Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyers & Attorneys Panorama, CA

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Panorama City

Our Panorama City Office is located at:

Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Panorama City Criminal Defense Attorneys and DUI Lawyers

14500 Roscoe Boulevard, Suite 400
Panorama City, CA 91402
(818) 698-8261

Panorama City Criminal Defense Attorneys

If You Face Misdemeanor or Felony Charges, Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer In Panorama City Today
Panorama City is a vibrant and diverse community and a great place to live. But sometimes, things go wrong. Maybe you were caught shoplifting at the Panorama Mall. Or perhaps you had one too many drinks and were pulled over on the San Diego Freeway. Or you got busted selling drugs by the Van Nuys Airport.

No matter the reason for your arrest, the experience can be harrowing and make you feel uncertain about your future. It can seem like everyone from the police to the prosecutor’s office believes you should be punished, and you have nowhere to turn.

A seasoned Panorama City lawyer knows how the local court system works and can help you mount a vigorous defense. Above all, hiring skilled counsel will allow you to regain a sense of control over your life.

Helpful City Resources:
Los Angeles Police Department – Van Nuys Police Station
STATION INFO
6240 Sylmar Avenue
Van Nuys, CA 91401
818-374-9500 Voice
855-736-3235 TDD/TTY

Panorama City Neighborhood Council
Van Nuys City Hall, 3rd & 4th Floor
14410 Sylvan Street
Van Nuys, CA 91401
818-374-9898

Ambiance Detox & Recovery Center
13373 Wentworth Street
Arleta, CA 91331
855-500-DETOX (3386)

Crimes in Panorama City
Panorama City is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Los Angeles, with more than half of its population born abroad. All of this means that the type and frequency of crimes committed can vary widely throughout the area. Among the areas where crime is more likely to occur are along Burnett Avenue and Roscoe Boulevard and near the airport.
Common crimes that people are charged within Panorama City include robbery, burglary, auto theft, vandalism, aggravated assault, and drug crimes.

Below is a quick rundown of these various offenses:

Theft: Generally speaking, theft refers to the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to keep it permanently. The term “theft,” though, covers a wide range of activities and varies widely in terms of the penalty, depending on the value of the goods taken and the method by which they are obtained. In general, petty theft, a misdemeanor, covers goods valued at under $950. Grand theft, a criminal offense, covers goods valued at over $950 as well as firearms.

Grand Theft Auto: One of the more common forms of theft in Panorama City is auto theft. Auto theft is automatically considered a grand theft criminal charge. It doesn’t matter whether you permanently intend to steal the car. Even if you only take the vehicle for a quick “joyride,” you are still subject to grand theft charges.

Burglary: Burglary is a form of theft that involves entering a person’s home (first-degree burglary) or place of business or vehicle (second-degree burglary) to commit the offense. First-degree burglary is punishable by up to six years in state prison.

Robbery: Robbery refers to taking a person’s property using force, violence, or intimidation. The first-degree robbery also carries a charge of up to six years in state prison.

Vandalism: Vandalism involves defacing, damaging, or destroying another person’s property with graffiti or an inscribing material. Although a seemingly minor charge, vandalism is taken seriously by the state of California and can land you in prison.

Assault: Assault refers to an unlawful attempt, combined with the present ability to commit a violent injury on another person. Assault refers only to an attempt, while the related charge of battery covers the actual use of force or violence. A more serious form of assault, common in Panorama City, is assault with a deadly weapon, also known as aggravated assault. This charge carries a maximum sentence of twelve years.

Drug Charges: There are various drug crimes that you can be charged with, carrying a wide range of penalties. All are considered very serious in the state of California. Among the most common are selling drugs, possession of a controlled substance, and possession with intent to sell.

Local Criminal Court
Van Nuys Courthouse East
6230 Sylmar Avenue
Van Nuys, CA 91401
818-901-4600

What Happens When You’re Arrested
Whatever crime or misdemeanor you are charged with, you will find yourself facing both immediate and long-term consequences. In the short term, you may be held in prison and required to pay substantial fees. Further on down the line, you may find yourself saddled with a criminal record that could prevent you from gaining employment. Criminal convictions can also rip apart families and end relationships. That’s why it’s so important that you retain aggressive legal representation as soon as you’re arrested. Only then can you prevent things from spiraling out of control and take charge of your life once again.

Common Legal Mistakes You May Make After Being Arrested
Even minor errors you make as a defendant can dramatically complicate your case. The prosecution can seize on your social media posts, for instance, to paint an unflattering picture of you to a jury. Seemingly innocent remarks you make to the police can also be twisted and used against you in court. Common mistakes along these lines include:

Making a statement before consulting an attorney. This can handicap your case before you’ve had a chance to craft a defense. Never make a statement or say anything without a lawyer present.
Fighting with the police. Resisting arrest or being combative with police during interrogation is never a good idea. Maintain a calm, silent demeanor and wait for your lawyer to argue on your behalf.
Taking too long to retain an attorney. Only an experienced lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the legal system can properly protect your rights.

Why Choose The Law Offices of David S. Chesley to Represent You
The lawyers at David S. Chesley have over 50 years of experience, and they know every aspect of the California court system. They employ more than 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in the state and have a staff made up of former judges, prosecutors, and police officers.

Our lawyers are skilled and aggressive, and they will work closely with you to develop an intelligent defense. Communication is key at Chesley Lawyers, and we pride ourselves on our excellent results. We’re honored to have won an Avvo’s Clients’ Choice Award each of the last 10 years.

Every second counts in a criminal case; that’s why we are available to talk 24/7. Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley in Panorama City at (818) 698-8261 for a confidential, free consultation about your options.

