Criminal defense lawyers in San Pedro, CA. A San Pedro, 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've been falsely accused, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe your roommate went out last night and ended up in handcuffs, and you're looking for a San Pedro, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your freedom.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free review of your case.
Reasons to Find a San Pedro, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're waiting, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California has historically been very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
On a related note, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more possible it is to accidentally give the prosecuting attorney evidence against you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be accidentally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Reviewing your case with a San Pedro, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
If you've been arrested, it doesn't matter the day or time — call us now. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're available at all times for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
San Pedro, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Arrests are high-tension situations in San Pedro, CA. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Here's what to do while going through the arrest process, in order to improve the likelihood of a good outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Acting out, trying to get away, or fighting the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are questioned by the investigators, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Contact a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – the first one of these should be 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. Being able to act freely before a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should gather any findings you have regarding your defense and provide it to your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a premier San Pedro, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a powerful defense.
The Role of a San Pedro, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we believe that criminal defense attorneys have an obligation to care for clients as people, beyond just looking at the charges they're facing. Because all our cases are focused on our client, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and care about the broader implications on 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.
- Craft a strong defense utilizing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should your charges go to trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a fresh start once the case is over. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
Case Types Our San Pedro, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are here to listen, not to judge. 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. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Some of the most common San Pedro, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in San Pedro, CA. Sometimes, you don't even have to do something violent; making threats or just wrongfully carrying a firearm could end up with you facing charges. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in San Pedro, 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 will fight against any of the following charges in San Pedro:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Drug Possession
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
San Pedro, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. 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 defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in San Pedro, CA, is murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, 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.
Contact our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
What To Look For in Your San Pedro, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a San Pedro, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Insights About Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Positive Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- 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.
- Clear Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
How We Fight in the San Pedro, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
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; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and convincing the jury.
When you call our San Pedro, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Gather Info About Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Either 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 will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Connect With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, our team 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 Pedro, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our San Pedro, CA, criminal defense lawyers know how to win. We're made up of experienced criminal defense attorneys, as well as former prosecutors and judges. We know the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We have a strong reputation with both clients and experts. As premier San Pedro, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We're transparent in our pricing, and you can talk to one of our representatives any time of day if you learn something new about your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in San Pedro, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. Most people feel very stressed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions San Pedro, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, somthing could get mixed up, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Do convictions ever expire from my criminal record in California?
Technically no. Barring special circumstances, after a conviction, the government will always keep it on your record. However, after a certain time period, they can seal the record, lessening the negative impact.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
When an officer has probably cause, they can detain you even if they don't have a warrant.
How does California's Three Strikes law work?
California's Three Strikes law is a system in which certain serious criminal convictions assign a "strike" to a person's records. If that person is convicted of another crime in the future, they can face an increased prison sentence.
Why do people plea bargain in San Pedro, 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. District attorneys use them to get through cases faster, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Get in Touch With Our San Pedro, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
If you've been accused of committing a crime in San Pedro, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. 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 making a plan to keep you out of prison right away.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in San Pedro, CA:
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