Learning you are under investigation for a crime or having been arrested for a crime are among the most stressful events a person could experience in their lifetime. Having an aggressive attorney at your side could make a big difference in how your case resolves. Regardless of the allegations against you, a Contra Costa County criminal defense lawyer could offer legal guidance and support.
This includes providing help from the earliest possible opportunity. Many defenses in these cases can center around the police’s investigation prior to an arrest or the question that occurs while in the custody of law enforcement. As a result, our attorneys are prepared to provide substantial assistance as soon as they take on a case to protect your rights and freedoms. This includes taking steps to safeguard your interests both in and out of court.
Everyone in the United States is entitled to certain protections under the law. They have the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty. They have the right to prompt access to an attorney and to refuse to answer questions. Police may not abuse or intimidate a suspect, and they may not subject them to unreasonable searches or seizure of their property.
Unfortunately, police might be over-zealous when investigating a crime or making an arrest. They could use intimidation to try to secure a false confession, or they might deprive an individual of his or her right to speak with an attorney. Police oftentimes search an individual without probable cause, engage in illegal surveillance, or even engage in physical abuse.
A criminal defense attorney in Contra Costa County could review an investigation and arrest, looking for evidence that the authorities infringed on a defendant’s constitutionally protected rights. If so, a motion to suppress illegally obtained evidence might be appropriate. In many cases, faced with such a motion, prosecutors might decline to move forward in the case, and the client is free to move on without the stain of a criminal charge.
A criminal attorney in Contra Costa County could investigate the situation that led to an arrest by reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and hearing the defendant’s story with an open mind. Such efforts could produce evidence that supports the defendant’s version of events or identify weaknesses in the police investigation or prosecution’s theory of the case.
Presenting new evidence to police and prosecutors could result in the police following the leads and catching the criminal responsible for the crime. In other cases, the new evidence might convince a prosecutor not to press charges or settle the matter for a lesser charge. Defense Investigators can be critical assets to the case who can help resolve discrepancies, establish alibis, research the credibility of witnesses and alleged victims, and gather documentary evidence of the surrounding circumstances or logistics of the crime.
In some cases, a prosecutor might not be willing to consider evidence of a defendant’s innocence. In that case, a defendant and his or her defense attorney might decide to go to trial to fight the charges.
In the criminal justice system, an accused person does not need to prove his or her innocence. Instead, the prosecutor must provide compelling evidence of guilt. A skilled legal professional could challenge the prosecutor’s evidence and witnesses to expose weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case and highlight the reasonable doubt for the jury. If available, a defense lawyer could use the evidence supporting the defendant’s story to establish doubt in the minds of the jury. If just one juror is unconvinced of a defendant’s guilt, the defendant must be found not guilty.
Every person accused of a crime has the right to choose whether they want to testify on their own behalf – they cannot be compelled to testify unless it is their choice to waive that right. It is a case by case analysis as to whether it is a good idea for a person accused of a crime to testify in their own matter. The decision to testify should be thoroughly discussed with the criminal defense attorney.
Criminal accusations on Contra Costa County criminal courts come in two main categories: misdemeanors and felonies. The main difference between these two kinds of cases is that a felony is any offense where a court may sentence a guilty party to more than one year in county jail. While it may appear that misdemeanor cases are no cause for great concern, convictions will create a criminal record and could force a person to spend time in jail up to one year.
A Contra Costa criminal attorney should be prepared to defend against any kind of criminal accusation that their client is charged with. For misdemeanor-level offenses this can include:
An attorney’s help is also powerful in cases that allege felonies. These can include:
Reaching out to an experienced defense attorney today could help people obtain immediate protection no matter the exact nature of the alleged crimes. Our lawyers strive to defeat the prosecutor’s case while limiting the potential penalties for all allegations of illegal acts.
If you were accused of a crime, or even if you are just under investigation, you might be experiencing significant anxiety and confusion. Knowing that a skilled and committed advocate is working to resolve the matter could be a comfort.
An attorney works to provide essential protection against any kind of criminal allegation. This includes misdemeanors where a conviction cannot result in more than one year in jail but will still create a criminal record and disrupt your life. Lawyers also help in situations where the prosecutor is pursuing a felony-level charge. Here, they work to defeat the charges at trial or exclude evidence that forces a prosecutor to reduce the severity of a case.
Contact a Contra Costa County criminal defense lawyer as soon as you realize that you might be in trouble—whether that is being told you are under investigation or when you are arrested. The sooner the authorities know you have a capable attorney working to get you justice, the more likely they are to respect your rights.
The Nieves Law Firm is dedicated to providing aggressive criminal defense representation to working professionals who have found themselves in trouble with the law. We show up to win, and we’re not afraid to fight aggressively to accomplish our client’s goals.
We understand that being accused of a crime can be a scary and confusing experience. That’s why we take the stress off our clients by handling the full scope of their legal situation from the initial consultation to the final outcome. Our bilingual attorneys and staff are here to ensure that our clients feel heard and understood every step of the way.
As one of the largest criminal defense teams in Oakland and the Greater Bay Area, we have the resources and experience to handle even the most complex cases. Our experienced team examines various aspects of your case and, perhaps most importantly, we genuinely care about our clients and their future. We take the time to learn about their goals and priorities so that we can achieve an outcome that allows them to move past their mistakes and focus on the future they want. When you work with us, you become part of our team.
Our skilled criminal defense attorneys have experience handling a wide range of criminal cases. With a deep understanding of the legal system and a track record of successful cases, our lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome in your case.
When facing a criminal charge, having dedicated and experienced attorneys on your side is critical. At The Nieves Law Firm, we understand the gravity of your situation, and our criminal defense attorneys provide unwavering support and legal guidance.
From the moment you reach out to us, we prioritize your well-being and legal interests. Our criminal lawyers are with you every step of the way, from arrest to hearings and beyond, to ensure that your rights are protected. Whether you’re facing charges related to DUI, drug offenses, assault, sex crimes or any other allegation, we have the knowledge and courtroom experience to fight vigorously on your behalf.
We believe in the power of collaboration and will actively involve you in the decision-making process, ensuring you are well-informed and empowered to make the best choices for your defense. Our goal is not only to navigate the legal complexities but also to provide you with the peace of mind and reassurance you deserve during this challenging time.
Give us a call or contact us online so we can schedule a meeting to discuss your legal needs.
Schedule a meeting with our intake coordinator so we can determine the best plan to solve your legal problems.
We work to resolve your legal problems so you can focus on what is most important
Successful Immigration-Safe Resentencing
Case Dismissed after Completion of Deferred Entry of Judgment
Case Dismissed after Completion of Drug Court
All Charges Dismissed and Property Ordered to be Returned to Client
Deferred Entry of Judgment
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed without Trial
Motion to Vacate Granted
Restraining Order Denied and Sealed
Both Cases Dismissed Prior to Trial
No Charges Filed
No Criminal Charges Filed & Detention
