Criminal defense lawyers in Poway, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Poway, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you're looking for a Poway, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out your options.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is see you through the challenge. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation case review.
The Importance of Working With a Poway, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're biding your time, the the evidence against you is piling up. California has historically been very punishing towards convicts, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
What's more, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more you risk doing something to offhandedly give the prosecution evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unknowingly digging a deep hole for yourself.
Connecting with a Poway, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. 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.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're available at all times for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Poway, CA
The arrest process in Poway, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. 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 strengthe your odds of a positive outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Being difficult, attempting to flee, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are interviewed by the police, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Speak With 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): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Staying out of jail prior to a trial can be invaluable.
- Document Everything: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should organize all data you have regarding the charges and share it with your defense attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with a leading Poway, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Poway, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
We believe that criminal defense lawyers have an obligation not only to represent you in court, but to get to know your case from your perspective. Because nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both build a defense based around your situation and care about the broader implications on 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.
- Craft a effective defense using motions to have evidence thrown out, working with expert witnesses, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court should the case reach trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, display the flaws in the state's case, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you clear your record after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
Poway, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Poway, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Some of the most common Poway, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Poway, 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. We will fight against any of the following charges in Poway:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Poway, 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 are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Poway, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Poway, CA, is murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need the strength of a premier Poway, CA, law firm to protect your rights. 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
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Poway, CA.
How to Pick a Poway, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Poway, CA, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Good Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Open and Honest Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
The Steps Our Poway, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, scaring the state and persuading the jury.
As soon as you call our Poway, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Learn 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.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – 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.
- Negotiate With the State – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, 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 Advantages of Working With Our Poway, 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 way the prosecution builds its case, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. But if your case does reach a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
You can hear about our stellar performance from both former clients and legal experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We're upfront with our fees, and you can get in touch with us whenever you need to if you need an update on your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Poway, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Poway, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Poway, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, somthing could get mixed up, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in Poway, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the government keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have 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.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Freedom Depends On It
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Get in touch as soon as possible – 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 case today.
We also provide the following legal services in Poway, CA:
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