Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer

A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer is a professional California law expert who defends people accused of breaking the law. Wherever you're accused of a crime, it's important to work with an attorney, but it's especially important in Los Angeles: The county features a massive trial court system, fast-moving cases, aggressive prosecution, and complex sentencing alternatives. You won't want to handle this alone.

And you don't have to. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to take your case. If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles, our firm is ready to help.

Don't wait and let your future slip away. Early advice can help you understand deadlines and options. Whatever charges you're facing, call us at (800) 755-5174 to speak with a criminal defense attorney today.

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Cases We Handle

Our firm offers comprehensive criminal defense services in Los Angeles. We defend against a variety of charges, including DUIs, violent crimes, drug charges, and more. There's no such thing as a "minor" criminal charge in California — it's always important to have a lawyer look at your case, no matter what category it falls into.

• Fighting DUI Charges in Los Angeles — DUI charges carry both criminal penalties and a separate DMV license suspension. Our attorneys fight both simultaneously.
• Los Angeles Theft Defense Attorney — Theft charges can hinge on property ownership and evaluations. We can challenge both in court.
• Violent Crimes Defense in Los Angeles — Violent crimes often come with a risk of a strike in Los Angeles. Counsel can examine the charge, evidence, and available options.
• Defense Against Los Angeles Sex Charges — Sex crime allegations can carry serious stigma; some convictions require registration. Counsel can review the allegation and registration consequences.
• LA Drug Charges Lawyer — Drug charges can quickly be elevated from simple possession to trafficking. We will negotiate for reduced charges and diversionary programs.
• Domestic Violence Attorney in Los Angeles — Domestic violence charges are treated harshly by prosecutors, and a conviction can impact parental rights. Our attorneys can defend the criminal charge and address any criminal protective order through the court. Follow an active order unless the court changes it.
• Assault Defense in LA — The difference between a simple assault and aggravated assault charge is critical. Our lawyers know how to navigate these nuances.
• Los Angeles Murder Defense Lawyer — Murder is one of the most serious charges you can face in California. Our lawyers defend all kinds of murder charges, including first-degree, second-degree, Watson murder, and manslaughter.
• Los Angeles Immigration Lawyer — Your immigration attorney needs to help with more than just a visa application. Our attorneys will stand by you in both immigration and criminal court.

How the Criminal Court Process Works in Los Angeles

Criminal cases do not all follow the same path. Charges may be filed after an investigation or arrest; a filed case ordinarily proceeds through arraignment and pretrial steps, and may end in dismissal, plea, trial, or another lawful disposition.

1. Investigation: Before an arrest, the police will conduct an investigation. This could be as simple as a traffic stop or as complex as a months-long sting operation.
2. Arrest: If the state believes it has enough evidence to accuse you of a crime, they will arrest you. You may also be interviewed at this time — politely invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney.
3. Arraignment and release: At arraignment, the court explains charges and rights, asks for a plea, and addresses release if the person remains in custody. The judge may order release on recognizance or supervision, set bail, or deny release in some cases.
4. Discovery and Pretrial Motions: During discovery, the state provides us with any evidence they have collected that's relevant to your case. We will review this and file pretrial motions that we believe will strengthen your case.
5. Plea Negotiations: While building your defense strategy, your criminal defense attorney will negotiate with the Los Angeles County prosecutor for reduced charges and/or sentences.
6. Trial: If the case is not resolved or dismissed beforehand, it may proceed to trial. Counsel presents the defense permitted by the case and court rules.
7. Sentencing: At the end of the trial, if the case ends in a guilty verdict, there will be a sentencing hearing. This gives your lawyer a chance to advocate for lenient sentencing, highlighting mitigating circumstances.
8. Appeals: A person may have a right to appeal a conviction or sentence, subject to strict deadlines and rules. An appeal is not a second trial or a guaranteed change in outcome.

A lawyer can make a major difference at any stage of a Los Angeles criminal case. Whether it's preemptively defending you at a pre-trial investigative conference or researching California case law to find appeal opportunities, there's always a way your attorney can help.

Misdemeanors vs. Felonies in California

Misdemeanors are charges that are punishable by up to 364 days in jail, while felonies can be punished by longer sentences. Felonies also tend to have higher fines and more collateral consequences. In California, several offenses are considered "wobblers," meaning that the district attorney can charge them as either misdemeanors or felonies.

California Misdemeanor Key Features

• Standard misdemeanors can result in up to 6 months in jail.
• Some misdemeanors can carry a maximum of 364 days in county jail; the charged statute controls.
• Most fines don't go higher than $1,000, but there are exceptions.
• Normally, people accused of misdemeanors are eligible for informal probation.
• Some misdemeanor convictions may qualify for dismissal or another form of record relief after sentence requirements are met; eligibility depends on the record and statute. See California Courts record-cleaning guidance.
• Misdemeanor examples include:
  • Simple drug possession
  • First-time DUIs
  • Petty theft
  • Shoplifting
  • Prostitution

California Felony Key Features

• Felonies can range anywhere from 1 year in jail to a life sentence, depending on the charge.
• Typically, fines are limited to $10,000, but not always.
• Many felonies have three possible sentences listed in the statute — a judge will decide which to impose.
• Probation is possible, but less likely than for misdemeanors, and is treated more formally.
• Some felony convictions may qualify for dismissal or another form of record relief, but many do not. The conviction, sentence, and statute control. See California Courts record-cleaning guidance.
• California has a Three Strikes law. Prior serious or violent felony convictions can affect sentencing; a 25-years-to-life third-strike term generally requires a qualifying new serious or violent felony, subject to statutory exceptions and case-specific rules.
• Felony examples include:
  • Robbery
  • Murder
  • Kidnapping
  • Carjacking

