Criminal defense lawyers in Tulare, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Tulare, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe someone asked you for a favor, and you didn't realize it was illegal. Maybe the accusations are false, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and you need a premier Tulare, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you fight against the charges.
For any of these reasons, or more, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Talk to an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free consultation on your case.
The Importance of Working With a Tulare, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're holding back, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California is often very tough on crime, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
Additionally, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more possible it is to inadvertently give the prosecution evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. 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 setting a trap for yourself.
Speaking with a Tulare, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
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 constantly prepared 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.
Arrested in Tulare, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Being arrested in Tulare, CA, is a very stressful event. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take this advice during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to increase your odds of a favorable outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Being difficult, attempting to flee, or harming the government officials won't help your case. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are interrogated by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Talk to 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 lawyer.
- 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. Being able to go about your life prior to a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Collect Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should gather whatever findings you have on the charges and send it to your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a skilled Tulare, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a potent defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Tulare, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and know the difference we can make in your future.
We will fight for you by:
- Researching 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.
- Prepare a fierce defense utilizing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case reaches a trial. We protect you from a biased jury, display the flaws in the state's case, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you get a clean slate once the case is over. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
Tulare, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Tulare, CA, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Tulare, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. 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
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Tulare, CA. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Tulare, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Tulare, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Tulare, CA, is murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Tulare, CA, law firm to protect your rights. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Tulare, CA.
Top Qualities for a Tulare, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Tulare, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but some stand out from the rest. Choosing the proper criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Stellar Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- 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 – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
The Steps Our Tulare, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our Tulare, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Investigate Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting 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 protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about 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 – If your case reaches this point, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
The Advantages of Working With Our Tulare, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our lawyers have experience. When you work with us, you're getting a law firm with a combined more than five decades of legal experience. We know the strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. But if your case does reach a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We're top-rated by both clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We're upfront with our fees, and you can get in touch with us around the clock if you think of anything you need to ask us or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Tulare, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, 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 Tulare, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Tulare, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, people can make mistakes, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
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 criminal records in Tulare, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you 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.
Why do people plea bargain in Tulare, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. Prosecutors use them to handle cases faster, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Contact Our Tulare, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you're facing criminal charges in Tulare, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Talk to an attorney today – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom without delay.
We also provide the following legal services in Tulare, CA:
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