance from both clients and experts. As premier Pleasanton, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can get in touch with us any time of day if you think of anything you need to ask us or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Pleasanton, 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 you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Pleasanton, CA, residents have regarding 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 law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, people can make mistakes, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
What is the hardest criminal charge to beat?
Each case is unique, so there isn't a hard and fast rule on "which charge is the hardest to beat." Generally speaking, though, white collar crimes, crimes against children, and repeat DUI accusations are treated harshly.
Do criminal records in Pleasanton, CA, include arrests?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the government keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
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 court order.
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 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 often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Contact Our Firm – Your Freedom Depends On It
When you're up against the Pleasanton, CA, prosecutor, you need a strong defense strategy. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Talk to an attorney 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 making a plan to keep you out of prison without delay.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Pleasanton, CA:
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