Criminal defense lawyers in Sacramento, CA. Nobody in Sacramento, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. 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're searching for a leading Sacramento, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
For any criminal charges in Sacramento, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free consult with an attorney.
The Importance of Working With a Sacramento, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're lagging, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California frequently is very tough on crime, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
Plus, the longer you spend on your own, the more possible it is to unconsciously give the prosecution evidence for their case. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be inadvertently setting a trap for yourself.
Working with a Sacramento, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your defense lawyer 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 always ready for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
Arrested in Sacramento, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
The arrest process in Sacramento, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Take the below steps while in custody, in order to increase your odds of a beneficial outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Making a scene, attempting to flee, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't do you any good. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are interviewed by the police, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Talk to a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Sacramento, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the first one of these should be to your lawyer.
- 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 act freely prior to a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Collect Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should document whatever evidence you have on your case and send it to your attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with a premier Sacramento, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Sacramento, 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 have a client-centered focus, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and understand the impact we have on your life.
We will go about your case by:
- Studying 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.
- Prepare a fierce defense utilizing motions to suppress evidence, hiring expert analysts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you 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 present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
Case Types Our Sacramento, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Sacramento, CA, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Sacramento, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
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 Sacramento, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Resisting Arrest
- Hate Crimes
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Sacramento, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Sacramento, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Sacramento, CA:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Sacramento, CA, are as grave as murder. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a Sacramento, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at 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.
Contact our legal team with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What To Look For in Your Sacramento, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Sacramento, CA, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Working with the proper criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Good Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Clear Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
How We Fight in the Sacramento, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
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.
The minute you call our Sacramento, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Examine Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Whether 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.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Connect With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
The Advantages of Working With Our Sacramento, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Sacramento, 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 fight against them with their own playbook.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. But if your case does reach a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
W're known for our success amongst both clients and legal experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can get in touch with us any day and any time if you have any questions or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Sacramento, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. Most people feel very stressed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Sacramento, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, people can make mistakes, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Sacramento, CA?
There are options to seal your records for many misdemeanors and even several felonies. In California, this process is called sealing a record, but is sometimes referred to as expungement. A criminal defense lawyer can assist you with this process.
Do criminal records in Sacramento, CA, include arrests?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the authorities 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?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you without a warrant.
If you've already been convicted, what are your options?
California's appeals process is available if there were any errors or mistakes in your court case. A skilled attorney will always explore every available appeals avenue and explain what options you have to keep fighting your conviction.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Contact Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in Sacramento, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Contact us today – 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 building your case immediately.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Sacramento, CA:
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