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 had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and this situation requires a experienced Westminster, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you find a way forward.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free consult with an attorney.
Why You Need a Leading 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 biding your time, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California can be very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
What's more, the longer you take to work with , the more likely you are to unconsciously give the prosecution evidence against you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unintentionally making your case harder to fight.
Talking to a Westminster, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, 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 available at all times for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Westminster, CA
The arrest process in Westminster, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Follow these steps during the arrest and following court procedures, to increase your odds of a positive outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Being difficult, running, or fighting the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are interrogated by the government officials, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Talk to a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Westminster, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): During a special hearing, a judge will likely give you the opportunity to post bail and enjoy your freedom before a potential trial. Being able to go about your life before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Document Everything: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should put together any information you have regarding the charges and provide it to your lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with a leading Westminster, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a mighty defense.
How Our Westminster, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we believe that criminal defense attorneys have an obligation to care for clients as people, beyond just looking at the charges they're facing. Because we listen to you first, we both build a defense based around your situation and care about the broader implications on your life.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Studying your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Create a mighty defense through motions to suppress evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if there is a trial. We protect you from a biased jury, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. 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 provide assistance 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 is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Westminster, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Westminster, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you fight:
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. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Westminster, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Westminster, CA. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Westminster, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. 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
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Westminster, 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. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Westminster, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Westminster, CA, are as grave as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Westminster, CA.
How to Pick a Westminster, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Westminster, CA, but not all law firms are created equal. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Good Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Clear Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
The Steps Our Westminster, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. We don't believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
The minute you call our Westminster, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Gather Info About Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Whether 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, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Look for Deals With the District Attorney – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll break down the prosecution's argument at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Westminster, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Westminster, 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 will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. And if your case does end up going before a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and legal experts. As premier Westminster, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We're upfront with our fees, and you can get in touch with us at all times if you learn something new about your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Westminster, 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 without a guide, there isn't a map to find your way through the situation. We've put together some of the common questions Westminster, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Westminster, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, people can make mistakes, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Westminster, 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 Westminster, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can arrest you without a court order.
What are diversionary programs?
Diversionary programs, such as drug court, mental health court, and veterans court, are alternatives to the traditional court and sentencing process. They normally allow for treatment to be given to people who are accused of a crime, rather than being sent to prison.
Why do people plea bargain in Westminster, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. Prosecutors use them to get through cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Contact Our Firm – Your Freedom 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 a lawyer who's experienced and ready. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get someone who knows how to handle your case.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Reach out right away – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom without delay.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Westminster, CA:
Payment Plans
