Criminal defense lawyers in Sacramento, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Sacramento, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you urgently need a leading Sacramento, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is prepared to go to bat for you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation case review.
Why You Need a Leading Sacramento, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're hesitating, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California is known for being very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
Even worse, the longer you take to work with , the more likely you are to accidentally give the prosecuting attorney evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be accidentally making your case harder to fight.
Talking to 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 lawyer 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 available for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
How to Handle an Arrest in Sacramento, CA
Nobody in Sacramento, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Follow these steps while in custody, to enhance the likelihood of a beneficial outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Causing trouble, trying to escape, or attacking the police won't help your case. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are interrogated by the government officials, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Find a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is 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 go about your life prior to a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Gather Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should collect whatever facts you have on your defense and send it to your lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with an expert Sacramento, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Sacramento, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
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 we have a client-centered focus, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and know the difference we can make in your life.
We assist you by:
- Studying your case from all angles – we look at the police investigation, our conversations with you, and our own inquiries into your case all give us an intimate understanding of it.
- Design a effective defense typically featuring motions to have evidence thrown out, consulting subject matter experts, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should your charges go to trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you clear your record once the case is over. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
Sacramento, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are equipped to defend against anything 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. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Sacramento, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Sacramento, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. If you're accused in Sacramento of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Sacramento, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Sacramento, CA that's as significant as murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. 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
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our attorneys with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
Finding the Right Sacramento, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Sacramento, CA, but some stand out from the rest. Picking the proper criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections With 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.
- Stellar Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Clear Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Sacramento, 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're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Sacramento, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Research Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – 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 explain why you should be released before the trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal which works best for you.
- 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 present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Advantages of Working With Our Sacramento, 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 the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. And if your case does end up going before a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
You can hear about our stellar performance from both former clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Sacramento, CA, court. Our rates are affordable, and you can speak to one of our team members at all times if you learn something new about your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Sacramento, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. 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 Sacramento, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Sacramento, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, somthing could get mixed up, 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 these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
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 place you under arrest without a court order.
What is plea bargaining?
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 can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Sacramento, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Get in touch as soon as possible – 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 the minute we get in touch.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Sacramento, CA:
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