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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Newport Beach, CA
Dealing with a criminal charge in Newport Beach, CA? Our team at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley represents clients facing charges that can impact the rest of their lives. Our firm has the case results that prove our capabilities. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (949) 891-0102 or contact us online to learn more about our Newport Beach criminal defense lawyers.
Our Newport Beach Office is located at:
Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Newport Beach Criminal Defense Attorneys and DUI Lawyers
2801 West Coast Hwy, Suite 270
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 891-0102
Newport Beach, CA, Criminal Cases We Defend
Our Newport Beach criminal defense attorneys handle both misdemeanor and felony cases in Orange County courts, including the Harbor Justice Center.
- DUI Offenses – Defending clients accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Domestic Violence – Protecting your rights in allegations involving family or intimate partner disputes.
- Assault & Battery – Challenging charges of physical harm, threats, or self-defense misunderstandings.
- Theft Crimes – From shoplifting to grand theft, we defend against all property-related accusations.
- Drug Charges – Defending cases involving possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances.
- Weapons & Gun Offenses – Representing clients accused of unlawful possession or use of firearms.
- ADW (Assault with a Deadly Weapon) – Combating serious felony charges involving weapons or intent to cause great harm.
- Sex Crimes – Defending against charges that can carry lifelong consequences and stigma.
- Rape & Sexual Assault – Providing aggressive defense for falsely accused or misrepresented situations.
- Violent Crimes – Handling cases involving robbery, burglary, and other serious offenses.
- Homicide & Murder – Fighting for your freedom and challenging the prosecution’s evidence at every stage.
- Gang-Related Offenses – Defending clients accused of participating in or aiding criminal organizations.
- Robbery & Burglary – Protecting your rights in cases involving alleged force or unlawful entry.
- White Collar Crimes – Skilled defense for fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and financial investigations.
We challenge evidence, guide individuals and families through stressful proceedings, and work to expunge or reduce criminal charges when the law allows.
What to Do If You’re Arrested in Newport Beach, CA
Arrests move fast. Protect your rights with a few key steps:
- 1) Stay calm and invoke your rights. Don’t explain, argue, or answer questions. Say you’re invoking your right to remain silent and you want an attorney.
- 2) Don’t consent to searches. Refuse searches of your car, phone, or home without a warrant. In DUI stops, chemical testing applies after arrest—not roadside field tests.
- 3) Call a defense lawyer immediately. Our team contacts detectives or the Orange County DA’s Office during the investigation and sometimes prevents formal filing.
- 4) Be smart about bail. Bail generally follows the Orange County Bail Schedule. We file motions to reduce bail at the Harbor Justice Center and push for release on your own recognizance when possible.
- 5) Preserve evidence right away. Save texts, photos, videos, and call logs. Note officer names, times, locations, and witness info.
- 6) Appear with an attorney. Your arraignment happens quickly. Showing up with counsel can influence bail, charging decisions, and early offers.
Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Newport Beach, CA?
The legal system runs on rules—some obvious, some not. With more than half a century of courtroom experience, our firm helps you understand your options, protect your rights, and pursue dismissals, diversion, and charge reductions when the facts and law support them.
How Our Newport Beach Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
- Early intervention: Contact law enforcement or prosecutors before charges are filed to push for dismissal or reduced counts.
- Challenging evidence: File motions to suppress illegal searches, unreliable statements, or mishandled forensic results.
- Negotiation & strategy: Leverage weaknesses in the case for dismissals, diversion programs, or favorable plea terms—when it’s in your best interest.
- Trial defense: Prepare like your case will be tried in Orange County. We investigate, retain experts, and cross-examine aggressively when trial is the right path.
The Criminal Case Process in Newport Beach, CA
- Investigation or Arrest: Talk to a lawyer early to protect your rights before charges are filed.
- Arraignment: Charges are read, you enter a plea, and bail or release conditions are set.
- Pretrial: We review discovery, file motions, negotiate, and push for dismissals or reductions.
- Resolution or Trial: Dismissal, diversion, plea, or trial. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Post-Case Options: Depending on the outcome, you may qualify for record clearing, appeals, or other relief.
Plea Deals, Diversion, and Case Dismissals in Newport Beach, CA
Many clients prefer dismissals or diversion if available. When the state’s evidence is strong, a plea deal to lesser charges can reduce exposure and avoid harsher outcomes. We evaluate leverage, file targeted motions, and negotiate from strength.
Acquittal vs. Dismissal in Newport Beach, CA—Why It Matters
Acquittal (“not guilty”): A jury—or a judge in a bench trial—finds you not guilty after a full contest on the evidence.
