Criminal defense lawyers in Rancho Cordova, CA. Everyone in Rancho Cordova, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe you just happened to be nearby the scene of a crime, and were arrested in the confusion, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe your child called you from jail, and this situation requires a premier Rancho Cordova, 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 our results speak for themselves. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consult with an attorney.
Reasons to Find a Rancho Cordova, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're hesitating, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California frequently is very harsh in sentencing, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference for your future freedom.
On top of that, the longer you spend on your own, the more danger you are in to unconsciously give the prosecution evidence that hurts you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unknowingly digging a deep hole for yourself.
Reaching out to a Rancho Cordova, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your defense attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
When you're accused of a crime, it doesn't matter what time it is. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're available at all times for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
How to Handle an Arrest in Rancho Cordova, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Rancho Cordova, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take this advice during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to improve the likelihood of a good outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Acting out, trying to escape, or attacking the police won't help you in the long run. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are interviewed by the authorities, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Talk to a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Rancho Cordova, 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): 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 trial can be invaluable.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should organize whatever facts you have related to the charges and make copies to show your defense attorney.
If you do all of this and work with a skilled Rancho Cordova, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Rancho Cordova, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because we listen to you first, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
Our team will support you by:
- Studying your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Craft a effective defense typically featuring motions to suppress evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case needs to go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We'll always be honest with you about realistic outcomes for your case, and how we can work to get you the most positive outcome.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your future be defined by your past.
Rancho Cordova, 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 equipped to defend against anything in Rancho Cordova, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. Some of the most common Rancho Cordova, 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 are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Rancho Cordova, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. If you're facing any of the following common charges (or another one) for any controlled substance, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Rancho Cordova, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. 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 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. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Rancho Cordova, 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 Rancho Cordova, 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
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our attorneys if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Rancho Cordova, CA.
Finding the Right Rancho Cordova, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Rancho Cordova, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Good 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 – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
The Steps Our Rancho Cordova, 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 never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
As soon as you call our Rancho Cordova, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Understand Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Negotiate With the State – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
The Advantages of Working With Our Rancho Cordova, 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 strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. That said, if there is a trial in your case, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and experts. As premier Rancho Cordova, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We're upfront with our fees, and you can talk to one of our representatives whenever you need to if need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Rancho Cordova, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Rancho Cordova, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Rancho Cordova, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, nobody is perfect, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in Rancho Cordova, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
If I'm arrested in Rancho Cordova, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, 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 you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've 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.
Why do people plea bargain in Rancho Cordova, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Rancho Cordova. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. District attorneys use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're up against the Rancho Cordova, CA, prosecutor, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. 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. Speak with one of our lawyers now – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom now.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Rancho Cordova, CA:
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