Criminal defense lawyers in West Covina, CA. Nobody in West Covina, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you have to find a leading West Covina, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
Regardless of the circumstances, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is see you through the challenge. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a West Covina, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're lagging, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California is often 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.
Beyond this, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more chances you have to inadvertently give the prosecution evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be inadvertently setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Hiring 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 challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 available 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 West Covina, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in West Covina, CA. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Here's what to do during the arrest proceedings, in order to enhance your chances of a positive outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Making a scene, attempting to flee, or harming the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are interrogated by the police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Speak With a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in West Covina, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the first one of these should be to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in West Covina, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to go about your life before a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Document Everything: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should organize all facts you have regarding your defense and provide it to your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a leading West Covina, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a powerful defense.
How Our West Covina, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
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 know the difference we can make in your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Researching your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Craft a rock-solid defense using motions to have evidence thrown out, consulting subject matter experts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should your charges go to trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney 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 at sentencing hearings. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
Case Types Our West Covina, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any West Covina, CA criminal charge, and are equipped to defend against anything in West Covina, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Our West Covina, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. They range from assault to resisting arrest. 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, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
West Covina, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in West Covina, CA. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. 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.
Contact our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Top Qualities for a West Covina, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a West Covina, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but there's a wide range of quality. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- High Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – situations can change outside of working hours, so you want to work with a firm that can pick up the phone any time you call.
- Clear Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
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 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 showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
As soon as you call our West Covina, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Investigate Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Be Your Go-Between With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case 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 take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
Why Choose Our West Covina, 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 type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We've received acclaim from both clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in West Covina, CA, court. We're transparent in our pricing, and you can speak to one of our team members at any time if you have any questions or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in West Covina, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. 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 West Covina, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a West Covina, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, errors can always happen, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in West Covina, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
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.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is the process where the state's lawyers and defense lawyer come up with a deal for the defendant, wherein the defendant likely pleas guilty for a reduced penalty. The state uses them to handle cases faster, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Get in Touch With Our West Covina, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Depends On It
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Don't wait – 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 telling your side of the story immediately.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in West Covina, CA:
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