Criminal defense lawyers in Riverside, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Riverside, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you need a premier Riverside, 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 here to help you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free consultation on your case.
Why You Need a Riverside, 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 biding your time, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California frequently is very tough on crime, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
Even worse, the longer you spend on your own, the more possible it is to carelessly give the prosecuting attorney evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be inadvertently making your case harder to fight.
Connecting with a Riverside, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 begin building your defense from the first call.
How to Handle an Arrest in Riverside, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Riverside, CA. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Here's what to do during the arrest and following court procedures, to enhance your odds of a good outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Acting out, trying to get away, 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.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: 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.
- Speak With an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Riverside, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out 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 released before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should collect all facts you have on your defense and send it to your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with the right Riverside, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Riverside, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because all our cases are focused on our client, we both craft a defense specific to you and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Researching 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.
- Create a fierce defense making use of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if there is a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. 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 start over 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.
Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win 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. Our Riverside, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended 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. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Riverside, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. 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
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Riverside, 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. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
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. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Riverside, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Riverside, CA, law firm to protect your rights. 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.
Contact our attorneys for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Riverside, CA.
What To Look For in Your Riverside, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Riverside, CA, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Familiarity With 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.
- Transparent Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Riverside, CA:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
As soon as you call our Riverside, 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:
- Understand Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Negotiate With the State – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and explain your side of the story 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 Riverside, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get 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, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We've received acclaim from both clients and legal experts. As premier Riverside, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can speak to one of our team members whenever you need to if you think of anything you need to ask us or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Riverside, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. Most people feel very stressed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Riverside, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Riverside, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, somthing could get mixed up, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Riverside, CA?
The circumstances around your DUI will have a major impact on its outcome. If it's your first DUI and you work with the right attorney, there's a good chance you can avoid jail time. However, repeat DUIs are often treated much more harshly and can be felonies.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
if you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can detain you without a court order.
How does California's Three Strikes law work?
California's Three Strikes law is a system in which certain serious criminal convictions assign a "strike" to a person's records. If that person is convicted of another crime in the future, they can face an increased prison sentence.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Riverside, 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 manage their high caseloads, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in Riverside, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
We will watch out for your rights and make sure you get justice in your case. Call now – the Riverside, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your case and protecting your rights.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Riverside, CA:
Payment Plans
