Criminal defense lawyers in San Gabriel, CA. Nobody in San Gabriel, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a mistake and need a second chance. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you're looking for a leading San Gabriel, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.
Reasons to Find a San Gabriel, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're holding back, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California is known for being very harsh in sentencing, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
Plus, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more danger you are in to unintentionally give the district attorney evidence that hurts you. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be accidentally setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Finding a San Gabriel, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, 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 24/7 for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
How to Handle an Arrest in San Gabriel, CA
The arrest process in San Gabriel, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Take the below steps during and after an arrest, to enhance the likelihood of a advantageous outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Refusing to go, running, or harming the police won't do you any good. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are interrogated by the government officials, 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 San Gabriel, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): After an arrest, if you are charged with a crime, you'll probably be given an option to for pretrial release. Staying out of jail before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Collect Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should gather all information you have related to your case and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with a leading San Gabriel, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a strong defense.
How Our San Gabriel, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both build a defense based around your situation and care about the broader implications on your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Craft a mighty defense using motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case needs to go to trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you get a fresh start once the case is over. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your future be defined by your past.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's San Gabriel, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense lawyers practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Our San Gabriel, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in San Gabriel, 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. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
San Gabriel, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in San Gabriel, CA:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in San Gabriel, CA. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a leading San Gabriel, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. 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.
Reach out to our lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
Finding the Right San Gabriel, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in San Gabriel, CA, but not all law firms are created equal. Choosing 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.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- High Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – situations can change outside of working hours, so you want to work with a firm that can pick up the phone any time you call.
- Transparent Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
How We Fight in the San Gabriel, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and satisfying the jury.
When you call our San Gabriel, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Evaluate Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Connect With the District Attorney – We'll look for a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Advantages of Working With Our San Gabriel, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
When you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting a team of criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of courtroom experience, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors. We know the way the prosecution builds its case, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. That said, if there is a trial in your case, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're highly 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 call us 24/7 if you learn something new about your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in San Gabriel, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. 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 San Gabriel, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a San Gabriel, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, people can make mistakes, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
If I'm convicted of a crime in San Gabriel, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in San Gabriel, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
If I'm arrested in San Gabriel, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can detain you without a court order.
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.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to handle cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call Our San Gabriel, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Depends On It
For any criminal charges in San Gabriel, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Speak with one of our lawyers now – 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 defense now.
We also can help in the following legal areas in San Gabriel, CA:
Payment Plans
