Criminal defense lawyers in Whittier, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Whittier, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe someone asked you for a favor, and you didn't realize it was illegal. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you need to contact a premier Whittier, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
Regardless of the circumstances, 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. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free review of your case.
Reasons to Find a Whittier, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're hesitating, the the evidence against you is piling up. California frequently is very harsh in sentencing, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
What's more, the longer you take to work with , the more possible it is to unconsciously give the prosecuting attorney evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unknowingly making it harder on yourself.
Calling a Whittier, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your defense 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 available at all times for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Whittier, CA
Nobody in Whittier, CA, enjoys getting arrested. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Follow these steps while going through the arrest process, in order to increase your odds of a beneficial outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Being difficult, attempting to flee, or harming the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are interrogated by the investigators, 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 – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- 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. Securing your freedom prior to a trial can be invaluable.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should document any facts you have on your defense and share it with your lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a leading Whittier, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a staunch defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Whittier, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 have a client-centered focus, we both build a defense based around your situation and know the difference we can make in your life.
Our team will support you by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Create a effective defense utilizing motions to have evidence thrown out, consulting subject matter experts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if there is a trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, display the flaws in the state's case, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a fresh start once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
Whittier, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. In Whittier, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Whittier, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Whittier, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Whittier, 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. 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. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Whittier, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Whittier, CA, is murder. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a leading Whittier, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. 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 today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Top Qualities for a Whittier, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Whittier, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Stellar Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Transparent Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
How We Fight in the Whittier, CA, Court System 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; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and convincing the jury.
When you call our Whittier, 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 Charges Dropped or Dismissed – 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.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting 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 your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Whittier, 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 fight against them with their own playbook.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. And if your case does end up going before a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
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 at all times if you learn something new about your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Whittier, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, 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 Whittier, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a Whittier, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, somthing could get mixed up, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Do criminal records in Whittier, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
if you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can arrest you without a court order.
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. Prosecutors use them to handle cases faster, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Whittier, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You deserve top-notch representation. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We will watch out for your rights and make sure you get justice in your case. Don't wait – while you're waiting to hire an attorney, the prosecution is building a case against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your case today.
We also provide the following legal services in Whittier, CA:
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