Criminal defense lawyers in San Bernardino, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a San Bernardino, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you have to call a leading San Bernardino, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is equipped to help you fight the charges. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a no obligation consulation.
The Importance of Working With a San Bernardino, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're delaying, the state is working on its case. California can be very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
What's more, the longer you take to work with , the more chances you have to unintentionally give the district attorney evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unknowingly making your case harder to fight.
Finding a San Bernardino, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your attorney 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 constantly prepared for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
How to Handle an Arrest in San Bernardino, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in San Bernardino, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take this advice during the arrest proceedings, in order to enhance your chances of a advantageous outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Making a scene, trying to get away, or fighting the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are questioned by the government officials, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Contact a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – be sure one of them is to your attorney.
- 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. Staying out of jail before a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Document Everything: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should collect any facts you have regarding your case and send it to your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with the right San Bernardino, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a powerful defense.
The Role of a San Bernardino, 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 we have a client-centered focus, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and know the difference we can make in your future.
Our lawyers help you 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.
- Build a high-level defense making use of motions to suppress evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and fighting 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 establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution 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 if needed after the trial. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a clean slate once the case is over. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record follow you into the future.
Areas of Expertise for Our San Bernardino, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in San Bernardino, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in San Bernardino, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. In San Bernardino, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in San Bernardino, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. 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 San Bernardino, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
San Bernardino, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in San Bernardino, CA, is murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need the strength of a premier San Bernardino, 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
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our attorneys if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in San Bernardino, CA.
How to Pick a San Bernardino, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in San Bernardino, CA, but there's a wide range of quality. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Stellar Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Transparent Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
How We Fight in the San Bernardino, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and satisfying the jury.
When you call our San Bernardino, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Learn Your Charges – 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, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Negotiate With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our San Bernardino, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., features a group of former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers who have turned their talents to criminal defense. We have over five decades of courtroom experience. We know from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. But if your case does reach 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 clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can get in touch with us any day and any time if need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in San Bernardino, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. Most people feel very stressed, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions San Bernardino, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a San Bernardino, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, errors can always happen, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
If I'm arrested in San Bernardino, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – 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.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in San Bernardino. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Get in Touch With the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Depends On It
If you're facing criminal charges in San Bernardino, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Start working on your case today – the San Bernardino, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison without delay.
We also can help in the following legal areas in San Bernardino, CA:
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