Criminal defense lawyers in Temecula, CA. A Temecula, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you made a mistake and need a second chance. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you're looking for a Temecula, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to fight for your rights and freedom. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a no obligation case review.
Reasons to Find a Leading Temecula, 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 pausing, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California is often very punishing towards convicts, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
What's more, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more possible it is to offhandedly give the prosecuting attorney evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be inadvertently decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Speaking with a Temecula, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always ready for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
How to Handle an Arrest in Temecula, CA
Being arrested in Temecula, CA, is a very stressful event. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Follow these steps while in custody, in order to enhance your chances of a advantageous outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Causing trouble, attempting to flee, or attacking the government officials won't do you any good. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are interviewed by the government officials, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Contact an Attorney: 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 attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): After an arrest, if you are charged with a crime, you'll probably be given an option to for pretrial release. Staying out of jail prior to a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Document Everything: As a first step in building your defense, you should organize any facts you have regarding your case and send it to your attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with a premier Temecula, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Temecula, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We approach each 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 rock-solid defense using motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case needs to go to trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We'll always be honest with you about realistic outcomes for your case, and how we can work to get you the most positive outcome.
- Helping you carry on after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
Temecula, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Temecula, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. In Temecula, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a 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. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Temecula, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. 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
- Drug Possession
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Temecula, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Temecula, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Temecula, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a leading Temecula, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Temecula, CA.
What To Look For in Your Temecula, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Temecula, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Relationships Within Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Positive Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Clear Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Temecula, CA:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Temecula, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Investigate Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether 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.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
Why Choose Our Temecula, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., features a group of former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers who have turned their talents to criminal defense. We have over five decades of courtroom experience. We know what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. But if your case does reach a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We've received acclaim from both clients and legal experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We're upfront with our fees, and you can get in touch with us any time of day if need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Temecula, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. Most people feel very stressed, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Temecula, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Temecula, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, 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 convictions stay on your record for life in Temecula, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
If I'm arrested in Temecula, CA, is that on my record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the government keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can place you under arrest regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
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.
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.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to get through cases faster, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Freedom Depends On It
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Temecula, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You deserve top-notch representation. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. 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 making a plan to keep you out of prison without delay.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Temecula, CA:
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