Criminal defense lawyers in Reseda, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Reseda, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you're finding yourself needing a Reseda, 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 see you through the challenge. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free consult with an attorney.
The Importance of Working With a Reseda, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're pausing, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California has a reputation for being very tough on crime, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
Plus, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to inadvertently give the state evidence against you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be accidentally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Finding a Reseda, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your attorney may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always ready for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
Reseda, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Being arrested in Reseda, CA, is a very stressful event. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take the below steps during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to strengthe your odds of a favorable outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Making a scene, trying to escape, or fighting the government officials won't help your case. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are interviewed by the authorities, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Call a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – be sure one of them is 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. Being able to act freely before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should document all information you have related to your defense and share it with your attorney.
If you do all of this and work with an expert Reseda, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Reseda, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 build a defense based around your situation and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
Our attorneys do this 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.
- Create a fierce defense utilizing motions to have evidence thrown out, working with expert witnesses, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if the case reaches a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and create 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 drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a clean slate once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Reseda, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. In Reseda, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Reseda, CA. Sometimes, you don't even have to do something violent; making threats or just wrongfully carrying a firearm could end up with you facing charges. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Reseda, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. 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
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Reseda, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Reseda, CA that's as significant as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a leading Reseda, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. 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
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our legal team if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Reseda, CA.
What You Want in a Reseda, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Reseda, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but not every one is going to be prepared to fight your case. Picking the proper criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- 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.
- Insights About Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- High Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- 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.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Reseda, CA:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, scaring the state and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
When you call our Reseda, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Learn Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, without excessive bail.
- Communicate With the District Attorney – We'll look for a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll battle against the state at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
The Advantages of Working With Our Reseda, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
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. But if your case does reach a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
You can hear about our stellar performance from both clients and legal experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Reseda, CA, court. Our rates are affordable, and our phones are available any time of day if you learn something new about your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Reseda, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. Most people feel very stressed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Reseda, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Reseda, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, 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.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can arrest you without a warrant.
Why do people plea bargain in Reseda, CA?
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. Prosecutors use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Get in Touch With the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
Whatever Reseda, CA, charges you're facing, you need a strong defense strategy. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Speak with one of our lawyers now – 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 defense at once.
We also provide the following legal services in Reseda, CA:
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