Criminal defense lawyers in South Gate, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a South Gate, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe someone asked you for a favor, and you didn't realize it was illegal. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you have to find a South Gate, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
Whatever the case is, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free consult with an attorney.
Reasons to Find a South Gate, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're delaying, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California has historically been very harsh in sentencing, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
Additionally, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more danger you are in to unconsciously give the district attorney evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be unintentionally setting a trap for yourself.
Talking to a South Gate, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your defense lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
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 available at all times for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
South Gate, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in South Gate, CA. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Here's what to do during and after an arrest, in order to strengthe your odds of a favorable outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Being difficult, trying to get away, or fighting the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Remain Silent: If you are questioned by the government officials, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Speak With a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in South Gate, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is 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. Being able to act freely prior to a trial can be invaluable.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should put together whatever information you have related to your defense and send it to your attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with a skilled South Gate, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a mighty defense.
What to Expect From a Leading South Gate, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and make decisions based on the broader effects on your future.
We will fight for you by:
- Studying your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Prepare a powerful defense by filing motions to have evidence thrown out, utilizing our wide range of resources, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case needs to go to trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you get a fresh start once the case is over. We help 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 South Gate, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in South Gate, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in South Gate, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Some of the most common South Gate, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in South Gate, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. 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
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
South Gate, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. 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 frequently come with a harsh social stigma. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in South Gate, 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 South Gate, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in South Gate, CA.
How to Pick a South Gate, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right South Gate, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but not all law firms are created equal. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Positive Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Transparent Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
How We Fight in the South Gate, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and satisfying the jury.
When you call our South Gate, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Research Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll break down the prosecution's argument 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 explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier South Gate, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting plea bargains that can protect your freedom. That said, if there is a trial in your case, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We have an esteemed reputation with both former clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in South Gate, CA, court. We make it easy to understand the costs, and our phones are available whenever you need to if you learn something new about your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in South Gate, 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 without a guide, there isn't a map to find your way through the situation. We've put together some of the common questions South Gate, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a South Gate, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, errors can always happen, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
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.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
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.
Why do people plea bargain in South Gate, 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. District attorneys use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Get in Touch With Our South Gate, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
Whatever South Gate, CA, charges you're facing, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Speak with one of our lawyers now – while you're waiting to hire an attorney, the prosecution is building a case against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story now.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in South Gate, CA:
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