Criminal defense lawyers in Watsonville, CA. Nobody in Watsonville, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and this situation requires a leading Watsonville, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
For any of these reasons, or more, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free review of your case.
Why You Need a Leading Watsonville, 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 pausing, the state is working on its case. California is known for being very harsh in sentencing, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
On a related note, the longer you take to work with , the more possible it is to offhandedly give the prosecuting attorney evidence for their case. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be inadvertently setting a trap for yourself.
Finding a Watsonville, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 can offer legal advice right away.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Watsonville, CA
Being arrested in Watsonville, CA, is a very stressful event. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Do the following during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to improve the likelihood of a good outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Making a scene, trying to get away, or fighting the police won't help you in the long run. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are interviewed by the government officials, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Find a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Watsonville, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Staying out of jail before a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Document Everything: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should gather any information you have related to your case and make copies to show your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with an expert Watsonville, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a potent defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Watsonville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you work with us, you're getting a law firm that not only knows how to win in court, but also knows how to treat you like a person, not a case number. Because we listen to you first, we both craft a defense specific to you and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Researching 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 rock-solid defense using motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, working with expert witnesses, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if there is a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you start over once the case is over. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
Areas of Expertise for Our Watsonville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Watsonville, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. In Watsonville, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Watsonville, CA. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Watsonville, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. If you're accused in Watsonville of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Watsonville, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
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 can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Watsonville, CA:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Watsonville, CA, is murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a Watsonville, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. 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.
Reach out to our attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Watsonville, CA.
What To Look For in Your Watsonville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Watsonville, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Transparent Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
The Steps Our Watsonville, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our Watsonville, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Understand Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – 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.
- Negotiate With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll scrutinize the state's case at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our Watsonville, 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 fight against them with their own playbook.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting plea bargains that can protect your freedom. But if your case does reach a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We've received acclaim from both former clients and legal experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Watsonville, CA, court. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can get in touch with us at any time if need an update on your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Watsonville, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Watsonville, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Watsonville, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, somthing could get mixed up, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the state keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
What are the consequences of a criminal conviction?
Criminal convictions often carry fines and either prison or jail time. On top of that, you can face challenges in employment, housing, professional licensing, and possibly immigration. Because of this, it's critical to work with a criminal defense lawyer to minimize your chances of being convicted in the first place.
How does sentencing work in Watsonville, CA?
In Watsonville, 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
Why do people plea bargain in Watsonville, 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. District attorneys use them to save time, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Contact Our Watsonville, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Depends On It
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Reach out right away – 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 telling your side of the story immediately.
We also provide the following legal services in Watsonville, CA:
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