Criminal defense lawyers in Simi Valley, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Simi Valley, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you're finding yourself needing a experienced Simi Valley, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Whatever the case is, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is see you through the challenge. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Simi Valley, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're pausing, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California has a reputation for being very harsh in sentencing, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference the outcome of your case.
Additionally, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more possible it is to carelessly give the state evidence that could be used to convict you. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be accidentally making your case harder to fight.
Hiring a Simi Valley, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your lawyer 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 ready at all times for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
How to Handle an Arrest in Simi Valley, CA
Being arrested in Simi Valley, CA, is a very stressful event. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Take the below steps during the arrest proceedings, to enhance your chances of a beneficial outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Refusing to go, running, or attacking the police won't improve your situation. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are interviewed by the government officials, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Speak With an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Simi Valley, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Securing your freedom before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: As a first step in building your defense, you should collect whatever evidence you have regarding the charges and send it to your defense attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with the right Simi Valley, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a staunch defense.
How Our Simi Valley, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because we have a client-centered focus, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and know the difference we can make in your life.
We assist you by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Build a mighty defense often consisting of motions to suppress evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if the case reaches a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, display the flaws in the state's case, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you get a fresh start after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Case Types Our Simi Valley, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Simi Valley, CA, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Simi Valley, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Some of the most common Simi Valley, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Simi Valley, CA. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
- Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Hate Crimes
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Simi Valley, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. 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:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Simi Valley, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. 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. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Simi Valley, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Simi Valley, CA, are as grave as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a strong defense against these charges. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- 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 Simi Valley, CA.
What To Look For in Your Simi Valley, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Simi Valley, CA, but there's a wide range of quality. Picking the proper criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Connections With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Positive Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Open and Honest Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
The Steps Our Simi Valley, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and persuading the jury.
The minute you call our Simi Valley, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Investigate Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight 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.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that works for you.
- 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 – If it applies in your case, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our Simi Valley, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
When you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting a team of criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of courtroom experience, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors. We know the type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. And if your case does end up going before a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both former clients and legal experts. As premier Simi Valley, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We're upfront with our fees, and you can get in touch with us whenever you need to if you learn something new about your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Simi Valley, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. It can be hard just to move forward, 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 Simi Valley, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
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, people can make mistakes, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
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.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
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.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
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. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. Get in touch as soon as possible – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story the minute we get in touch.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Simi Valley, CA:
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