Criminal defense lawyers in Woodland Hills, CA. Everyone in Woodland Hills, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you're finding yourself needing a premier Woodland Hills, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
Whatever you need legal help with, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is prepared to go to bat for you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
The Importance of Working With a Woodland Hills, 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 delaying, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California has a reputation for being very harsh in sentencing, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
Beyond this, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more danger you are in to carelessly 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 making your case harder to fight.
Reaching out to a Woodland Hills, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP 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 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 around the clock for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
How to Handle an Arrest in Woodland Hills, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Woodland Hills, CA. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Take the below steps while going through the arrest process, in order to strengthe your odds of a favorable outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Refusing to go, attempting to flee, or fighting the government officials won't help you in the long run. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are interviewed by the investigators, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Call a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – be sure one of them is to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Woodland Hills, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Staying out of jail prior to a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Document Everything: As a first step in building your defense, you should gather whatever evidence you have related to the charges and send it to your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with the right Woodland Hills, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a potent defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Woodland Hills, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and understand the impact we have on your future.
We assist you by:
- Learning about 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 effective defense often consisting of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should the case reach trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move on with your life once the case is over. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Woodland Hills, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Woodland Hills, CA criminal charge, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Woodland Hills, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. In Woodland Hills, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Woodland Hills, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. Sometimes, you don't even have to do something violent; making threats or just wrongfully carrying a firearm could end up with you facing charges. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Woodland Hills, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. If you're facing any of the following common charges (or another one) for any controlled substance, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Woodland Hills, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Woodland Hills, CA, is murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a leading Woodland Hills, 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
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our legal team for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Woodland Hills, CA.
What You Want in a Woodland Hills, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Woodland Hills, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Connections With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Stellar Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- 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.
- Clear Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
The Steps Our Woodland Hills, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, scaring the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Woodland Hills, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Gather Info About Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Negotiate With the District Attorney – We have experience with crafting a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll battle against the state 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 appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Woodland Hills, 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 strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. That said, if there is a trial in your case, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're highly regarded by both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can call us at any time if need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Woodland Hills, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Woodland Hills, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, people can make mistakes, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Are federal charges harder to beat than state charges?
It depends on the case, but generally, federal prosecutors' offices have more resources than state prosecutors, which means that you're up against a much tougher opponent. If you're facing federal charges, you need a high-level Woodland Hills, CA, criminal defense attorney.
How long does a conviction stay on my record in California?
In California, the 'Clean Slate Act' allows for some convictions to automatically be sealed. For most felonies, this occurs after four years, and for most misdemeanors, this occurs after one.
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 if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
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 warrant.
If you've already been convicted, what are your options?
California's appeals process is available if there were any errors or mistakes in your court case. A skilled attorney will always explore every available appeals avenue and explain what options you have to keep fighting your conviction.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. Prosecutors use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Future Depends On It
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Get in touch as soon as possible – 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 the minute we get in touch.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Woodland Hills, CA:
Payment Plans
