Criminal defense lawyers in San Luis Obispo, CA. A San Luis Obispo, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe someone asked you for a favor, and you didn't realize it was illegal. Maybe you just happened to be nearby the scene of a crime, and were arrested in the confusion, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe your roommate went out last night and ended up in handcuffs, and you urgently need a experienced San Luis Obispo, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Whatever you need legal help with, 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 have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free consult with an attorney.
The Importance of Working With a Leading San Luis Obispo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're hesitating, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California has historically been very punishing towards convicts, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
Even worse, the longer you take to work with , the more chances you have to unittingly give the prosecuting attorney evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be inadvertently making it harder on yourself.
Connecting with a San Luis Obispo, CA, criminal defense lawyer early not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready 24/7 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.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in San Luis Obispo, CA
The arrest process in San Luis Obispo, 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 strengthe your odds of a favorable outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Causing trouble, running, or harming the police won't do you any good. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are interviewed by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Talk to a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one 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. Being able to act freely prior to a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should put together whatever findings you have related to the charges and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a premier San Luis Obispo, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a mighty defense.
The Role of a San Luis Obispo, 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 start with your story, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and know the difference we can make in your future.
We assist you by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Prepare a strong defense making use of motions to have evidence thrown out, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should the case reach trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, dissect the state's case against you, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- 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 carry on once the case is over. 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.
Areas of Expertise for Our San Luis Obispo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any San Luis Obispo, CA criminal charge, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense lawyers will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Traffic charges we commonly defend in San Luis Obispo, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. 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:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in San Luis Obispo, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. If you're accused in San Luis Obispo of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
San Luis Obispo, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
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 Luis Obispo, CA:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in San Luis Obispo, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need an expert San Luis Obispo, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. 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 attorneys for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in San Luis Obispo, CA.
What To Look For in Your San Luis Obispo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in San Luis Obispo, CA, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Connections With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- High Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Transparent Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
The Steps Our San Luis Obispo, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
When you call our San Luis Obispo, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Gather Info About Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Be Your Go-Between With the District Attorney – We'll look for a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- 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 – As applicable, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
What You Can Expect From Our San Luis Obispo, 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 strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We're top-rated by both former 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 Luis Obispo, CA, court. We're upfront with our fees, and you can talk to one of our representatives 24/7 if you need an update on your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in San Luis Obispo, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. It can be hard just to move forward, 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 Luis Obispo, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, errors can always happen, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in San Luis Obispo, 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.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
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 without a court order.
What are wobbler offenses in California?
California defines several alleged crimes as wobbler offenses – these are crimes that can either be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.
It's almost always better to have them be set as misdemeanors, and your lawyer should explore any options available to avoid felony charges.
Why do people plea bargain in San Luis Obispo, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Get in Touch With the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Depends On It
If you're facing criminal charges in San Luis Obispo, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get someone who knows how to handle your case.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. Don't wait – the longer you take to contact one of our attorneys, the larger the state's case is growing against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom right now.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in San Luis Obispo, CA:
Payment Plans
