Criminal defense lawyers in Santa Rosa, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Santa Rosa, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe the accusations are false, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and this situation requires a leading Santa Rosa, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you fight against the charges.
For any of these reasons, or more, 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. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consult with an attorney.
Reasons to Find a Leading Santa Rosa, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're holding back, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California is known for being very tough on crime, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
Beyond this, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more danger you are in to inadvertently give the police evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unknowingly making your case harder to fight.
Reviewing your case with a Santa Rosa, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, 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 always available for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
Santa Rosa, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Nobody in Santa Rosa, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Do the following during the arrest proceedings, in order to enhance your odds of a beneficial outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Being difficult, trying to get away, or harming the government officials won't do you any good. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are questioned by the investigators, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Call a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – the first one of these should be to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Santa Rosa, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being released before a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: As a first step in building your defense, you should document all findings you have regarding your case and share it with your lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with a skilled Santa Rosa, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a strong defense.
The Role of a Santa Rosa, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because all our cases are focused on our client, we both build a defense based around your situation and care about the broader implications on your future.
We assist you by:
- Absorbing 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.
- Build a mighty defense typically featuring motions to suppress evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if the case reaches a trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, dissect the state's case against you, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you carry on after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
Areas of Expertise for Our Santa Rosa, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Santa Rosa, CA criminal charge, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. Some of the most common Santa Rosa, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Santa Rosa, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Santa Rosa, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
Theft Charges
Santa Rosa, 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. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Santa Rosa, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Santa Rosa, CA, is murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a Santa Rosa, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at 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
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our legal team if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Santa Rosa, CA.
What You Want in a Santa Rosa, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Santa Rosa, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for 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.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Transparent Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Santa Rosa, CA:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and persuading the jury.
When you call our Santa Rosa, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Learn Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either 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.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, without excessive bail.
- Be Your Go-Between With the State – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll dissect the state's argument 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 explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Santa Rosa, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we have over 50 years of experience in the courtroom, as judges, prosecutors, police officers, and criminal defense attorneys. We know the way the prosecution builds its case, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We have a strong 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 have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and our phones are available around the clock if you learn something new about your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Santa Rosa, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. It can be hard just to move forward, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Santa Rosa, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Santa Rosa, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Are federal charges harder to beat than state charges?
It depends on the case, but generally, federal prosecutors' offices have more resources than state prosecutors, which means that you're up against a much tougher opponent. If you're facing federal charges, you need a high-level Santa Rosa, CA, criminal defense attorney.
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?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
How does sentencing work in Santa Rosa, CA?
In Santa Rosa, CA, sentences for criminal convictions normally fall into one of two situations:
- After a plea deal, the sentence is usually whatever was agreed upon
- After a conviction in a trial, the judge will use legal guidelines to decide on a sentence
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. Prosecutors use them to save time, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Get in Touch With the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're up against the Santa Rosa, CA, prosecutor, 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. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Contact us 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 crafting your case the minute we get in touch.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Santa Rosa, CA:
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