Criminal defense lawyers in Yorba Linda, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Yorba Linda, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you're in need of a premier Yorba Linda, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is equipped to help you fight the charges. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free consultation on your case.
Reasons to Find a Leading Yorba Linda, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're biding your time, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California is known for being very punishing towards convicts, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Plus, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more you risk doing something to carelessly give the state evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unintentionally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Reaching out to a Yorba Linda, 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 utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
Arrests can happen any time of day or year, and we're ready to help whenever they happen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready 24/7 for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Yorba Linda, CA
The arrest process in Yorba Linda, 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. Take the below steps during and after an arrest, in order to enhance your chances of a positive outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Refusing to go, trying to get away, or harming the police won't improve your situation. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are interviewed by the police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Speak With an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Yorba Linda, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your lawyer.
- 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 able to go about your life prior to a trial can be invaluable.
- Collect Evidence: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should document any findings you have on the charges and send it to your attorney.
If you do all of this and work with the right Yorba Linda, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Yorba Linda, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
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 nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both build a defense based around your situation and care about the broader implications on your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – we examine the prosecution's case, conduct our own research, and listen to you in order to get the full story.
- Build a rock-solid defense using motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should the case reach trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you carry on after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your future be defined by your past.
Yorba Linda, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Yorba Linda, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. 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 Yorba Linda, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Yorba Linda, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Yorba Linda, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Yorba Linda, CA, is murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. 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 lawyers for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
What You Want in a Yorba Linda, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Yorba Linda, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- 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.
- Positive Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Transparent Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
The Steps Our Yorba Linda, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our Yorba Linda, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Learn Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we'll fight to have your case dropped before it grows into a major problem for you.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Communicate With the District Attorney – We'll look for a plea deal that works for you.
- 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 explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
Why Choose Our Yorba Linda, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. But if your case does reach a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can speak to one of our team members whenever you need to if you need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Yorba Linda, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. It can be hard just to move forward, 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 Yorba Linda, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, nobody is perfect, 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 Yorba Linda, CA, criminal defense attorney.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Yorba Linda, 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.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, 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.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can place you under arrest regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
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 is plea bargaining?
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 allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Contact Our Yorba Linda, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
If you're facing criminal charges in Yorba Linda, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. 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 crafting your case as soon as possible.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Yorba Linda, CA:
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