Criminal defense lawyers in Redlands, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Redlands, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe someone asked you for a favor, and you didn't realize it was illegal. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, 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 you're looking for a premier Redlands, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, 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. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a no obligation case review.
Reasons to Find a Redlands, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're pausing, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California has a reputation for being very punishing towards convicts, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Even worse, the longer you spend on your own, the more you risk doing something to accidentally give the police 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 setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Talking to a Redlands, CA, criminal defense lawyer early can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Redlands, CA
Nobody in Redlands, CA, enjoys getting arrested. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Take this advice while going through the arrest process, to maximize your chances of a advantageous outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Being difficult, trying to get away, or harming the law enforcement officers won't do you any good. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are interrogated by the investigators, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Talk to a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): During a special hearing, a judge will likely give you the opportunity to post bail and enjoy your freedom before a potential trial. Being able to go about your life before a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Document Everything: As a first step in building your defense, you should put together any data you have on your defense and share it with your lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with the right Redlands, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Redlands, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
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 nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and care about the broader implications on your life.
We will go about your case by:
- Learning about 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.
- Craft a high-level defense typically featuring motions to have evidence thrown out, utilizing our wide range of resources, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should the case reach trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, display the flaws in the state's case, and present 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 during negotiations and after a trial. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move on with your life once the case is over. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
Redlands, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Redlands, CA, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Redlands, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Some of the most common Redlands, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Redlands, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Redlands, 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. 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
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Redlands, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
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
Few charges in Redlands, CA, are as grave as murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Redlands, CA.
Top Qualities for a Redlands, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Redlands, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Connections Within Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- High 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.
- Open and Honest Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Redlands, CA:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our Redlands, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Learn Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- 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 minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the District Attorney – We'll look for a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll scrutinize the state's case at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Redlands, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Redlands, CA, criminal defense lawyers know how to win. We're made up of experienced criminal defense attorneys, as well as former prosecutors and judges. We know what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, 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 the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're top-rated by both clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. Our rates are affordable, and you can speak to one of our team members 24/7 if you think of anything you need to ask us or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Redlands, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. 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 Redlands, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Redlands, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
If I'm convicted of a crime in Redlands, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Redlands, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
Do criminal records in Redlands, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
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 regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is the process where the state's lawyers and defense lawyer come up with a deal for the defendant, wherein the defendant likely pleas guilty for a reduced penalty. The state uses them to get through cases faster, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Call Our Firm – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're up against the Redlands, CA, prosecutor, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Reach out right away – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison immediately.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Redlands, CA:
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