Recent Results

Our client faced multiple serious charges in Los Angeles County, including Penal Code § 211 (Robbery), § 245(a)(1) (Assault with a Deadly Weapon), and § 245(a)(4) (Assault with Force Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury). Unlike a co-defendant represented by another firm who pled to a felony conviction with a "strike," our legal team pursued a different strategy. Through the submission of a comprehensive mitigation package to the District Attorney, we successfully negotiated a complete dismissal of all charges.
Our client faced serious charges under Penal Code section 211 for alleged felony robbery involving force and fear in Riverside County (Murrieta Court) . The prosecution argued that probation was not appropriate due to our client’s prior felony convictions in San Bernardino County, including a previous robbery in April 2021 and grand theft in November 2019. Despite the severity of these allegations, our legal team successfully demonstrated insufficient evidence during the preliminary hearing. As a result, all charges were dismissed. This outcome allowed our client to move forward without the burden of a new conviction.
Multiple defendants each facing 7 years charged with smuggling prescription drugs into California from Mexico our client was the only defendant who received NO JAIL TIME!
Client facing 5 years for possession of deadly weapon we negotiated a plea for NO JAIL TIME!
Client facing 3 life terms for multiple felony counts of Child Molestation and Sodomy with child we proved the charges were fabricated by victims mother DISMISSAL of all charges at preliminary hearing!
Strike case: Client charged with possession of methamphetamine facing 25 years we filed a Romero Motion which was granted case REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR!
Client's estranged girlfriend alleged Client broke into her room and choked her facing 14 years in State Prison we won at trial JURY ACQUITTAL.
Police allegedly discovered 3 bags of marijuana in client's glove box faced 6 years we filed a 1538.5 motion to suppress resulting in DISMISSAL of all charges!

What our clients say Client Testimonials

I am truly pleased with my experience with the Law Offices Of David S Chesley. They answered all my questions and provided me with great advice and legal services. My case resolved quickly. Thank you!
Rodrigo L.

I left court yesterday with my last case being wrapped up. Two court appearances and that’s it. He represented me in a couple of different cases and was impressive to say the least. Always a phone call or text message away. Confident and aggressive when he needed to be. Calming and thorough when meeting with me. Attorney Chesley did exactly what he said he would and I got the results I needed. He seemed to know all the right people at the Temple Street courthouse. You can always get in contact with him quickly and he is a great lawyer. I highly recommend his legal services.
Ricardo Esteves

My brother was given a very caring attorney that was assigned to his case and we had very helpful case managers throughout the process. I strongly recommend David Chesley to anyone who is in trouble. I called in to get help on my brothers case and right away I liked their service. My brothers charges were eventually dismissed after the attorney got him into a program, now he could go on without the trouble of having anything on his record
Erica Geller

I retained Mr. Chesley and his firm and from the beginning they were extremely professional both in communicating the status of my case to me, explaining the situation as a whole, and just downright taking care of business. It was money well spent for a job well done. Thanks again to David and Melissa others that worked on my case. I recommend this firm to anyone in need of legal representation. Don’t just accept things the courts force on you, call this firm and protect yourself.
Elizabeth F.

I contacted Mr. Chesley and his firm because some unfortunate events had left me in a jam. Detectives were demanding I testify or be prosecuted for a crime I didn’t commit. (I wasn’t involved or even at the scene of the alleged crime when it supposedly took place.) Mr. Chesley explained to me that he had been through similar situations with his clients before and understood exactly what was going on. His response to what took place was nothing short of amazing. No matter how small my concern, Mr. Chesley addressed it in a timely manner. He advocated for what is right and empathized with me in dealing with the Court system. After meeting with the supervising D.A. and providing alibi evidence he was able to get me out the situation. I’m very grateful to have found him.
Leon Hanley

I hired David Chesley for my criminal defense in 2012. he was recommended to us for is success results and his low fees. David is very smart and his professional legal advice was honest & much appreciated during these stressful time. David’s knowledge, advice, and communication about what we were to expect was reassuring and beneficial to me. He charged me a reasonable flat rate and didn’t charge me any surprise fees. In my case David Chesley was able to negotiate with the prosecution attorney for the best result I could hope for. He had success at getting my criminal charges dismissed with the judges approval. You will not be disappointed if you hire The Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Britanny Givens

David is very professional, yet very casual. Although it is typically not easy to speak straight up with an attorney, he is very easy to talk to. He replied to my questions quickly and was available all hours. Not only did he get my case resolved with a dismissal, he went above and beyond and got me an expungement without me even requesting it. He never beats around the bush and tells you like it is. At the same time is willing to work overtime to get the results you request. I would use David’s services again in the future.
Andrew A.

very satisfied being a client with the Law Offices of David Chesley.. Negin represented both my husband and I and got both our cases dis issued… Negin was on top of our cases she really cares and did everything she said she would do!!! thanks a lot Negin
Rita K.

I don’t write many reviews, however this time I had to share my admiration and appreciation for this firm. Attorney Negin Akhavan is definitely a person you want representing you in any criminal legal battle. She is the clear definition of the frace “is not what you know, but who you know ” she is not only knowledgeable, she also has the relationships with the right people. I couldn’t be happier with the results she was able to provide.

Thank you Negin.
Gabriel V.

An old felony charge came up, so I hired David and his team in June, and he got me a release on my own cognition on a felony charge in July which has never happened to me, and got it dismissed in October. He was responsive when I called and always kept me updated. Got my case dismissed, was easy to work and handled everything for me. He did an excellent job. I highly recommend David Chesley for any criminal defense.
Jason Corona

They really helped me out in a timely manner. I had a drug charge from 16 years ago and they dealt with it quickly. I can’t recommend them enough. If you have a criminal charges check them out they are awesome.
Santiago L.