Criminal defense lawyers in Westlake Village, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Westlake Village, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe your roommate went out last night and ended up in handcuffs, and this situation requires a leading Westlake Village, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
For any criminal charges in Westlake Village, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is see you through the challenge. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Talk to a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consultation on your case.
Reasons to Find a Westlake Village, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're waiting, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California has a reputation for being very punishing towards convicts, 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.
Beyond this, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more possible it is to inadvertently give the prosecuting attorney evidence that could be used to convict you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be accidentally decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Talking to a Westlake Village, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away 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 attorney may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
Whether it's midday on the weekend or the middle of the night during the week, you need a lawyer who is prepared for your call. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready 24/7 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.
Arrested in Westlake Village, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Being arrested in Westlake Village, CA, is a very stressful event. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Here's what to do during the arrest proceedings, to enhance your chances of a advantageous outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Being difficult, running, or harming the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are interviewed by the government officials, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Talk to a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – the first one of these should be to your lawyer.
- 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. Staying out of jail before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: As a first step in building your defense, you should gather any evidence you have on your defense and make copies to show your attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with the right Westlake Village, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a strong defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Westlake Village, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Every criminal defense lawyer will take a different approach. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are focused on your experience and how we can serve you. Because we start with your story, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and care about the broader implications on your future.
Our team will support you by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – we look at the police investigation, our conversations with you, and our own inquiries into your case all give us an intimate understanding of it.
- Design a rock-solid defense utilizing motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case needs to go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you clear your record once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record follow you into the future.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Westlake Village, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Some of the most common Westlake Village, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. 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 Westlake Village, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Westlake Village, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. 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. 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
It's hard to thing of a charge in Westlake Village, 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. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our legal team to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Westlake Village, CA.
Finding the Right Westlake Village, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Westlake Village, CA, but not every one is going to be prepared to fight your case. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- High Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Transparent Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Westlake Village, CA:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and persuading the jury.
As soon as you call our Westlake Village, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Examine Your Charges – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Whether 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, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Communicate With the District Attorney – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll challenge the district attorney 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 case to a higher court for justice.
The Advantages of Working With Our Westlake Village, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Westlake Village, CA, criminal defense lawyers know how to win. We're made up of experienced criminal defense attorneys, as well as former prosecutors and judges. We know from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're top-rated by both clients and legal experts. As premier Westlake Village, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and our phones are available whenever you need to if need an update on your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Westlake Village, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. 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 Westlake Village, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Westlake Village, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, errors can always happen, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
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 arrest you without a court order.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to get through cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Contact us today – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story and protecting your rights.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Westlake Village, CA:
Payment Plans
