Criminal defense lawyers in Thousand Oaks, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Thousand Oaks, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you're looking for a premier Thousand Oaks, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Regardless of the circumstances, 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 have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a no obligation case review.
Reasons to Find a Thousand Oaks, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're holding back, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California is known for being very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
On a related note, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more possible it is to accidentally give the district attorney evidence they can use against you. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be accidentally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Finding a Thousand Oaks, 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 fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 always ready for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
Thousand Oaks, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Being arrested in Thousand Oaks, CA, is a very stressful event. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Follow these steps during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to increase your odds of a advantageous outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Making a scene, running, or harming the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Remain Silent: If you are questioned by the police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Talk to an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Thousand Oaks, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your lawyer.
- 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. Securing your freedom prior to a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should document all information you have related to your defense and make copies to show your lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with a leading Thousand Oaks, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a potent defense.
How Our Thousand Oaks, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
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 listen to you first, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and care about the broader implications on your life.
We approach each case by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Create a mighty defense through motions to suppress evidence, working with expert witnesses, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if there is a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, display the flaws in the state's case, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you get a clean slate after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Case Categories Our Thousand Oaks, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Thousand Oaks, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense lawyers know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Some of the most common Thousand Oaks, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Thousand Oaks, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Thousand Oaks, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. 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
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Drug Possession
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Thousand Oaks, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Thousand Oaks, CA:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Thousand Oaks, CA, is murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. 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 legal team if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Thousand Oaks, CA.
Finding the Right Thousand Oaks, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Thousand Oaks, CA, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Choosing the proper criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. 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.
- Relationships With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Positive Reputation – both from previous clients and their peers.
- Responsiveness and Availability – situations can change outside of working hours, so you want to work with a firm that can pick up the phone any time you call.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Thousand Oaks, CA:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, petrifying the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our Thousand Oaks, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Understand Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we'll fight to have your case dropped before it grows into a major problem for you.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – 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.
- Be Your Go-Between With the State – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of 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 appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Advantages of Working With Our Thousand Oaks, 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 from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We're highly regarded by 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 Thousand Oaks, CA, court. Our rates are affordable, and you can talk to one of our representatives at any time 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 Thousand Oaks, 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 you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Thousand Oaks, CA, residents ask about 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 law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, people can make mistakes, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
If I'm convicted of a crime in Thousand Oaks, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Thousand Oaks, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can arrest you without a court order.
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.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Thousand Oaks, CA?
Plea bargaining is the process where the state's lawyers and defense lawyer come up with a deal for the defendant, wherein the defendant likely pleas guilty for a reduced penalty. Prosecutors use them to get through cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Is at Stake
Whatever Thousand Oaks, CA, charges you're facing, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Get in touch as soon as possible – the longer you take to contact one of our attorneys, the larger the state's case is growing against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your case today.
We also provide the following legal services in Thousand Oaks, CA:
Payment Plans