Dismissal: The case ends without a verdict because the prosecutor drops charges, the court grants a motion, or you complete diversion.
What shows on your record: Both avoid a conviction. After either, we advise on sealing/expungement and other relief where eligible.
Criminal Penalties | Felonies & Misdemeanors in Newport Beach, CA
California doesn’t use “classes” for felonies or misdemeanors. Sentences turn on the statute (often a low/mid/high triad), facts, priors, and any enhancements. Misdemeanors can mean county jail, fines, probation, classes/treatment, and collateral orders; felonies can mean state prison, fines, and supervision.
Potential Criminal Penalties
- Jail or prison time (county or state)
- Fines and penalty assessments
- Probation (summary or formal) with conditions
- Mandatory classes or treatment (e.g., DUI, anger management)
- Protective orders and stay-away conditions
- Community service or work programs
- Restitution to alleged victims
- License suspensions (driver’s or professional, where applicable)
- Firearm prohibitions and enhancements
- Strike implications and other enhancements
- Registration duties in qualifying cases
Beyond jail and fines, convictions can affect licenses, immigration status, employment, housing, and reputation. We work to reduce charges, limit enhancements, and pursue alternatives to conviction or custody whenever possible.
What You Should Know about Facing Criminal Charges in Newport Beach
California is tough on crime, and Newport Beach is no exception. If you are charged with a crime, you can be sure that law enforcement officials and prosecutors are doing everything in their power to obtain a conviction and punish you to the full extent of California laws. Depending on the specific crime or crimes you are charged with, you could be facing years in prison, extreme fines, the loss of professional certifications and licenses, and restrictions on your rights, for instance, not being able to vote or own a firearm.
Don’t think that the consequences stop there either. Such a conviction may mean losing your job, your business, or your clients. It can break apart your family now or in the future. It can even destroy your reputation and your capacity to live a normal life – long after you’ve paid your debt to society.
Many people facing criminal charges don’t think they are worth fighting unless they are serious charges. This is a big mistake as even misdemeanor charges and convictions can have significant negative consequences that make your life and the lives of your loved ones more difficult. You should also note that if you ever find yourself on the wrong side of the law again, having a previous conviction, no matter how minor, will likely mean being assigned additional penalties under California’s laws.
Mistakes to Avoid When Facing Criminal Charges
No matter what type of criminal charges you face or whether you’ve been arrested or not, there are several mistakes you need to avoid. Making these mistakes will only make the outcome of your charges worse. Don’t make these disastrous mistakes:
- Talking when you are arrested or to law enforcement: It’s your right to remain silent; for your protection, you should exercise this right. It’s common for people to become nervous when they’re arrested. They often worry that remaining silent will be viewed as an admission of guilt. However, when you answer questions without obtaining legal counsel, you give the police evidence they can use against you. Even what might seem like entirely innocent statements can and will be turned against you.
- Resisting arrest: Any form of resistance when you are being arrested won’t work in your favor. Talking back to a law enforcement officer, attempting to flee, or even failing to show up in court, won’t help. Do your best to stay calm. Then work on clearing your name and addressing the charges with the help of a qualified Newport Beach criminal defense attorney.
- Assuming your innocence will set you free: You may not have committed a crime, but unfortunately, that doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be found guilty. Even if you know the charges against you have no factual basis, take the matter seriously.
- Talking about the case with anyone: Making comments about your charges or discussing your case on social media or with your friends can be a huge problem. Various people in your life may be required to act as witnesses at your trial. No matter how innocent it might seem, anything you share with them may end up hurting your case.
- Not hiring your own Newport Beach criminal defense attorney: The sooner you hire a Newport Beach criminal lawyer, the sooner they can help you avoid these mistakes and many others. This increases the chances of a better outcome for your charges.
Talk to a Newport Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you’re facing criminal charges in or around Newport Beach, the decisions you make now matter. Our team has decades of experience defending clients in cases from misdemeanors to serious felonies. We’re ready to step in, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome—whether that means dismissal, diversion, a favorable deal, or trial.
Your consultation is free and confidential. Call us 24/7 at (949) 891-0102 or contact us online for more information about criminal defense in Newport Beach, CA.
Helpful Newport Beach, CA Criminal Defense Resources
Newport Beach Police Department
(949) 644-3681
Harbor Justice Center (Criminal Court)
4601 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660
(657) 622-5400
Crime in Newport Beach
Use the NBPD crime stats and mapping tools to view current reports and trends by neighborhood.
