Criminal defense lawyers in Santa Ana, CA. A Santa Ana, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your child called you from jail, and you need a leading Santa Ana, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
For any of these reasons, or more, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to fight for your rights and freedom. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.
Reasons to Find a Santa Ana, 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 holding back, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California can be very punishing towards convicts, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
On top of that, the longer you spend on your own, the more chances you have to unconsciously give the district attorney evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be unknowingly setting a trap for yourself.
Contacting a Santa Ana, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. 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.
When you're accused of a crime, it doesn't matter what time it is. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready at all times 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.
Arrested in Santa Ana, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Being arrested in Santa Ana, CA, is a very stressful event. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Here's what to do while going through the arrest process, to strengthen your chances of a positive outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Making a scene, trying to escape, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Remain Silent: When you are interviewed by the investigators, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Find a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – be sure one of them is to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): After an arrest, if you are charged with a crime, you'll probably be given an option to for pretrial release. Staying out of jail prior to a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Collect Evidence: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should collect any data you have regarding your case and send it to your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with an expert Santa Ana, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Santa Ana, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because all our cases are focused on our client, we both build a defense based around your situation and know the difference we can make in your life.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Researching 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.
- Create a powerful defense utilizing motions to suppress evidence, working with expert witnesses, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should the case reach trial. We protect you from a biased jury, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you start over after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record follow you into the future.
Case Categories Our Santa Ana, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Santa Ana, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Santa Ana, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
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. In Santa Ana, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- 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 always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Santa Ana, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. If you're accused in Santa Ana of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Santa Ana, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. 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 particularly heinous ones to be accused of. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Santa Ana, CA:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Santa Ana, CA, is murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Santa Ana, CA, law firm to protect your rights. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- 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 You Want in a Santa Ana, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Santa Ana, CA, but there's a wide range of quality. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Connections With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Good Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Clear Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
The Steps Our Santa Ana, 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 always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our Santa Ana, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Learn Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether 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, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Negotiate With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about 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 – Depending on the outcome of the trial, 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.
The Advantages of Working With Our Santa Ana, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure plea bargains that can protect your freedom. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both clients and experts. As premier Santa Ana, 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 call us whenever you need to if need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Santa Ana, 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 it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Santa Ana, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Do criminal records in Santa Ana, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – 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 place you under arrest regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
How does sentencing work in Santa Ana, CA?
In Santa Ana, 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
Why do people plea bargain in Santa Ana, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to handle cases faster, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Freedom Depends On It
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, you need a strong defense strategy. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Call now – 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 and protecting your rights.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Santa Ana, CA:
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