Criminal defense lawyers in San Mateo, CA. A San Mateo, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you're looking for a premier San Mateo, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Speak with one of our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free review of your case.
Reasons to Find a Leading San Mateo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're lagging, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California has historically been very harsh in sentencing, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
Even worse, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more possible it is to unittingly give the district attorney evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unintentionally decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Connecting with a San Mateo, CA, criminal defense lawyer early not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your defense lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always prepared for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
San Mateo, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Arrests are high-tension situations in San Mateo, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Do the following during the arrest proceedings, in order to strengthen your chances of a good outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Refusing to go, running, or attacking the government officials won't help you in the long run. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are interrogated by the investigators, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Contact an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in San Mateo, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Staying out of jail before a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: As a first step in building your defense, you should document any findings you have related to your defense and provide it to your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a leading San Mateo, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a potent defense.
What to Expect From a Leading San Mateo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and know the difference we can make in your life.
Our team will support you by:
- Studying your case from all angles – we examine the prosecution's case, conduct our own research, and listen to you in order to get the full story.
- Design a fierce defense using motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, hiring expert analysts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should the case reach trial. We protect you from a biased jury, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you get a fresh start once the case is over. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your future be defined by your past.
Case Types Our San Mateo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in San Mateo, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. Our San Mateo, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in San Mateo, CA. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in San Mateo, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
San Mateo, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in San Mateo, CA. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need an expert San Mateo, 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
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in San Mateo, CA.
What You Want in a San Mateo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in San Mateo, CA, but there's a wide range of quality. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- 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.
- Positive Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Open and Honest Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in San Mateo, CA:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and persuading the jury.
When you call our San Mateo, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Evaluate Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- 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.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Communicate With the District Attorney – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll challenge the district attorney 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 appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
The Advantages of Working With Our San Mateo, 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 the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in San Mateo, CA, court. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can call us around the clock if need an update on your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in San Mateo, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions San Mateo, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a San Mateo, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, somthing could get mixed up, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
What is the hardest criminal charge to beat?
Each case is unique, so there isn't a hard and fast rule on "which charge is the hardest to beat." Generally speaking, though, white collar crimes, crimes against children, and repeat DUI accusations are treated harshly.
How long does a conviction stay on my record in California?
In California, the 'Clean Slate Act' allows for some convictions to automatically be sealed. For most felonies, this occurs after four years, and for most misdemeanors, this occurs after one.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the government 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?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
How does sentencing work in San Mateo, CA?
In San Mateo, 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 Mateo, CA?
Plea bargaining is the process where the state's lawyers and defense lawyer come up with a deal for the defendant, wherein the defendant likely pleas guilty for a reduced penalty. Prosecutors use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in San Mateo, 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. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. Speak with one of our lawyers now – the more time that passes before you start building your defense, the harder it will be to protect your freedom. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom without delay.
We also can help in the following legal areas in San Mateo, CA:
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