Fremont

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Having criminal charges against you could have devastating impacts on your future. The consequences of a criminal conviction could be even more severe if you have prior convictions. Along with the significant jail sentences and substantial fines, your employment, access to education and public benefits, right to own a firearm, and access to housing or loans could be adversely impacted following an arrest or conviction.

If you are charged with a criminal offense, there is a lot at stake.  Make sure that your legal rights are protected by a skilled criminal defense attorney. A knowledgeable Fremont criminal defense lawyer could help make the difference in securing a favorable outcome with reduced penalties or even a dismissal or a “not guilty” verdict. There are countless ways that a criminal case can resolve from various alternative pleas and negotiated dispositions to collaborative courts or diversion programs that can impact the penalties associated with a conviction.

An experienced defense attorney can guide you through the negotiation process and the litigation process to help you determine if a plea or trial is better in your case.  It is also possible that a seasoned criminal defense lawyer can investigate the case to the point that evidentiary weaknesses unfold and the case gets dismissed.  Every case is unique and different, the strength of the defense depends on various factors, communication between the defense attorney and the client, and inspection of the evidence. Hiring a skilled lawyer can help you get a jumpstart on mounting your defense or compiling mitigating evidence for the District Attorney and the court’s consideration. En Español

Understanding the Court

State and federal courts all have their own standard procedures and local rules. Even individual judges have their own rules for how they operate their departments, how they want documents prepared and submitted, and how they accept evidence that has been submitted. It is crucial to have a legal professional who understands the local rules and the way judges operate from courthouse to courthouse.  While some of the differences between courts might be minor, even minor rules could cause significant issues if not followed correctly.

Retaining the services of a local Fremont criminal defense lawyer can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case, as they understand the significant interactions that occur with the parties involved at these courts, including the judges, prosecutors, other attorneys, investigators, and other court staff. Developing trusting relationships with the people that make the decisions throughout an investigation and criminal case could be the difference in securing a favorable outcome.

Types of Cases Handled by a Criminal Defense Lawyer

When it comes to criminal law, there are many categories of offenses that could be charged against an individual. A criminal defense attorney in Fremont understands the elements of each of the types of offenses that a defendant might face. Some of the common categories of criminal charges under state law include:

• Driving under the influence (DUI) charges, including DUI for alcohol under California Vehicle Code 23152(a), DUI for alcohol with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or greater under Cal. Veh. Code 23152(b), DUI for drugs under Cal. Veh. Code 23152(f), DUI with Injury Cal. Veh. Code 23152(a) and 23152(b).  A DUI with Injury (VC 23153(a) or VC23153(b)) can be charged as a felony depending on the extent of the injuries.
• