Criminal defense lawyers in Temecula, CA. Everyone in Temecula, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you need a premier Temecula, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your freedom.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a no obligation consulation.
The Importance of Working With a Temecula, 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 biding your time, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California has a reputation for being very tough on crime, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference for your future freedom.
Even worse, the longer you spend on your own, the more likely you are to unintentionally give the state evidence 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 unknowingly making it harder on yourself.
Reviewing your case with a Temecula, 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 suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your defense 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 ready 24/7 for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Temecula, CA
The arrest process in Temecula, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Take this advice during and after an arrest, to increase the probability of a positive outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Acting out, running, or harming the government officials won't help you in the long run. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are questioned by the government officials, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Contact a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your attorney.
- 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 go about your life prior to a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Gather Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should gather all findings you have regarding your defense and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a leading Temecula, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Temecula, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
We believe that criminal defense lawyers have an obligation not only to represent you in court, but to get to know your case from your perspective. Because we start with your story, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and care about the broader implications on your future.
Our team will support you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – we look at the police investigation, our conversations with you, and our own inquiries into your case all give us an intimate understanding of it.
- Create a strong defense utilizing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, working with expert witnesses, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if the case needs to go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- 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 give up on a fresh start.
Areas of Expertise for Our Temecula, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Temecula, CA, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Temecula, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Our Temecula, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Temecula, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Temecula, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. 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
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Temecula, CA, is murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a leading Temecula, CA, criminal defense lawyer on 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.
Contact our lawyers for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Temecula, CA.
Top Qualities for a Temecula, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Temecula, CA, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Stellar Reputation – both from previous clients and their peers.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Transparent Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
How We Fight in the Temecula, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We don't believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; 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.
The minute you call our Temecula, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Examine Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Connect With the Prosecution – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case 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 verdict to reclaim your freedom.
Why Choose Our Temecula, 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 type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. And if your case does end up going before a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're highly regarded by both clients and experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can get in touch with us 24/7 if you think of anything you need to ask us or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Temecula, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Temecula, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Temecula, 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, somthing could get mixed up, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
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 convictions ever expire from my criminal record in California?
Technically no. Barring special circumstances, after a conviction, the government will always keep it on your record. However, after a certain time period, they can seal the record, lessening the negative impact.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
When an officer has probably cause, they can place you under arrest without a court order.
How does California's Three Strikes law work?
California's Three Strikes law is a system in which certain serious criminal convictions assign a "strike" to a person's records. If that person is convicted of another crime in the future, they can face an increased prison sentence.
Why do people plea bargain in Temecula, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to get through cases faster, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Contact Our Temecula, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Depends On It
If you're facing criminal charges in Temecula, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Call now – 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 building your case right now.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Temecula, CA:
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