Concord

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Allegations of criminal activity are serious, and if you are facing criminal charges you should understand just how far-reaching a criminal conviction can be. Not only can a conviction be punished by incarceration and fines, but you may also be subject to other direct and indirect consequences. For example, if you are convicted of a felony you lose your right to own a firearm, you can face serious immigration consequences, it can impact your court proceedings in related family law matters, and you could even lose your right to practice certain trades or professions. Even misdemeanors, especially crimes involving moral turpitude, can have a negative impact on your job and education prospects and even affect your ability to get a professional license.

Our team of Concord criminal defense attorneys at The Nieves Law Firm understand how severe the penalties of a criminal conviction are. Our experienced defense attorneys understand that they can impact you long after your case is closed, and even after you are finished serving your sentence. Our goal is to provide you with a legal solution that allows you to plan for a better future. To learn more about how we can help you with your criminal allegations, contact our team to schedule a free consultation.

Types of Criminal Offenses

Criminal offenses are broken down into three different categories based on the nature of the crime. Crimes can either be infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies.

Infractions

The least serious type of offense, these often result in small fines. Common types of infractions include traffic violations and speeding tickets.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are more severe than infractions but less severe than felonies. They are often punished by up to a maximum of one year in a county jail, typically a max fine of $1,000 (although this can be higher for certain offenses – i.e. Penal Code 273.5(a) which has a maximum fine of $6000), and usually a probation term of 1-3 years depending on the offense. While these are less severe than felonies, they can still cause a number of problems if you are convicted. Some common examples of misdemeanors include resisting arrest, DUI, hit and run, and prostitution.

Felonies

The most severe level of offenses, felonies can be punished with lengthy prison sentences, large fines, and formal supervised release like parole, post-release community supervision (PRCS), or probation. On top of that, individuals convicted of a felony lose many rights like their right to own a firearm or serve on a jury. They may have to disclose their conviction on housing and funding applications. They can face severe immigration consequences and be exposed to difficulties in the hiring process if employers believe their convictions have a nexus to their desired position. Examples of felonies in Concord include attempted murder, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and many sex crimes.

While the penalties associated with an infraction are rarely severe enough to warrant a criminal defense attorney, both misdemeanors and felonies convictions can be life-altering. If you are facing a misdemeanor or felony, you should consult with a Concord criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. They could build a defense to your charges and work to get a favorable outcome in your case.

At The Nieves Law Firm, our attorneys have ample experience defending clients accused of both felonies and misdemeanors. Contact a Concord criminal defense attorney on our team today to schedule a free consultation.

The Stages of the Criminal Process

The defense strategy your attorney will use in your case largely depends on where you are at in the criminal process. We typically consider that you are in one of three categories in the criminal process. Individuals can be in the precharging stage, the active case stage, and the post-conviction stage. Regardless of what stage you’re in, a Concord criminal defense lawyer on our team can help.

Precharging

This is the stage in the criminal process before charges are officially filed. At this stage in the process, a defense attorney could help you deal with law enforcement questioning, obtain documentation and evidence on your behalf, and present a no file pitch to the prosecution before charges are filed. Hiring an attorney this early in the process allows them to begin building a defense for you as early as possible and allows them to be with you during interviews with law enforcement to ensure you don’t make any incriminating statements.

Criminal Charges Filed (Active Case)

During this stage, charges have officially been filed against you and you are given a court date. This is the most common stage in the process to bring in an attorney, and doing so can be very beneficial as a criminal defense attorney in Concord can look at the facts of your case and build an effective defense strategy, reach a resolution, or take the case to trial.

Post-Conviction Relief

After the conclusion of your case, you may still be dealing with the harsh consequences of a conviction. At this stage, a lawyer on our team can work with you to get relief from your conviction. Common examples of relief include expungements, motions to vacate, writs of error coram nobis, and certificates of rehabilitation. A relatively niche category of law, The Nieves Law Firm has been successful pursuing many different forms of post-conviction relief on behalf of clients.

No matter where you are in the criminal process, it is important that you consult with an experienced Concord criminal defense attorney for help. Contact The Nieves Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.

Contact an Experienced Concord Attorney

Criminal convictions can be devastating, and a conviction can haunt you long after the conclusion of your case. If you find yourself caught up in the California criminal justice system, we’re here to help. Contact The Nieves Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.