Criminal defense lawyers in Tulare, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Tulare, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you're in need of a premier Tulare, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is see you through the challenge. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Call us at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Leading Tulare, 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 holding back, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California is often very tough on crime, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
What's more, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more possible it is to unconsciously give the state evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be accidentally setting a trap for yourself.
Contacting a Tulare, 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 challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your defense attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
Arrests can happen any time of day or year, and we're ready to help whenever they happen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always ready for your call and don't make you wait — we're ready to start working on your case as soon as we pick up the phone.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Tulare, CA
Nobody in Tulare, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Here's what to do while in custody, to increase the probability of a advantageous outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Refusing to go, trying to escape, or attacking the government officials won't help you in the long run. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are interrogated by the authorities, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Call a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is 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. Securing your freedom prior to a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should gather any evidence you have regarding your defense and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with a skilled Tulare, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Tulare, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
When you work with us, you're getting a law firm that not only knows how to win in court, but also knows how to treat you like a person, not a case number. Because your defense should be centered around you, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and know the difference we can make in your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Design a powerful defense making use of motions to have evidence thrown out, consulting subject matter experts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should your charges go to trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, dissect the state's case against you, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution 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 at the trial's end. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you move on with your life after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
Case Categories Our Tulare, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Tulare, CA criminal charge, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Our Tulare, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. They range from assault to resisting arrest. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Tulare, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. If you're accused in Tulare of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Tulare, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. 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 often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Tulare, CA. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a strong defense against these charges. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our legal team for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Tulare, CA.
Top Qualities for a Tulare, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Tulare, CA, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Partnering with the proper criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- 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.
- Transparent Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Tulare, CA:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, scaring the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
As soon as you call our Tulare, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Research Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Whether 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.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Connect With the District Attorney – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
What You Can Expect From Our Tulare, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
When you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting a team of criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of courtroom experience, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors. We know what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
W're known for our success amongst both former clients and legal experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. Our rates are affordable, and our phones are available around the clock if need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Tulare, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. It can be hard just to move forward, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Tulare, 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 – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Are federal charges harder to beat than state charges?
It depends on the case, but generally, federal prosecutors' offices have more resources than state prosecutors, which means that you're up against a much tougher opponent. If you're facing federal charges, you need a high-level Tulare, CA, criminal defense attorney.
If I'm convicted of a crime in Tulare, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Tulare, 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 with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
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 place you under arrest without a warrant.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Tulare, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Tulare. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to get through cases faster, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Get in Touch With Our Tulare, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Depends On It
For any criminal charges in Tulare, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. 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. Talk to an attorney today – 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 making a plan to keep you out of prison right now.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Tulare, CA:
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