Tag: los angeles criminal defense attorney

How to Choose the Best Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney?

When facing criminal charges, people confront the task of choosing the best Los Angeles criminal defense attorney. Choosing a skilled criminal defense lawyer to ensure the most favorable outcome in your case may seem like a daunting task.

When you type “a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer near me” in Google and press enter, you will see hundreds of law firms and attorneys promising you everything under the sun.

However, not all criminal defense attorneys are created equal, which is why it is essential to understand how to choose the best criminal defense lawyer for your specific situation.

At The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our top-rated and award-winning attorneys have over 50 years of courtroom experience. Our criminal defense lawyers are dedicated to providing every client with a robust defense against their charges. You can schedule a free consultation to discuss your case by calling 800-755-5174.

Tips on How to Choose the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles

Defending yourself against criminal charges is a complicated and unpredictable process, which is why the choice of a criminal defense attorney will be a deciding factor in your case.

Finding the right attorney for your unique situation can be quite time-consuming and anxiety-inducing. That’s why we have prepared a list of tips on how to choose the best Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what to look for in an attorney.

    1. Your criminal defense attorney should be responsive
      Communication between an attorney and client is key to success in criminal defense cases. For this reason, you need to find a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles who responds quickly.You can check how responsive your prospective attorney is by seeing how quickly they return your phone call and whether they are ready to arrange a meeting within 24 hours of your call.
    2. Your attorney should practice criminal law and have experience in handling cases similar to yours
      This may seem obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning. When looking for a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, you need to make sure that the lawyer:

      1. Practices criminal law in California;
      2. Serves your area; and
      3. Has extensive experience in handling cases similar to yours.

      At The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our offices are conveniently located all across California, including in Los Angeles. Our best criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles handle all types of criminal offenses, including:

      • Violent crimes
      • DUI/DWI
      • Sex crimes
      • Theft
      • Drug crimes
      • Murder
    3. Your attorney should have experience in your local courts
      Criminal defense attorneys establish connections and relationships with local judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement. Those connections can have a major impact on the outcome of a client’s case.
      The best criminal defense attorney knows local judges and prosecutors and understands how they think to help clients create a winning strategy. Our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley are respected by local law enforcement, judges, and prosecutors and have a solid reputation for our ability to provide clients with effective legal representation.

 

    1. Your attorney should have a transparent fee structure
      Respectable and reliable law firms have a transparent fee structure and will never overcharge you for their legal services. When you hire the best Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, you will not have to worry about unreasonable attorney fees or hidden costs. A knowledgeable attorney will be able to estimate the total cost of your legal representation after learning the details about your case.

 

  1. You should be comfortable with your Los Angeles criminal defense attorney
    Last but not least, you should be personally comfortable with your attorney to achieve a favorable outcome in your case. An effective attorney-client relationship is always based on mutual trust and honesty. A skilled criminal defense lawyer will always strive to maintain continuous communication with his clients to ensure the best legal representation for the clients.
    Ask yourself these questions to find out how comfortable you are with your attorney:

    • Can I openly discuss all the details of my case with my attorney?
    • Do I trust my freedom to my attorney?
    • Is my attorney willing to do whatever it takes to defend me?
    • Is my attorney compassionate and a good listener?

What Questions Should I Ask My Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you have narrowed down the list of potential criminal defense attorneys, the next step is interviewing your prospective lawyer. It is essential to conduct an interview to learn more about the lawyer’s background, experience, fee structure and ensure that you are hiring the right attorney for your specific case.

Ask your Los Angeles criminal defense attorney the following questions:

  1. Do you practice criminal law in Los Angeles and California?
  2. How long have you practiced criminal law in Los Angeles?
  3. Have you ever represented clients who faced the charges I’m facing?
  4. How many similar cases have you won?
  5. How many years of courtroom experience do you have?
  6. Do you have any established connections and relationships with local judges and prosecutors?
  7. How often do you take criminal cases to trial?
  8. How would you handle my case if I hired you?
  9. Should I take my case to trial?
  10. Does it make sense to plead guilty in my case?
  11. What are the potential defense strategies in my case?
  12. Can you identify weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case?
  13. Who will work on my case, you or other attorneys in your law firm?
  14. How often will we communicate?
  15. How long do you need to return my calls or respond to my emails?
  16. What is your fee structure? Do you charge per hour or have a fixed rate?
  17. Do I need to pay anything upfront?
  18. Can you estimate how much you would charge me if I hired you?

Call Us Today to Speak with a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles

Our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley are prepared to answer all of your questions during a free consultation to help you decide how to proceed with your case.

