Criminal defense lawyers in San Ramon, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a San Ramon, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you're searching for a premier San Ramon, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Talk to an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a no obligation consulation.
Reasons to Find a Leading San Ramon, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're biding your time, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California has a reputation for being very harsh in sentencing, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference the outcome of your case.
Additionally, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more likely you are to unintentionally give the state 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 making your case harder to fight.
Reviewing your case with a San Ramon, 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 utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your defense 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 will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
How to Handle an Arrest in San Ramon, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in San Ramon, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Here's what to do while going through the arrest process, in order to enhance your chances of a good outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Acting out, running, or fighting the government officials won't do you any good. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Remain Silent: When you are interviewed by the authorities, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Find a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in San Ramon, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Securing your freedom prior to a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Gather Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should collect whatever findings you have related to your defense and make copies to show your defense attorney.
If you do all of this and work with the right San Ramon, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a staunch defense.
The Role of a San Ramon, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
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 we have a client-centered focus, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and care about the broader implications on your future.
Our team will support you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – we look at the police investigation, our conversations with you, and our own inquiries into your case all give us an intimate understanding of it.
- Design a rock-solid defense making use of motions to have evidence thrown out, consulting subject matter experts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case reaches a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- 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 a victim of a past conviction.
Areas of Expertise for Our San Ramon, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
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 attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. In San Ramon, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in San Ramon, CA. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in San Ramon, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. If you're facing any of the following common charges (or another one) for any controlled substance, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Drug Possession
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
San Ramon, 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. 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. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in San Ramon, CA that's as significant as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
What You Want in a San Ramon, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in San Ramon, CA, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Relationships With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Good Reputation – both for winning and treating their clients right.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Clear Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
Our Criminal Defense Process in San Ramon, CA:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our San Ramon, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Understand Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Connect With the Prosecution – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our San Ramon, 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 type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. That said, if there is a trial in your case, 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 Ramon, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can talk to one of our representatives regardless of the time if you need an update on your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in San Ramon, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions San Ramon, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, somthing could get mixed up, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in San Ramon, CA?
The circumstances around your DUI will have a major impact on its outcome. If it's your first DUI and you work with the right attorney, there's a good chance you can avoid jail time. However, repeat DUIs are often treated much more harshly and can be felonies.
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.
If I'm arrested in San Ramon, CA, is that on my record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can place you under arrest even if they don't have a warrant.
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.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in San Ramon, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in San Ramon. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to save time, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
Whatever San Ramon, CA, charges you're facing, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to be your defender.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Talk to one of our representatives today – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your case right away.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in San Ramon, CA:
Payment Plans
