Criminal defense lawyers in Santa Fe Springs, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Santa Fe Springs, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you're looking for a premier Santa Fe Springs, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you find a way forward.
No matter what charges you're up against, 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 have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Get in touch with a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a no obligation case review.
Reasons to Find a Santa Fe Springs, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're pausing, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California is often very punishing towards convicts, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Additionally, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more chances you have to unconsciously give the prosecution evidence they can use against you. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be accidentally making it harder on yourself.
Talking to a Santa Fe Springs, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
If you've been arrested, it doesn't matter the day or time — call us now. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready 24/7 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.
How to Handle an Arrest in Santa Fe Springs, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Santa Fe Springs, CA. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Take this advice during the arrest and following court procedures, to strengthe your odds of a positive outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Making a scene, running, or fighting the police won't help your case. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When 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."
- Speak With an Attorney: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – 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. Securing your freedom prior to a potential trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Collect Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should organize all evidence you have regarding your defense and share it with your attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with the right Santa Fe Springs, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Santa Fe Springs, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we have a client-centered focus, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Researching your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Design a fierce defense through motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case needs to go to trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, display the flaws in the state's case, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you get a clean slate once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Areas of Expertise for Our Santa Fe Springs, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Santa Fe Springs, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Santa Fe Springs, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Our Santa Fe Springs, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- 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. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Hate Crimes
- Brandishing a Weapon
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Santa Fe Springs, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Santa Fe Springs, 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. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Santa Fe Springs, CA that's as significant as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a leading Santa Fe Springs, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our legal team today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
What To Look For in Your Santa Fe Springs, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Santa Fe Springs, CA, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Working with the proper criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Clear Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Santa Fe Springs, CA:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. 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, petrifying the state and satisfying the jury.
As soon as you call our Santa Fe Springs, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Investigate Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the Prosecution – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
The Advantages of Working With Our Santa Fe Springs, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., features a group of former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers who have turned their talents to criminal defense. We have over five decades of courtroom experience. We know the strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure plea bargains that can protect your freedom. That said, if there is a trial in your case, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We have a strong reputation with both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. Our rates are affordable, and you can speak to one of our team members at all times if you have any questions or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Santa Fe Springs, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. Most people feel very stressed, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Santa Fe Springs, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, people can make mistakes, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Do criminal records in Santa Fe Springs, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest 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 even if they don't have a warrant.
If you've already been convicted, what are your options?
California's appeals process is available if there were any errors or mistakes in your court case. A skilled attorney will always explore every available appeals avenue and explain what options you have to keep fighting your conviction.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
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. District attorneys use them to handle cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Get in Touch With Our Santa Fe Springs, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
When you're up against the Santa Fe Springs, CA, prosecutor, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You deserve top-notch representation. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Don't wait – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your case at once.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Santa Fe Springs, CA:
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