Criminal defense lawyers in Torrance, CA. Nobody in Torrance, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you made a mistake and need a second chance. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and this situation requires a experienced Torrance, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your freedom.
Whatever you need legal help with, 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 boast a proven track record of success. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a no obligation case review.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Torrance, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're lagging, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California frequently is very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
Even worse, the longer you take to work with , the more you risk doing something to carelessly give the state evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unintentionally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Talking to a Torrance, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your 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 at all times for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Torrance, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Torrance, CA. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Take the below steps while going through the arrest process, in order to enhance your chances of a beneficial outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Making a scene, trying to get away, or attacking the government officials won't help your case. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Remain Silent: If you are interviewed by the police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Speak With an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Torrance, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – 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. Staying out of jail before a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Collect Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should put together all evidence you have on your case and share it with your defense attorney.
If you do all of this and work with a leading Torrance, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Torrance, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we have a client-centered focus, we both build a defense based around your situation and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Researching 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.
- Design a powerful defense utilizing motions to suppress evidence, working with expert witnesses, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if there is a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, dissect the state's case against you, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- 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 move on with your life after a court case. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record follow you into the future.
Case Categories Our Torrance, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Torrance, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Some of the most common Torrance, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. They range from assault to resisting arrest. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Torrance, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
Theft Charges
Torrance, 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 are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Torrance, CA that's as significant as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a Torrance, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. If you're facing murder charges like the following, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
Top Qualities for a Torrance, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Torrance, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Positive Reputation – both from previous clients and their peers.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Open and Honest Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
The Steps Our Torrance, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
The minute you call our Torrance, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Study Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – 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, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Connect With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll break down the prosecution's argument at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
The Advantages of Working With Our Torrance, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Torrance, CA, criminal defense lawyers know how to win. We're made up of experienced criminal defense attorneys, as well as former prosecutors and judges. We know the way the prosecution builds its case, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Our connections in Torrance, CA, courts allow us to get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. But if your case does reach a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can talk to one of our representatives around the clock if you have any questions or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Torrance, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. It can be hard just to move forward, 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 Torrance, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, somthing could get mixed up, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
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.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can place you under arrest without a warrant.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to save time, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Torrance, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Talk to one of our representatives today – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison right away.
We also provide the following legal services in Torrance, CA:
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