Criminal defense lawyers in Santa Clara, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Santa Clara, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your child called you from jail, and you have to call a premier Santa Clara, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you find a way forward.
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 know how to win in a variety of case types. Talk to an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free consultation on your case.
Why You Need a Santa Clara, 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 chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California can be very tough on crime, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
Additionally, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more chances you have to accidentally give the district attorney evidence that hurts you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be inadvertently making your case harder to fight.
Contacting a Santa Clara, 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 get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 ready at all times for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
Arrested in Santa Clara, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
The arrest process in Santa Clara, 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. Take the below steps during the arrest proceedings, in order to enhance your odds of a good outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Acting out, attempting to flee, or harming the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: If 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."
- Contact a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Santa Clara, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call 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. Being released before a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Document Everything: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should organize all data you have regarding your case and send it to your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with a skilled Santa Clara, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a mighty defense.
How Our Santa Clara, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
We believe that criminal defense lawyers have an obligation not only to represent you in court, but to get to know your case from your perspective. Because nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and care about the broader implications on your life.
We assist you by:
- Researching your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Craft a fierce defense typically featuring motions to suppress evidence, hiring expert analysts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court should the case reach trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- 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 your record to cause far-reaching damage.
Case Types Our Santa Clara, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Santa Clara, CA, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Santa Clara, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
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. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Santa Clara, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. They range from assault to resisting arrest. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Santa Clara, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. If you're accused in Santa Clara of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
Theft Charges
Santa Clara, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
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 defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Santa Clara, CA, is murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a strong defense against these charges. 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 attorneys for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Santa Clara, CA.
Top Qualities for a Santa Clara, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Santa Clara, CA, but not every one is going to be prepared to fight your case. Partnering with the proper criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Positive Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Clear Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
How We Fight in the Santa Clara, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our Santa Clara, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Understand Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, without excessive bail.
- Connect With the State – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, 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 Clara, 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 ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, 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 alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. And if your case does end up going before a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We're top-rated by both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We don't surprise you with fees, and our phones are available at any time if need an update on your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Santa Clara, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. 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 Santa Clara, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Santa Clara, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, nobody is perfect, 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?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
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 arrest you without a warrant.
Why do people plea bargain in Santa Clara, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Depends On It
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. Start working on your case today – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case the minute we get in touch.
We also provide the following legal services in Santa Clara, CA:
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