Criminal defense lawyers in Santa Barbara, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Santa Barbara, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and this situation requires a premier Santa Barbara, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
Whatever the case is, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is prepared to go to bat for you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Call us at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free, confidential consultation.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Santa Barbara, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're waiting, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California is known for being very punishing towards convicts, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
On top of that, the longer you take to work with , the more possible it is to unintentionally give the state evidence they can use against you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be inadvertently decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Working with a Santa Barbara, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your defense attorney may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
Whether it's midday on the weekend or the middle of the night during the week, you need a lawyer who is prepared for your call. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always available for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Santa Barbara, CA
The arrest process in Santa Barbara, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Follow these steps while going through the arrest process, to increase the probability of a positive outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Refusing to go, trying to escape, or harming the government officials won't do you any good. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Remain Silent: When you are interrogated by the government officials, 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): Most people charged with a crime in Santa Barbara, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Staying out of jail prior to a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: As a first step in building your defense, you should collect any facts you have related to your case and send it to your defense attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with the right Santa Barbara, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Santa Barbara, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
When you work with us, you're getting a law firm that not only knows how to win in court, but also knows how to treat you like a person, not a case number. Because nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both craft a defense specific to you and understand the impact we have on your life.
We approach each case by:
- Studying your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Prepare a fierce defense often consisting of motions to remove unlawfully obtained 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 select jurors that will treat you fairly, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. We'll always be honest with you about realistic outcomes for your case, and how we can work to get you the most positive outcome.
- Helping you get a fresh start after a court case. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
Case Categories Our Santa Barbara, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense lawyers know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. In Santa Barbara, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Santa Barbara, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. If you're accused in Santa Barbara of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Santa Barbara, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Santa Barbara, CA:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Santa Barbara, CA. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Santa Barbara, CA, law firm to protect your rights. If you're facing murder charges like the following, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our legal team for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
How to Pick a Santa Barbara, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Santa Barbara, CA, but some stand out from the rest. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Transparent Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Santa Barbara, CA:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, scaring the state and convincing the jury.
When you call our Santa Barbara, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Research Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, without excessive bail.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the State – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll scrutinize the state's case at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, 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 Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Santa Barbara, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Santa Barbara, 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 strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure 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. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can speak to one of our team members around the clock if you think of anything you need to ask us or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Santa Barbara, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. 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 Santa Barbara, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Santa Barbara, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Santa Barbara, CA?
There are options to seal your records for many misdemeanors and even several felonies. In California, this process is called sealing a record, but is sometimes referred to as expungement. A criminal defense lawyer can assist you with this process.
Do criminal records in Santa Barbara, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice 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 you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can place you under arrest without a warrant.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Santa Barbara, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. Prosecutors use them to handle cases faster, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Contact Our Firm – Your Freedom Depends On It
For any criminal charges in Santa Barbara, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Speak with one of our lawyers now – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom today.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Santa Barbara, CA:
Payment Plans
