Criminal defense lawyers in Redwood City, CA. A Redwood City, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe you just happened to be nearby the scene of a crime, and were arrested in the confusion, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you're finding yourself needing a experienced Redwood City, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
Whatever you need legal help with, 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 our results speak for themselves. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a no obligation consulation.
Why You Need a Redwood City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're waiting, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California can be very harsh in sentencing, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Plus, the longer you spend on your own, the more you risk doing something to unconsciously give the state evidence that could be used to convict you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be inadvertently digging a deep hole for yourself.
Reaching out to a Redwood City, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your defense attorney may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 ready at all times 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.
Arrested in Redwood City, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
The arrest process in Redwood City, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Take this advice while going through the arrest process, in order to maximize your chances of a positive outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Being difficult, trying to escape, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are interrogated by the government officials, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Find an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Redwood City, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call 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 released prior to a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Document Everything: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should put together all findings you have on the charges and make copies to show your defense attorney.
If you do all of this and work with a skilled Redwood City, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Redwood City, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you work with us, you're getting a law firm that not only knows how to win in court, but also knows how to treat you like a person, not a case number. Because we take the time to get to know you, we both craft a defense specific to you and care about the broader implications on your future.
We assist you by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – we examine the prosecution's case, conduct our own research, and listen to you in order to get the full story.
- Craft a rock-solid defense typically featuring motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court should your charges go to trial. We protect you from a biased jury, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state 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 want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you start over after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Redwood City, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Redwood City, CA criminal charge, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Redwood City, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Our Redwood City, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing 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. They range from assault to resisting arrest. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Redwood City, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Redwood City, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Redwood City, 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 leading Redwood City, CA, criminal defense lawyer on 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.
Reach out to our attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Redwood City, CA.
Top Qualities for a Redwood City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Redwood City, CA, but some stand out from the rest. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections Within Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Good Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Transparent Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
How We Fight in the Redwood City, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, scaring the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
The minute you call our Redwood City, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Evaluate Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight 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 argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – 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 scrutinize the state's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our Redwood City, 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 type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our connections in Redwood City, CA, courts allow us to get a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. That said, if there is a trial in your case, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We have an esteemed reputation with 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 get in touch with us at all times if you need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Redwood City, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Redwood City, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Redwood City, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, nobody is perfect, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Do criminal records in Redwood City, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the state keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
When an officer has probably cause, they can detain you without a court order.
What are the consequences of a criminal conviction?
Criminal convictions often carry fines and either prison or jail time. On top of that, you can face challenges in employment, housing, professional licensing, and possibly immigration. Because of this, it's critical to work with a criminal defense lawyer to minimize your chances of being convicted in the first place.
What are wobbler offenses in California?
California defines several alleged crimes as wobbler offenses – these are crimes that can either be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.
It's almost always better to have them be set as misdemeanors, and your lawyer should explore any options available to avoid felony charges.
Why do people plea bargain in Redwood City, CA?
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. District attorneys use them to handle cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Redwood City, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. Speak with one of our lawyers now – 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 defending your freedom immediately.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Redwood City, CA:
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