Criminal defense lawyers in Stockton, CA. Everyone in Stockton, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and this situation requires a experienced Stockton, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation case review.
Reasons to Find a Stockton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're pausing, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California has historically been very punishing towards convicts, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference for your future freedom.
Plus, the longer you take to work with , the more likely you are to inadvertently give the prosecuting attorney evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be inadvertently digging a deep hole for yourself.
Contacting a Stockton, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, 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 always prepared for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Stockton, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Stockton, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Here's what to do during the arrest and following court procedures, to enhance your chances of a good outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Causing trouble, trying to escape, or harming the law enforcement officers won't do you any good. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are interviewed by the investigators, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Talk to a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – the first one of these should be to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): During a special hearing, a judge will likely give you the opportunity to post bail and enjoy your freedom before a potential trial. Being released prior to a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should gather any information you have related to the charges and send it to your attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with a premier Stockton, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a strong defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Stockton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Every criminal defense lawyer will take a different approach. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are focused on your experience and how we can serve you. Because we start with your story, we both craft a defense specific to you and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We will go about your case 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.
- Craft a fierce defense making use of motions to have evidence thrown out, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case reaches a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you start over once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
Areas of Expertise for Our Stockton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Stockton, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Stockton, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. In Stockton, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Stockton, 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
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Drive-By Shooting
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Stockton, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. If you're accused in Stockton of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Stockton, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Stockton, CA:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Stockton, CA. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our attorneys for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Stockton, CA.
What You Want in a Stockton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Stockton, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- High Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Open and Honest Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
The Steps Our Stockton, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
When you call our Stockton, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Investigate Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight 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.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Connect With the State – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
What You Can Expect From Our Stockton, 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 the way the prosecution builds its case, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. And if your case does end up going before a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're highly regarded by both clients and legal experts. As premier Stockton, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can call us at any time if you have any questions or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Stockton, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. Most people feel very stressed, 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 Stockton, 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 investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, errors can always happen, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Stockton, 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.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the state 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 a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can arrest you without a warrant.
What are wobbler offenses in California?
California defines several alleged crimes as wobbler offenses – these are crimes that can either be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.
It's almost always better to have them be set as misdemeanors, and your lawyer should explore any options available to avoid felony charges.
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. The state uses them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Depends On It
Whatever Stockton, CA, charges you're facing, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Don't wait – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your case now.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Stockton, CA:
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