Our Lancaster Beach Office is located at:
Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Lancaster Criminal Defense Attorneys and DUI Lawyers
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 488-7337
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Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Lancaster Criminal Defense Attorneys and DUI Lawyers
Have You or a Loved One Recently Been Arrested in Lancaster or the Antelope Valley? If So, You Need an Experienced Lancaster Criminal Defense Lawyer on Your Side.
Even in a state that prides itself on originality and independent thinking, the city of Lancaster is unique. It’s a community of contradictions. It’s a community that, in other states, would probably be considered a large city but is small by California standards. It’s a place that broils in the summer and freezes in the winter. It’s a city that is isolated, tucked in the shadows of the Angeles Crest, but it never really escapes the metaphorical shadows of Los Angeles.
And in the midst of all these is you. You and the contradictions you are now facing with a criminal charge. Dangling between “guilty” and “not guilty.” Dealing with a system that seems at once both designed to overwhelm and terrify, but that doesn’t care how you are feeling at all. The contrast between all of your plans and a suddenly uncertain future is stark.
You need an expert criminal defense attorney who can guide you through every step of the process. You need someone who understands the law but also understands the community you come from. Someone who can give you the best legal defense and help you work through your fears and worries.
Helpful City Resources:
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
STATION INFO
501 Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-8466
Antelope County Community Resource Center
44151 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 949-5810
New Day Rehab Center
1616 West Ave L
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 270-7985
The Superior Court of California – Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse
4211 4th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 483-5500
Understanding the Basics of Common Criminal Charges:
Maybe you were at that park near the Soccer Center when you were drunk, got into an argument that turned into a fistfight. Maybe you smashed the window of a car parked on West Hackman and grabbed the backpack. Maybe you just stole the car off Sierra Highway to strip it for parts.
But now, you hear words like “aggravated assault” and “grand theft,” and it’s hard to understand how the charges apply to what you actually did, or what they mean, in terms of a possible conviction or the resulting punishment. Let’s go over some basics of common criminal charges, so you understand some of the issues you might be facing.
Assault: Under California law, assault is the attempt to violently injure someone while having the actual ability to follow through. However, you don’t have to injure (or even touch) them to be charged. Simply trying to injure someone, even if you miss, is enough. There are two types of assault charges: simple assault and aggravated assault.
Simple assault is charged as a misdemeanor and carries a maximum fine of $1,000 and a possible sentence of six months in prison.
An assault becomes “aggravated” if you are accused of assaulting someone with a deadly weapon, or if your victim falls into a special category (such as a police officer), or if the victim was seriously injured. Aggravated assault may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, resulting in as much as a four-year prison sentence.
Theft, Burglary, and Robbery: While these crimes are related, they have different requirements and carry very different penalties.
In California, theft means permanently stealing someone else’s property. Theft charges can even include refusing to return borrowed items or taking property under false pretenses. Burglary is defined as theft within a home, business, or vehicle.
Of these, home burglaries are considered the most serious. Home burglary is a first-degree felony charge that can result in a fine of up to $10,000 and up to six years in prison. Thefts within a business or vehicle are usually charged as second-degree burglary, which can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor.
Charges of theft also depend on the value of the item stolen. “Petty theft”—the theft of items valued below $950—is a misdemeanor. “Grand theft” for items worth more than $950 can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony.
Robbery is another type of theft, but a robbery charge specifically relates to theft from a person: It is a face-to-face exchange involving force. For this reason, robbery is not considered a property crime like theft and burglary. Instead, it is categorized as a “violent crime,” and the law treats it more like assault and other crimes when a person has been put in physical danger.
If convicted, robbery is a felony and can result in fines of up to $10,000 and six years in prison.
Vandalism: If you maliciously damage, destroy, or deface property that is not your own, you can be charged with vandalism. The charge’s severity depends on the resulting damage. If the cost of repairing damage is less than $400, vandalism is a misdemeanor—often with punishment including fines of up to $1,000 or probation.
However, if the cost of damage exceeds $400, then it becomes a felony. Felony convictions may result in fines of up to $10,000 plus restitution and can include lengthy prison sentences.
Drug-Related Crimes: While California has legalized adults’ personal and medical use of marijuana, other substances are still illegal to possess and use. Possessing drugs for your own use may be charged as a misdemeanor resulting in a fine of up to $1,000 and six months of jail time.
Felony charges, with possible fines of as much as $10,000 and a prison sentence, are more likely under the following circumstances:
Get an Expert Criminal Defense Attorney to Represent You in Lancaster
If you have been charged with a crime in Lancaster, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Mr. Chesley and his skilled team will listen to your story, research the charges, and work with you to create a solid defense strategy. Some of the ways Mr. Chesley and his team can help you include:
Mr. Chesley and his team have favorable outcomes in 90% of their court cases.
His peers in the legal community say he’s among the best: He has ratings of “Preeminent” by Martindale Hubbell and “Superb” by Avvo. David S. Chesley is one of the National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 and the American Society of Legal Advocates (ASLA)’s Top 100 in the nation.
His clients say he’s the best, too: The American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys rated him as in the Top 10 in the Nation for Client Satisfaction. He has an Avvo “Five Star” Clients Choice Award and an “A+” rating by the BBB (Better Business Bureau).
Mr. Chesley and his team are available to you, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, for a free consultation and case evaluation. Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley at (661) 488-7337 to schedule your free consultation and case evaluation.
