Criminal defense lawyers in San Jose, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a San Jose, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you're searching for a premier San Jose, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Whatever the case is, 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. Talk to an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free consultation on your case.
Why You Need a San Jose, 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 chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California can be very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference for your future freedom.
Even worse, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more chances you have to carelessly give the prosecution evidence that could be used to convict you. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be accidentally making your case harder to fight.
Hiring a San Jose, CA, criminal defense lawyer early can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your defense lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 available at all times for your call and don't make you wait — we're ready to start working on your case as soon as we pick up the phone.
Arrested in San Jose, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Nobody in San Jose, CA, enjoys getting arrested. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Follow these steps during the arrest and following court procedures, to strengthe your odds of a good outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Making a scene, running, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are questioned by the police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Contact a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in San Jose, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – be sure one of them 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 act freely prior to a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Document Everything: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should document whatever data you have related to your case and share it with your attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with the right San Jose, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a mighty defense.
The Role of a San Jose, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 start with your story, 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:
- Learning about your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Prepare a effective defense making use of motions to have evidence thrown out, consulting subject matter experts, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should the case reach trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, display the flaws in the state's case, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the 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 after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
San Jose, 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 San Jose, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. 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. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Our San Jose, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- 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 can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
- Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Drive-By Shooting
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in San Jose, 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. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
San Jose, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. 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 Jose, CA:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in San Jose, CA that's as significant 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 powerful defense strategy to protect you. 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.
Reach out to our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Top Qualities for a San Jose, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a San Jose, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not every one is going to be prepared to fight your case. Choosing the proper criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- 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 about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Stellar Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Clear Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
Our Criminal Defense Process in San Jose, 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're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and convincing the jury.
The minute you call our San Jose, 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 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, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Negotiate With the State – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about 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 – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
What You Can Expect From Our San Jose, 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 the type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure 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, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're highly regarded by both clients and legal experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in San Jose, CA, court. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can call us any time of day if you need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in San Jose, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. Most people feel very stressed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions San Jose, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a San Jose, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, nobody is perfect, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in San Jose, 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 San Jose, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, 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.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can place you under arrest regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
How does sentencing work in San Jose, CA?
In San Jose, CA, sentences for criminal convictions normally fall into one of two situations:
- After a plea deal, the sentence is usually whatever was agreed upon
- After a conviction in a trial, the judge will use legal guidelines to decide on a sentence
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in San Jose, CA?
Plea bargaining is the process by which your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney negotiate to find a lighter sentence for the person charged with a crime, in exchange for a guilty plea. District attorneys use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you're facing criminal charges in San Jose, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Get in touch as soon as possible – the San Jose, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom today.
We also can help in the following legal areas in San Jose, CA:
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