Criminal defense lawyers in Westminster, CA. A Westminster, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe you just happened to be nearby the scene of a crime, and were arrested in the confusion, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and this situation requires a Westminster, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to fight for your rights and freedom. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free review of your case.
Why You Need a Westminster, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're holding back, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California frequently is very harsh in sentencing, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
On a related note, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more possible it is to unconsciously give the prosecuting attorney evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unintentionally setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Connecting with a Westminster, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your lawyer 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 constantly prepared for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Westminster, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Westminster, CA. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Follow these steps during the arrest proceedings, in order to improve the likelihood of a beneficial outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Causing trouble, attempting to flee, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are interviewed by the government officials, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Talk to a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – be sure one of them is 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. Being released prior to a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should collect any facts you have regarding your defense and make copies to show your lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a premier Westminster, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a strong defense.
How Our Westminster, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
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 your defense should be centered around you, we both build a defense based around your situation and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your future.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Studying your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Craft a mighty defense making use of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, working with expert witnesses, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should the case reach 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. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- 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'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
Westminster, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Westminster, CA criminal charge, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Westminster, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
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. Our Westminster, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Westminster, CA. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Rioting
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Westminster, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Westminster, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Westminster, CA:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Westminster, CA. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. 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.
Reach out to our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Westminster, CA.
Top Qualities for a Westminster, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Westminster, CA, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Stellar 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.
- Open and Honest Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
The Steps Our Westminster, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our Westminster, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Research Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Whether 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 – We'll look for a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll break down the prosecution's argument at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
Why Choose Our Westminster, 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 type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Our connections in Westminster, CA, courts allow us to get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. 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 well-known and well-regarded by both former clients and experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can call us any time of day if you need an update on your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Westminster, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Westminster, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Westminster, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, nobody is perfect, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
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 Westminster, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the authorities 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 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 California's Three Strikes law work?
California's Three Strikes law is a system in which certain serious criminal convictions assign a "strike" to a person's records. If that person is convicted of another crime in the future, they can face an increased prison sentence.
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.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Westminster. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to save time, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're up against the Westminster, CA, prosecutor, you need a strong defense strategy. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Get in touch as soon as possible – 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 case now.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Westminster, CA:
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