San Bernardino Criminal Defense Attorneys and DUI Lawyers

Our San Bernardino Office is located at:

Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
San Bernardino Criminal Defense Attorneys and DUI Lawyers

San Bernardino Criminal Defense Attorney

Like many California towns, the story of San Bernardino involves indigenous peoples and European settlers. San Bernardino, however, had an interesting period of overlap, in which native tribes and Spanish missionaries worked together to rebuild and settle the area after large earthquakes. The city passed its first charter in 1905. Industry and business followed – most notably, the first McDonald’s restaurant, which opened in 1940, and is today marked with a museum.

If you have been accused of a crime by the San Bernardino police, you need to retain legal counsel as soon as you can. David S. Chesley is an experienced San Bernardino criminal defense lawyer who offers free consultation and has what it takes to protect your rights. Call us today to schedule your case evaluation.

Here are some links to helpful local resources in and around San Bernardino:

San Bernardino Police Department
710 North D Street
San Bernardino, CA. 92401
Emergency: 911
Information: 909-384-5742
Dispatch: 909-383-5311
City Jail: 909-384-5772

San Bernardino City Hall290 N D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
Telephone: (909) 384-7272

Crime in San Bernardino
Neighborhood Scout Reports that San Bernardino is safer than only 2 percent of U.S. cities. Its rate of both violent and property crime (per thousand residents) is significantly higher than either the state or national average. High levels of crime also tax the criminal justice system. Errors are more likely to be made by police officers and prosecutors who are overworked and do not have enough time to devote to an individual case. This is why anyone who is investigated or charged with a crime in the San Bernardino area needs to hire a defense lawyer to protect their constitutional rights.

San Bernardino Court Houses

San Bernardino Superior Court
San Bernardino District – Criminal Division
247 West Third Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0240
Criminal Division: (909) 384-1888

Crimes Against Children
There are many different crimes that can be perpetrated against a child. The law treats these offenses more seriously than crimes with adult victims, because children are considered vulnerable, and in particular need of protection from the legal system. This protective attitude can lead to overly aggressive prosecutors who are too eager to prosecute crimes involving children. Learn more about the different offenses involving children – as well as the collateral damage a conviction can have in other areas of your life.

Physical Offenses and Domestic Violence:
Some of the most common offenses involving children are various forms of domestic violence. A parent might be charged with simple assault or battery, disturbing the peace, or other low-level offenses. In some cases, a charge that would be a misdemeanor is upgraded to a felony because the case involves a child. The difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is significant. It can not only mean a difference of years in prison, but it can also impair your employment, housing, and parenting prospects for years to come. Be sure to consult a lawyer as soon as possible any time you are investigated for a domestic offense involving a child – even if you do not think it will be a big deal.

Sexual Offenses:
Sexual offenses are also treated far more harshly when the alleged victim is a child. For example: prostitution involving an adult is generally a misdemeanor that can only be punished by up to six months in jail. But prostitution involving a child (known as “carnal abuse of children”) can be charged as a felony. More serious offenses can carry sentences of decades in jail. Sexual offenses involving children carry some of the harshest penalties in American jurisprudence (often second only to murder). You can face decades in prison if you are convicted of certain sexual offenses, so it is important to hire a lawyer as soon as you possibly can.

Child Endangerment:
Child endangerment is a catchall offense. The offense can cover, or be charged in addition to, physical or sexual crimes. Outright child abuse and child endangerment are often charged together. Prosecutors sometimes add endangerment charges to other crimes to be used strategically in the plea bargaining process. Other times, it is leverage to be used at trial, in convincing the jury that you committed as many crimes as possible. Whether endangerment is a “stand-alone” charge or charged in conjunction with other offenses, you need an attorney on your side to advise you on the best way to resolve any child endangerment charge.

The Collateral Consequences of a Conviction For a Crime Against a Child:
Often, the initial sentence is not the worst consequence of a conviction for a crime against a child. The collateral consequences are significant for any felony conviction: limited job and housing opportunities, changes to your professional licensure or security clearance, and even limited access to financial services. In addition to all of these problems, a conviction involving a child can affect your parenting rights. Many parents are denied parenting time or even decision-making authority (“physical custody” and “legal custody”) after they are convicted of child abuse, child endangerment, or sexual crimes against a child. It is important to take a proactive approach, and prevent a wrongful conviction or secure a fair plea deal that accurately represents the situation. The work your attorney does in the criminal court can drastically affect the family court’s perception of your parenting rights.

The Right San Bernardino Criminal Defense Attorneys For All Types of Criminal Charges

Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor, felony, or even a civil offense, our experienced criminal defense attorneys are here to protect your legal rights. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to handle cases involving all types of offenses against children. We can help protect your legal rights throughout the investigation and court process, prevent a wrongful conviction, and help you mitigate the collateral consequences of a conviction on your criminal record. Call our San Bernardino and Riverside offices at (909) 748-5272 to schedule your free case review.