Criminal defense lawyers in Santa Cruz, 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 Cruz, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe the accusations are false, 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 looking for a Santa Cruz, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
Whatever the case is, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to fight for your rights and freedom. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation case review.
Reasons to Find a Santa Cruz, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're waiting, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California can be very harsh in sentencing, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
Even worse, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more danger you are in to offhandedly give the prosecuting attorney evidence that could be used to convict you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unknowingly digging a deep hole for yourself.
Speaking with a Santa Cruz, CA, criminal defense lawyer early can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your attorney may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
Arrests can happen any time of day or year, and we're ready to help whenever they happen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always available for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Santa Cruz, CA
Nobody in Santa Cruz, CA, enjoys getting arrested. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Do the following during and after an arrest, to enhance your odds of a beneficial outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Causing trouble, attempting to flee, or attacking the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Remain Silent: If you are questioned by the authorities, 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 Cruz, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Santa Cruz, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being released before a potential trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should organize all information you have on your defense and make copies to show your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with a premier Santa Cruz, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a strong defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Santa Cruz, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Every criminal defense lawyer will take a different approach. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are focused on your experience and how we can serve you. Because we listen to you first, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and care about the broader implications on your future.
We assist you by:
- Researching your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Design a rock-solid defense using motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, hiring expert analysts, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should your charges go to trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, dissect the state's case against you, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you start over once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
Areas of Expertise for Our Santa Cruz, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Santa Cruz, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense lawyers will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Santa Cruz, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Santa Cruz, CA. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Santa Cruz, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Santa Cruz, 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. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Santa Cruz, CA that's as significant as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need an expert Santa Cruz, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. 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.
Reach out to our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Top Qualities for a Santa Cruz, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Santa Cruz, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- High 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.
- Clear Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
How We Fight in the Santa Cruz, 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 know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and satisfying the jury.
As soon as you call our Santa Cruz, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Evaluate Your Charges – 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.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and show reasonable doubt 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.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Santa Cruz, 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 fight against them with their own playbook.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. And if your case does end up going before a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
W're known for our success amongst 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 transparent in our pricing, and you can call us regardless of the time if you learn something new about your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Santa Cruz, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Santa Cruz, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in Santa Cruz, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the state 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 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 court order.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Santa Cruz, CA?
Plea bargaining is the process where the state's lawyers and defense lawyer come up with a deal for the defendant, wherein the defendant likely pleas guilty for a reduced penalty. District attorneys use them to handle cases faster, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Depends On It
Whatever Santa Cruz, CA, charges you're facing, it's critical to have a powerful defense. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to be your defender.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Talk to an attorney today – if you take too long to get started on your defense, you'll be fighting an uphill battle against the prosecution. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison without delay.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Santa Cruz, CA:
Payment Plans
