Criminal defense lawyers in Santa Cruz, CA. Everyone in Santa Cruz, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe you just happened to be nearby the scene of a crime, and were arrested in the confusion, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you have to find a experienced Santa Cruz, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
Regardless of the circumstances, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a no obligation consulation.
Why You Need a Santa Cruz, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're biding your time, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California is known for being very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
Additionally, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more possible it is to unconsciously give the state evidence they can use against you. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be inadvertently setting a trap for yourself.
Hiring a Santa Cruz, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
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 ready for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
Santa Cruz, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Being arrested in Santa Cruz, CA, is a very stressful event. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Take the below steps during the arrest and following court procedures, to improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Making a scene, attempting to flee, or fighting the police won't improve your situation. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Remain Silent: If you are interrogated by the government officials, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Call a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Santa Cruz, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the first one of these should be 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 make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Gather Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should collect any evidence you have on your defense and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with an expert Santa Cruz, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a potent defense.
How Our Santa Cruz, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we take the time to get to know you, 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:
- Learning about 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.
- Design a fierce defense through motions to have evidence thrown out, utilizing our wide range of resources, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should the case reach trial. We protect you from a biased jury, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- 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 move forward once the case is over. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
Areas of Expertise for Our Santa Cruz, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Santa Cruz, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense lawyers practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. In Santa Cruz, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI 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. 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 often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. 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
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Ecstasy
- Drug Possession
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Santa Cruz, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. 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 socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Santa Cruz, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What To Look For in Your Santa Cruz, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Santa Cruz, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Stellar 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 – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
How We Fight in the Santa Cruz, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our Santa Cruz, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Investigate Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, without excessive bail.
- Be Your Go-Between With the State – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Santa Cruz, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Santa Cruz, 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 type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. But if your case does reach a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We have an esteemed reputation with both former clients and legal experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can speak to one of our team members regardless of the time if need an update on your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Santa Cruz, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Santa Cruz, CA, residents have regarding 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, errors can always happen, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Santa Cruz, 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.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Yes, but with a catch – the state keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can detain you without a court order.
What are diversionary programs?
Diversionary programs, such as drug court, mental health court, and veterans court, are alternatives to the traditional court and sentencing process. They normally allow for treatment to be given to people who are accused of a crime, rather than being sent to prison.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Santa Cruz, CA?
Plea bargaining is the process by which your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney negotiate to find a lighter sentence for the person charged with a crime, in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to get through cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Depends On It
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Get in touch as soon as possible – 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 telling your side of the story today.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Santa Cruz, CA:
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