Visalia Criminal Defense Attorneys and DUI Lawyers

Our Visalia Office is located at:

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

Visalia Criminal Defense Attorney

Like many areas in California, Visalia was first inhabited by Native American peoples long before European settlers came to the area. Tulare County did not exist at the time California achieved statehood status in 1850. In 1852, European settlers in the area petitioned the state legislature for county status, and Tulare County was formally established on July 10, 1852. Visalia became an important stop in Tulare County for miners joining the Gold Rush. By 1874, it was officially recognized as a city by incorporation. Today Visalia’s economy is supported by agricultural and industrial operations. There are also several community and private colleges, and branch campuses of California universities within city limits.

If you have been arrested and accused of a crime in the area, it’s in your best interest to contact a criminal defense lawyer in Visalia as soon as you can. To schedule a free consultation at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, call our office today.

Here are some links to local resources that Visalia residents and visitors may find helpful:

City of Visalia Police Department
303 S Johnson Street
Visalia, CA 93291
Emergency: 911
No Emergency Telephone: (559) 734-8117
Visalia City Hall707 W Acequia Avenue
Visalia, CA 93291
Telephone: 559-713-4300

Crime in Visalia
Neighborhood Scout reports that Visalia’s violent crime rate (per thousand residents) is slightly lower than the state average. Many cities in the area are above the state average, so this is encouraging news. The rate of property crimes in Visalia is higher than both the state and national averages. Neighborhood Scout ranks the safest Visalia neighborhoods as:

1. W Goshen Avenue and N Akers Street
2. Goshen
3. W Goshen Avenue and N Demaree Street
4. Avenue 280 and Caldwell Avenue
5. Ambler and Rector
6. E Noble Avenue and S Ben Maddox Way
7. W Whitendale Avenue and S Court St
8. W Goshen Avenue and N Chinowth St
9. W Whitendale Avenue S County Center Dr
10. Higby and Loma

Visalia Court Houses
Tulare County Superior Court
221 South Mooney Boulevard
Visalia, CA 93291
Telephone (Visalia): 559-730-5000

The Many Types of California Theft Charges:
The California Penal Code codifies many different offenses that pertain to theft. The consequences of these offenses can vary greatly depending on the proscribed sentencing range and whether the offense is a misdemeanor or felony. In addition to preventing wrongful convictions, an experienced Visalia criminal defense attorney can help mitigate the consequences of a theft charge by arranging a plea agreement on lesser charges. In some cases, your lawyer may be able to enter you into a diversion program that keeps theft charges off your record altogether. Learn more about the many different theft offenses you can be charged within California:

Petty Theft:
California law defines petty theft as taking property valued at $950 or less. Petty theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of six months in county jail and a fine of $1000. (Shoplifting is charged under a separate statute that imposes similar penalties when the goods taken are worth $950 or less.) Theft under $50 can even be charged as an infraction – which is less serious than a misdemeanor – with a maximum fine of $250. However: if a person has a prior theft charge and a prior conviction for a violent crime, petty theft can be charged as a felony. This exposes the defendant to the risk of years in state prison.

Grand Theft:
Grand theft occurs when the property stolen is worth more than $950. Any case involving an automobile or firearm is also considered grand theft (regardless of the value of the car or gun). Grand theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is significant: instead of facing six months in jail, a felon could face up to three years in jail, and lose their civil rights as well. It is important to have a defense lawyer’s advice in order to mitigate these consequences as much as possible.

Forgery, Fraud, and Identity Theft:
There are many different ways for a person to steal without using force. Many theft cases are the result of deception or deceit. For example: a person might forge a letter of authenticity in order to sell an item to a pawnbroker for more than it is actually worth. A caretaker might forge an elderly client’s signature on checks in order to steal money from the client’s bank account. And in the digital age, where vast amounts of personal data are posted online, identity theft has become an increasingly common occurrence. All of these acts can be charged as theft. The penalties for forgery, fraud, and identity theft can vary greatly, depending on:

• How much was stolen
• Whether the defendant abused a position of trust (such as a caregiver or accountant)
• Whether the alleged victim was vulnerable (for example, elderly or mentally ill)

Robbery and Burglary:
California law defines robbery as:

(1) the felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another
(2) from his person or immediate presence, and against his will,
(3) accomplished by means of force or fear.

Burglary occurs when a person enters any type of dwelling with the intent to commit a felony within. (Notice that the theft does not have to actually occur in order for the burglary to be complete.) Both robbery and burglary are treated as more serious criminal offenses. They are charged as felonies and carry longer prison sentences than more minor theft charges.

The Right Visalia Criminal Defense Attorneys For All Charges

You could spend hours online searching for “Visalia criminal defense lawyers near me”, but you’ve already found the best defense firm in Tulare County. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley serves clients in Visalia, Dinuba, Hanford, Lindsay, Exeter, Orange Cove, Farmersville, Kingsburg, and throughout Tulare County. Call our Fresno and Santa Clara offices at (559) 365-7055 to schedule your case review. You have important constitutional rights that must be protected at all phases of a criminal investigation or court case. The sooner you hire a Visalia criminal defense attorney, the better protected these legal rights will be.