Criminal defense lawyers in Ventura, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Ventura, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe someone asked you for a favor, and you didn't realize it was illegal. 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 partner was arrested, and you're in need of a premier Ventura, 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 experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. 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 use our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Ventura, 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 waiting, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California has a reputation for being very harsh in sentencing, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference for your future freedom.
What's more, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more chances you have to accidentally give the district attorney 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 making your case harder to fight.
Hiring a Ventura, CA, criminal defense lawyer early might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your 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 available around the clock 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.
How to Handle an Arrest in Ventura, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Ventura, CA. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Take this advice during and after an arrest, to increase your odds of a beneficial outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Acting out, running, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are interviewed by the investigators, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Find an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Ventura, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Securing your freedom prior to a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should gather whatever information you have on your case and make copies to show your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with a premier Ventura, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a strong defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Ventura, 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 take the time to get to know you, we both craft a defense specific to you and understand the impact we have on your life.
We assist you by:
- Studying your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Prepare a powerful defense using motions to suppress evidence, working with expert witnesses, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if the case needs to go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and present 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 both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move on with your life once the case is over. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
Case Categories Our Ventura, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Ventura, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Ventura, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. In Ventura, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. 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 Ventura, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
Theft Charges
Ventura, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. 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 can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. 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
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Ventura, CA, is murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
What To Look For in Your Ventura, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Ventura, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but some stand out from the rest. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Positive Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Clear Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Ventura, CA:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and persuading the jury.
As soon as you call our Ventura, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Research Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either 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.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll battle against the state at trial and explain your side of the story 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 Ventura, 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 the strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Our connections in Ventura, CA, courts allow us to get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. But if your case does reach a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We've received acclaim from both former clients and legal experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can speak to one of our team members at any time if you have any questions or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Ventura, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. 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 Ventura, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, people can make mistakes, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice 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 without a warrant.
What are wobbler offenses in California?
California defines several alleged crimes as wobbler offenses – these are crimes that can either be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.
It's almost always better to have them be set as misdemeanors, and your lawyer should explore any options available to avoid felony charges.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Ventura, 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. The state uses them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Contact Our Firm – Your Freedom Depends On It
When you're up against the Ventura, CA, prosecutor, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Reach out right away – the Ventura, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom today.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Ventura, CA:
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