Wobblers

• Wobblers are unique crimes that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
• A prosecutor may file a qualifying offense as a misdemeanor or felony, and a court may have authority to reduce a qualifying felony in appropriate circumstances.
• Defense strategies often include having your defense attorney negotiate with the Los Angeles prosecutor to lower felony charges to misdemeanors.
• Wobbler examples include:
  • Grand Theft
  • Burglary
  • Criminal Threats
  • Statutory Rape

Consequences Depend on the Charge and Sentence

Custody, fines, probation, strike consequences, firearm restrictions, voting eligibility, and record relief depend on the statute, conviction, sentence, and individual circumstances. See California Courts record-cleaning guidance, California DOJ firearm prohibitions, and California voting eligibility guidance. See also the firm’s pages on domestic violence allegations and brandishing allegations for charge-specific questions.

Why Hire a Former Prosecutor as Your Defense Attorney

David S. Chesley, the founder of the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, is a former Los Angeles County prosecutor. That time gave him valuable insights into how the state builds its cases and where the weak points are. Combined with his over two decades of personal legal experience, he knows the ins and outs of criminal defense in Los Angeles.

When you work with our firm, you get:

• Prestige: We are professionally recognized and well-rated by former clients.
• Honesty: Our lawyers are committed to straight talk, always.
• Personalization: We don't believe in cookie-cutter defense strategies — we tailor our plan for every client.
• Availability: You can get in contact with our team 24/7 if you need help with your case.

If you want to learn more about how we've helped our Los Angeles criminal defense clients, check out our recent case results. If you're dealing with a charge and need help now, call us right away at (800) 755-5174.

Potential Penalties for a Criminal Conviction in Los Angeles

A criminal conviction in Los Angeles can result in jail or prison time, fines, probation, and numerous collateral consequences. Our lawyers will fight to protect you from them. Here are the impacts that different criminal convictions can have on your life in addition to jail sentences:

DUI charges can result in the loss of your license, ignition interlock device requirements, and DUI school.

Theft convictions may involve restitution, depending on the offense and court order.

Certain serious or violent felony convictions can have strike consequences.

Certain sex-offense convictions can trigger registration requirements; duration and relief vary.

Drug charges could be diverted through treatment programs, but not every charge qualifies.

Some domestic-violence convictions or court protective orders can restrict firearms; family consequences depend on the separate case and order.

Murder charges in the first degree can result in the death penalty.

Immigrant criminal charges can become the basis for denial of entry or even deportation.

Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Los Angeles

If you've been accused of a crime in Los Angeles, you probably already know that a jail sentence and a fine are possible. But people are often unprepared for the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction:

• Parents can lose custody of their children.
• You could face the loss of your job and/or rejections on future applications.
• Landlords and government programs could deny you housing.
• You might lose professional licenses, setting back your career.
• Your education could experience setbacks, and/or institutions can deny you entry.

Effective Defenses in Los Angeles Criminal Cases

Every case is unique, and your criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles should listen to your story and consider many defensive strategies before recommending one. We've listed some of the most effective defenses in California below:

• Self-Defense/Defense of Others: You have the right to defend yourself in California, and if you were threatened, that can sometimes be a criminal defense.
• Mistaken Identity: Unfortunately, eyewitness testimony is unreliable. Your lawyer can challenge witness identifications.
• Insufficient Evidence: If the prosecution fails to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, your defense attorney can highlight this insufficiency.
• Unlawful Search and Seizure: When key evidence was obtained in violation of your rights, your lawyer can file a motion to suppress it.
• Lack of Intent: Some actions are legal or illegal depending on the intent behind them. One possible defense can be showcasing a lack of intent.
• Consent: Whether legally valid consent is relevant depends on the particular offense, evidence, and circumstances; it is not a general defense to every allegation.
• Alibi: One of the most powerful defenses is to prove you were elsewhere and could not have committed the supposed crime.
• Battered Spouse Syndrome: Battered spouse syndrome can provide a limited, imperfect defense in cases where the alleged offender was a victim of domestic abuse.

The right defense strategy depends on the charges you're facing and the circumstances of your case. For example:

• Self-defense is most often effective in violent crime cases.
• The relevance of consent to a sex offense or property allegation depends on the elements and facts; do not assume consent ends the case.
• Drug cases can sometimes be defended by showing you had a valid prescription.

Los Angeles Criminal Defense FAQs:

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Resources:

California Law
California Penal Code

Los Angeles and California Court Resources
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Los Angeles Superior Court Criminal Division
California Courts Criminal Case Guide

Los Angeles County courthouse directory

Neighborhoods and Cities We Serve

Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Culver City, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Woodland Hills and the San Fernando Valley, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Long Beach, Torrance, Compton, Inglewood, Whittier, Pomona, and Alhambra.

Los Angeles contact locations:

Sherman Oaks address (confirm before visiting):
4533 Van Nuys Boulevard
Second Floor
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(800) 755-5174

Los Angeles address (confirm before visiting):
1933 S Broadway Suite 1100
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 908-2262

Call (800) 755-5174 to confirm the current address and whether an in-person appointment is available before traveling.

Contact the Firm

Defend Your Case With an Experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Your freedom is at stake. Don't try to handle this alone — the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here to help. We advise you during interrogations, protect your rights, and defend you in court. When you call our firm, you get a team of experienced attorneys behind you.

Call (800) 755-5174 any time to ask when a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can speak with you.