Criminal defense lawyers in Vacaville, CA. A Vacaville, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe you just happened to be nearby the scene of a crime, and were arrested in the confusion, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe your child called you from jail, and you urgently need a premier Vacaville, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
For any criminal charges in Vacaville, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Vacaville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're biding your time, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California is known for being very tough on crime, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
What's more, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more possible it is to unittingly give the prosecuting attorney evidence they can use against you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unknowingly setting a trap for yourself.
Finding a Vacaville, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it 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 ready at all times for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Vacaville, CA
Nobody in Vacaville, CA, enjoys getting arrested. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Take the below steps while in custody, in order to strengthe your odds of a favorable outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Making a scene, trying to escape, or attacking the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are interrogated by the authorities, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Find a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – the most important thing to do is reach out 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. Staying out of jail before a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should collect whatever information you have on your case and provide it to your attorney.
If you do all of this and work with a skilled Vacaville, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a strong defense.
How Our Vacaville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
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 have a client-centered focus, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We will go about your case 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.
- Design a powerful defense utilizing motions to suppress evidence, working with expert witnesses, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should your charges go to trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you start over after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Case Categories Our Vacaville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Vacaville, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Our Vacaville, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Vacaville, CA. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Vacaville, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Vacaville, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Vacaville, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning 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.
Get in touch with our lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What To Look For in Your Vacaville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Vacaville, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not all law firms are created equal. Choosing the proper criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Stellar Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Clear Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Vacaville, CA:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
As soon as you call our Vacaville, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Evaluate Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- 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, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Be Your Go-Between With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- 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 – After the trial, if needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
Why Choose Our Vacaville, 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 ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Our connections in Vacaville, CA, courts allow us to get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We're highly regarded by both former clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Vacaville, CA, court. We make it easy to understand the costs, and our phones are available regardless of the time if you learn something new about your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Vacaville, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. 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 Vacaville, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Vacaville, 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.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Vacaville, CA?
The circumstances around your DUI will have a major impact on its outcome. If it's your first DUI and you work with the right attorney, there's a good chance you can avoid jail time. However, repeat DUIs are often treated much more harshly and can be felonies.
How long does a conviction stay on my record in California?
In California, the 'Clean Slate Act' allows for some convictions to automatically be sealed. For most felonies, this occurs after four years, and for most misdemeanors, this occurs after one.
Do criminal records in Vacaville, CA, include arrests?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
if you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can place you under arrest even if they don't have a warrant.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Vacaville, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to get through cases faster, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in Vacaville, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. 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 making a plan to keep you out of prison and protecting your rights.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Vacaville, CA:
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