Schedule a free case review by calling 800-755-5174 or visiting our contact us page.

California Criminal Law Update: 2021 Edition

Criminal justice reforms are long overdue in California. While 2021 brought several major criminal justice reforms in California, those changes do not solve all the issues with the state’s criminal justice system.

It is critical to consult with a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to understand how the most recent reforms to California’s criminal justice system could affect you and your family members.

The experienced and dedicated criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley have effectively represented thousands of clients in Los Angeles and throughout California.

Our founding attorney, David S. Chesley, is widely regarded and respected in California for his professionalism and pursuit of justice for all clients. If you or your loved one is facing criminal charges, do not hesitate to speak with our criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles. Note: We offer a free consultation (call 800-755-5174 today).

    Major Changes to California Criminal Law in 2021

    Key reforms to California’s criminal justice system that took effect on January 1, 2021, include:

  • California’s new sex offender registration system. Senate Bill 384 implemented a new registration system for sex offenders. California transitioned from a lifetime-based registration system to a three-tier system. Under the new system, three tiers of registration are established for 10 years, 20 years, and 30 years. The measure is said to reduce the number of individuals required to register as sex offenders for life by up to 90%.
  • California Racial Justice Act. Assembly Bill 2524 allows people convicted of a criminal offense to challenge racial bias in their case in order to pursue re-sentencing or a new trial. However, proving that you have been a victim of racial bias in your criminal case can be tricky, which is why it is advised to get legal help from a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney.
  • A judge’s discretion to grant misdemeanor diversion. Assembly Bill 3234 authorizes superior court judges in California to offer misdemeanor diversion to defendants. A diverted case can be continued for no longer than 24 months. If the defendant complies with all of the terms and conditions, the arrest upon which the diversion was imposed can be erased from the defendant’s criminal record. Offenses that are not eligible for dismissal include domestic violence, registerable sex crimes, and stalking.
  • Limited maximum terms for probation. Assembly Bill 1950 reduced the maximum probation term for misdemeanors from three to one year. The new criminal law also reduced maximum probation for most felony offenses to two years.

If you are not sure how the new criminal laws could affect you or your loved ones, schedule a free consultation with our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley.

Why Should You Hire a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you or your family member has been charged with a crime in Los Angeles or elsewhere in California, it is in your best interests to speak with a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to fight for your rights and freedom.

Many people underestimate the importance of having a knowledgeable attorney on their side when defending themselves against criminal charges. That’s why we have compiled a list of reasons why you should hire a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles:

  1. They know how the criminal justice system works
    An experienced lawyer knows the criminal justice system like the back of his hand. Criminal defense attorneys understand what defense strategies can be used to help you avoid a conviction or get the charges dismissed or reduced.
  2. They understand all legal procedures
    Defending yourself against a criminal charge is not just about standing in front of a judge and trying to prove that you are innocent. Fighting back against any criminal charge also involves a lot of paperwork and preparation, not to mention that you must stick to strict deadlines. Your Los Angeles criminal defense attorney is well-versed with all legal procedures and will take care of filling out court documents, gathering paperwork, and collecting evidence on your behalf.
  3. They can identify weaknesses and contradictory statements
    An experienced criminal defense attorney can point out weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case and identify contradictory statements in police records and witness testimonies to suppress evidence against you or get the charges dropped or dismissed.
  4. They have access to expert witnesses and professionals
    Often, defendants require the assistance of expert witnesses and other professionals to prove their case. Here at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our authoritative criminal defense lawyers have established access to a vast network of experts and professionals throughout California.
  5. They can get the best settlement or plea deal for you
    In some cases, accepting a settlement or plea bargain is your best choice to reduce the penalties. However, it is vital to speak with a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney to understand your options and ensure that you are getting a fair settlement or plea deal.
  6. They can help you reduce the criminal penalties
    The consequences of a criminal conviction can be quite harsh, which is why it is essential to hire a skilled lawyer to fight for the reduction of fines, jail or prison sentences, and other penalties. Your attorney will do whatever it takes to persuade the prosecutor to dismiss criminal charges. If that is not possible in your case, your attorney can help you get a lowered or alternative sentence.

If you or your loved one is facing criminal charges, the best thing you can do to protect your interests and freedom is to contact a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles. Our compassionate and results-driven criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley offer a free consultation to advise you on your options.

The sooner you reach out to a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, the better chance you have at successfully defending yourself against the charges and avoiding a conviction. Schedule a consultation to discuss your particular case and determine the best defense strategy in your specific situation. Contact us online or call 800-755-5174 for a free case evaluation.