Criminal defense lawyers in San Pedro, CA. Everyone in San Pedro, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe your best friend tried to drive home after one too many drinks, and you're searching for a premier San Pedro, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you fight against the charges.
Regardless of the circumstances, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free review of your case.
The Importance of Working With a San Pedro, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're hesitating, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California can be very punishing towards convicts, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
Additionally, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more you risk doing something to inadvertently give the district attorney evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unintentionally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Finding a San Pedro, CA, criminal defense lawyer early can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your 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 available around the clock for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in San Pedro, CA
The arrest process in San Pedro, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Do the following during and after an arrest, in order to strengthen your chances of a advantageous outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Causing trouble, attempting to flee, or harming the government officials won't help your case. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are questioned by the government officials, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Speak With a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – the first one of these should be 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. Securing your freedom before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should gather any data you have related to the charges and share it with your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with a skilled San Pedro, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a mighty defense.
The Role of a San Pedro, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because all our cases are focused on our client, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and know the difference we can make in your future.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Studying your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Design a powerful defense utilizing motions to suppress evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case needs to go to trial. We protect you from a biased jury, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's San Pedro, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in San Pedro, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. 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 Pedro, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in San Pedro, CA. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Drive-By Shooting
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
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. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
San Pedro, 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. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Few charges in San Pedro, CA, are as grave as murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a leading San Pedro, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What You Want in a San Pedro, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in San Pedro, CA, but not every one is going to be prepared to fight your case. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. 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 – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Stellar Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Transparent Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
How We Fight in the San Pedro, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. 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, scaring the state and satisfying the jury.
The minute you call our San Pedro, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Investigate Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – 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.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Look for Deals With the State – 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 scrutinize the state's case at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
What You Can Expect From Our San Pedro, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we have over 50 years of experience in the courtroom, as judges, prosecutors, police officers, and criminal defense attorneys. We know the way the prosecution builds its case, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Our connections in San Pedro, CA, courts allow us to get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. And if your case does end up going before a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We're top-rated by both clients and experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We're upfront with our fees, and our phones are available at all times if you have any questions or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in San Pedro, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. Most people feel very stressed, 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 Pedro, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a San Pedro, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, errors can always happen, 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.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the authorities 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 place you under arrest without a warrant.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
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. The state uses them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Depends On It
When you're facing charges in San Pedro, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help.
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 – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your case as soon as possible.
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