Criminal defense lawyers in Visalia, CA. Nobody in Visalia, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and you need a premier Visalia, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Get in touch with a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation consulation.
The Importance of Working With a Visalia, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're biding your time, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California is often very punishing towards convicts, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
Additionally, the longer you spend on your own, the more likely you are to accidentally give the state evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be accidentally setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Speaking with a Visalia, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away 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 lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready at all times 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 Visalia, CA
Being arrested in Visalia, CA, is a very stressful event. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Take the below steps while going through the arrest process, to increase your odds of a favorable outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Causing trouble, trying to escape, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are questioned by the authorities, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Call a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Visalia, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to act freely before a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should organize whatever information you have regarding your defense and provide it to your lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a premier Visalia, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a powerful defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Visalia, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because your defense should be centered around you, we both build a defense based around your situation and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We approach each case by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – we examine the prosecution's case, conduct our own research, and listen to you in order to get the full story.
- Craft a strong defense utilizing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if there is a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, dissect the state's case against you, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you start over after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
Case Categories Our Visalia, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are equipped to defend against anything in Visalia, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Visalia, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance 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. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Visalia, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. 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
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Visalia, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. 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. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Visalia, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Visalia, CA, is murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need an expert Visalia, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
What You Want in a Visalia, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Visalia, CA, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Picking the proper criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- 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 – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Visalia, CA:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and persuading the jury.
The minute you call our Visalia, 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:
- Learn Your Charges – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, without excessive bail.
- Negotiate With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
What You Can Expect From Our Visalia, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
When you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting a team of criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of courtroom experience, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors. We know from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. But if your case does reach a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
You can hear about our stellar performance from both clients and experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We offer reasonable payment plans, and our phones are available at all times if you learn something new about your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Visalia, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. 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 Visalia, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a Visalia, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, nobody is perfect, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
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 criminal records in Visalia, CA, include arrests?
Your criminal record does include arrests, 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 I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can arrest you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
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 allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in Visalia, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get someone who knows how to handle your case.
We will watch out for your rights and make sure you get justice in your case. Don't wait – the more time that passes before you start building your defense, the harder it will be to protect your freedom. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison immediately.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Visalia, CA:
Payment Plans
