Criminal defense lawyers in West Covina, CA. Everyone in West Covina, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your roommate went out last night and ended up in handcuffs, and you have to call a West Covina, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your freedom.
Whatever you need legal help with, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation consulation.
The Importance of Working With a West Covina, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're biding your time, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California has a reputation for being very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
On a related note, the longer you spend on your own, the more chances you have to unittingly give the prosecution evidence that hurts you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unknowingly digging a deep hole for yourself.
Connecting with a West Covina, CA, criminal defense lawyer early not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
If you've been arrested, it doesn't matter the day or time — call us now. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always prepared for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
What to Do After Being Arrested in West Covina, CA
Nobody in West Covina, 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 during and after an arrest, in order to increase the probability of a favorable outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Being difficult, trying to get away, or harming the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: If you are interrogated by the government officials, 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 – 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. Securing your freedom before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should organize any evidence you have regarding your case and provide it to your attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with a premier West Covina, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a staunch defense.
The Role of a West Covina, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because your defense should be centered around you, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and understand the impact we have on your future.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Studying 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.
- Design a effective defense by filing motions to suppress evidence, hiring expert analysts, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should the case reach trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, display the flaws in the state's case, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move on with your life after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
Areas of Expertise for Our West Covina, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Some of the most common West Covina, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in West Covina, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Drug Possession
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
West Covina, 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. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
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
It's hard to thing of a charge in West Covina, CA that's as significant as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our attorneys with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What You Want in a West Covina, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in West Covina, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. 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.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Positive Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Clear Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
The Steps Our West Covina, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our West Covina, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Understand Your Case – 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 possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- 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.
- Connect With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
What You Can Expect From Our West Covina, 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 strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, 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. That said, if there is a trial in your case, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
You can hear about our stellar performance from both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can get in touch with us at any time if you have any questions or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in West Covina, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions West Covina, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, somthing could get mixed up, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in West Covina, 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.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in West Covina, CA?
There are options to seal your records for many misdemeanors and even several felonies. In California, this process is called sealing a record, but is sometimes referred to as expungement. A criminal defense lawyer can assist you with this process.
If I'm arrested in West Covina, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, 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.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest 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.
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 is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to save time, 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 Future Depends On It
If you've been accused of committing a crime in West Covina, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You deserve top-notch representation. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Reach out right away – if you take too long to get started on your defense, you'll be fighting an uphill battle against the prosecution. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense as soon as possible.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in West Covina, CA:
Payment Plans
