Criminal defense lawyers in Richmond, CA. Everyone in Richmond, 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 mistake and need a second chance. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you're finding yourself needing a premier Richmond, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you find a way forward.
Whatever the case is, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help you. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Get in touch with a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free consultation on your case.
Reasons to Find a Richmond, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're biding your time, the state is working on its case. California is known for being very tough on crime, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
What's more, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more danger you are in to inadvertently give the prosecuting attorney evidence for their case. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unknowingly making your case harder to fight.
Working with a Richmond, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your lawyer 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 around the clock for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Richmond, CA
The arrest process in Richmond, 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 in custody, in order to strengthe your odds of a favorable outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Causing trouble, trying to escape, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are interrogated by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Contact a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – be sure one of them is to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Richmond, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Staying out of jail before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Gather Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should put together all facts you have regarding your defense and send it to your lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with a premier Richmond, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a mighty defense.
How Our Richmond, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we have a client-centered focus, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and understand the impact we have on your life.
We will go about your case by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Build a powerful defense by filing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case reaches a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you carry on once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
Case Categories Our Richmond, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Richmond, CA criminal charge, and are equipped to defend against anything in Richmond, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. In Richmond, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Richmond, CA. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Richmond, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. We will fight against any of the following charges in Richmond:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Richmond, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Richmond, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Richmond, CA, law firm to protect your rights. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What To Look For in Your Richmond, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Richmond, CA, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Insights About 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 – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Clear Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Richmond, CA:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, petrifying the state and satisfying the jury.
As soon as you call our Richmond, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Examine Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Either 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.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, without excessive bail.
- Look for Deals With the State – We'll look for a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Advantages of Working With Our Richmond, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Richmond, 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 the type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting plea bargains that can protect your freedom. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can speak to one of our team members regardless of the time if you need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Richmond, 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 Richmond, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Richmond, 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 when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
If I'm arrested in Richmond, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can place you under arrest without a warrant.
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 diversionary programs?
Diversionary programs, such as drug court, mental health court, and veterans court, are alternatives to the traditional court and sentencing process. They normally allow for treatment to be given to people who are accused of a crime, rather than being sent to prison.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to get through cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Contact Our Firm – Your Future Is at Stake
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. 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. Get in touch as soon as possible – the Richmond, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story without delay.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Richmond, CA:
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