Criminal defense lawyers in Turlock, CA. Nobody in Turlock, 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've been falsely accused, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you have to find a premier Turlock, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you fight against the charges.
For any criminal charges in Turlock, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is equipped to help you fight the charges. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a no obligation case review.
Why You Need a Leading Turlock, 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 pausing, the the evidence against you is piling up. California has historically been very harsh in sentencing, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
What's more, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to offhandedly give the district attorney evidence for their case. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be inadvertently decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Connecting with a Turlock, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your defense lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 begin building your defense from the first call.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Turlock, CA
The arrest process in Turlock, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Take the below steps while in custody, in order to increase your odds of a positive outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Making a scene, attempting to flee, or fighting the police won't improve your situation. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are questioned by the government officials, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Call an Attorney: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Turlock, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to go about your life before a trial can be invaluable.
- Gather Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should collect any facts you have regarding your defense and provide it to your defense attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with a skilled Turlock, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Turlock, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we take the time to get to know you, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and make decisions based on the broader effects on your future.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Studying your case from all angles – we learn your case from both your point of view and the district attorney's, giving us the tools for a powerful defense.
- Create a effective defense making use of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if there is a trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, display the flaws in the state's case, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. 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 clear your record after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Turlock, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Turlock, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Turlock, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. In Turlock, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Turlock, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. Sometimes, you don't even have to do something violent; making threats or just wrongfully carrying a firearm could end up with you facing charges. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Turlock, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. 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
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Turlock, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Turlock, CA:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Turlock, CA. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need an expert Turlock, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. 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 attorneys today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Top Qualities for a Turlock, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Turlock, CA, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Choosing the proper criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Good Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- 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:
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 start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and convincing the jury.
The minute you call our Turlock, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Understand Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, without excessive bail.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain 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 dissect the state's argument at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
What You Can Expect From Our Turlock, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., features a group of former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers who have turned their talents to criminal defense. We have over five decades of courtroom experience. We know the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We've received acclaim from both clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Turlock, CA, court. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can call us at any time if need an update on your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Turlock, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. 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 Turlock, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Turlock, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, somthing could get mixed up, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
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.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you even if they don't have a warrant.
How does sentencing work in Turlock, CA?
In Turlock, CA, sentences for criminal convictions normally fall into one of two situations:
- After a plea deal, the sentence is usually whatever was agreed upon
- After a conviction in a trial, the judge will use legal guidelines to decide on a sentence
How does plea bargaining work in California?
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. District attorneys use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Get in Touch With the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Depends On It
When you're facing charges in Turlock, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. Don't wait – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom the minute we get in touch.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Turlock, CA:
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