Criminal defense lawyers in San Leandro, CA. Nobody in San Leandro, 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 accusations are false, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your best friend tried to drive home after one too many drinks, and this situation requires a San Leandro, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your freedom.
Whatever you need legal help with, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is see you through the challenge. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free consultation on your case.
Why You Need a Leading San Leandro, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're delaying, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California frequently is very punishing towards convicts, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Beyond this, the longer you take to work with , the more likely you are to unittingly give the police evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unknowingly decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Connecting with a San Leandro, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your attorney may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 start working on your defense right away.
How to Handle an Arrest in San Leandro, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in San Leandro, CA. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Follow these steps while going through the arrest process, to enhance your odds of a advantageous outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Being difficult, trying to get away, or fighting the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: If you are interviewed by the government officials, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Contact an Attorney: 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): Most people charged with a crime in San Leandro, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to act freely prior to a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should organize whatever data you have on the charges and provide it to your defense attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with the right San Leandro, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a powerful defense.
What to Expect From a Leading San Leandro, 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 start with your story, we both build a defense based around your situation and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and 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.
- Create a powerful defense making use of motions to suppress evidence, working with expert witnesses, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if the case needs to go to trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state 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. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you move on with your life after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's San Leandro, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in San Leandro, CA, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any San Leandro, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense lawyers will stand by your side against:
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. In San Leandro, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. They range from assault to resisting arrest. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Hate Crimes
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in San Leandro, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
San Leandro, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. 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 San Leandro, CA:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in San Leandro, CA that's as significant as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- 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.
How to Pick a San Leandro, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in San Leandro, CA, but not all law firms are created equal. Partnering with the proper criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Connections With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- High Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Transparent Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
The Steps Our San Leandro, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our San Leandro, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Evaluate Your Charges – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – 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.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Negotiate With the District Attorney – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll battle against the state at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
Why Choose Our San Leandro, 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 ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting plea bargains that can protect your freedom. 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.
We're highly regarded by both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can speak to one of our team members at any time if you have any questions or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in San Leandro, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and without a guide, there isn't a map to find your way through the situation. We've put together some of the common questions San Leandro, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a San Leandro, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in San Leandro, 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 arrests go on my record in California?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the government 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 you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can arrest you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in San Leandro, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in San Leandro. 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 often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Get in Touch With Our San Leandro, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Depends On It
When you're facing charges in San Leandro, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Talk to one of our representatives today – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story without delay.
We also can help in the following legal areas in San Leandro, CA:
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