Criminal defense lawyers in Redding, CA. Everyone in Redding, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. 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 spouse is being charged, and this situation requires a leading Redding, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
For any criminal charges in Redding, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is equipped to help you fight the charges. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Speak with one of our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free review of your case.
Why You Need a Redding, 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 can be very tough on crime, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
Plus, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to carelessly give the district attorney evidence against you. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be inadvertently setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Calling a Redding, 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 challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
Whether it's midday on the weekend or the middle of the night during the week, you need a lawyer who is prepared for your call. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always available for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Redding, CA
The arrest process in Redding, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Follow these steps during the arrest proceedings, to strengthe your odds of a beneficial outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Refusing to go, running, or attacking the government officials won't help your case. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are interviewed by the investigators, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Speak With a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Redding, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to go about your life before a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should put together any data you have regarding the charges and provide it to your criminal defense lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with an expert Redding, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a mighty defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Redding, 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 we listen to you first, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and understand the impact we have on your future.
Our team will support you by:
- Researching your case from all angles – we look at the police investigation, our conversations with you, and our own inquiries into your case all give us an intimate understanding of it.
- Design a mighty defense making use of motions to have evidence thrown out, consulting subject matter experts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if the case needs to go to trial. We protect you from a biased jury, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. 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 carry on once the case is over. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record follow you into the future.
Areas of Expertise for Our Redding, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Redding, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. In Redding, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Redding, 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 Redding:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Redding, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. 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 are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. 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 Redding, CA. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a Redding, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- 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.
What To Look For in Your Redding, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Redding, CA, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Relationships 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.
- Positive Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Transparent Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
The Steps Our Redding, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and convincing the jury.
When you call our Redding, 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:
- Investigate Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Whether 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.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Communicate 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 – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, 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 Redding, 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. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We've received acclaim from both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We're transparent in our pricing, and you can get in touch with us whenever you need to if you think of anything you need to ask us or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Redding, 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 Redding, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, errors can always happen, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
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 Redding, CA, criminal defense attorney.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
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?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you without a warrant.
How does sentencing work in Redding, CA?
In Redding, 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. The state uses them to handle cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Contact Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
Whatever Redding, CA, charges you're facing, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. Talk to one of our representatives today – while you're waiting to hire an attorney, the prosecution is building a case against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story the minute we get in touch.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Redding, CA:
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