Criminal defense lawyers in Whittier, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Whittier, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe the accusations are false, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you need a experienced Whittier, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Whatever you need legal help with, 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 have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Talk to a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation case review.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Whittier, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
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 police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California is often very punishing towards convicts, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference for your future freedom.
Plus, the longer you take to work with , the more you risk doing something to offhandedly give the prosecution evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be inadvertently setting a trap for yourself.
Working with a Whittier, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
If you've been arrested, it doesn't matter the day or time — call us now. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always ready for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Whittier, CA
The arrest process in Whittier, 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. Do the following while going through the arrest process, in order to enhance your odds of a advantageous outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Being difficult, trying to get away, or fighting the police won't help your case. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: If you are interrogated by the government officials, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Contact a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Whittier, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – be sure one of them is to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Whittier, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to act freely 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 data you have on your case and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a skilled Whittier, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a powerful defense.
How Our Whittier, 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 we listen to you first, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and know the difference we can make in your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Studying 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.
- Prepare a rock-solid defense through motions to suppress evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and battling 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 present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you get a fresh start after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
Case Types Our Whittier, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Whittier, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Some of the most common Whittier, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Whittier, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. We will fight against any of the following charges in Whittier:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Whittier, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. 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. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Whittier, CA:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Whittier, CA. 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.
Get in touch with our lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
Finding the Right Whittier, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Whittier, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Positive Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- 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.
The Steps Our Whittier, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, scaring the state and satisfying the jury.
As soon as you call our Whittier, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Study Your Charges – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – 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 will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Negotiate With the State – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for 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 deconstruct the case against you at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
Why Choose Our Whittier, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
When you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting a team of criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of courtroom experience, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors. We know the type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. And if your case does end up going before a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
W're known for our success amongst both former clients and experts. As premier Whittier, 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 speak to one of our team members 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 Whittier, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. 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 have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Whittier, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Whittier, CA?
The circumstances around your DUI will have a major impact on its outcome. If it's your first DUI and you work with the right attorney, there's a good chance you can avoid jail time. However, repeat DUIs are often treated much more harshly and can be felonies.
If I'm convicted of a crime in Whittier, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Whittier, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you without a warrant.
What are the consequences of a criminal conviction?
Criminal convictions often carry fines and either prison or jail time. On top of that, you can face challenges in employment, housing, professional licensing, and possibly immigration. Because of this, it's critical to work with a criminal defense lawyer to minimize your chances of being convicted in the first place.
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.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is the process by which your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney negotiate to find a lighter sentence for the person charged with a crime, in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to save time, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Get in Touch With the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Depends On It
When you're facing charges in Whittier, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. 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 defending your freedom right away.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Whittier, CA:
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