Criminal defense lawyers in Turlock, CA. Everyone in Turlock, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you're in need of a Turlock, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Talk to an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consult with an attorney.
Reasons to Find a Turlock, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're holding back, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California frequently is very tough on crime, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference the outcome of your case.
On a related note, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to accidentally give the prosecuting attorney evidence they can use against you. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unknowingly setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Speaking with a Turlock, CA, criminal defense lawyer early is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your defense lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
When you're accused of a crime, it doesn't matter what time it is. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're available around the clock for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Turlock, CA
Nobody in Turlock, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Take this advice during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to strengthe your odds of a favorable outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Being difficult, attempting to flee, or attacking the police won't improve your situation. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are questioned by the investigators, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Call a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – before anyone else, make sure to place a call 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. Being able to act freely before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should put together any facts you have regarding your defense and provide it to your lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a leading Turlock, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a potent defense.
The Role of a Turlock, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we believe that criminal defense attorneys have an obligation to care for clients as people, beyond just looking at the charges they're facing. Because we start with your story, we both build a defense based around your situation and know the difference we can make in your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Build a fierce defense often consisting of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court should your charges go to trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- 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 get a clean slate once the case is over. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Case Categories Our Turlock, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Turlock, CA, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Turlock, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Some of the most common Turlock, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. 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 Turlock, 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. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Turlock, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Turlock, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Turlock, CA that's as significant as murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Turlock, 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
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Turlock, CA.
Finding the Right Turlock, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Turlock, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not all law firms are created equal. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- High Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Transparent Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
How We Fight in the Turlock, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our Turlock, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Gather Info About Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, without excessive bail.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – 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 battle against the state 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 explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
The Advantages of Working With Our Turlock, 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 can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. And if your case does end up going before a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and legal experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We don't surprise you with fees, and our phones are available any time of day if you learn something new about your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Turlock, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. Most people feel very stressed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Turlock, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Turlock, 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, errors can always happen, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Do criminal records in Turlock, CA, include arrests?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can detain you even if they don't have a warrant.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Turlock, CA?
Plea bargaining is the process by which your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney negotiate to find a lighter sentence for the person charged with a crime, in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call Our Turlock, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
Whatever Turlock, CA, charges you're facing, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Start working on your case 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 crafting your case now.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Turlock, CA:
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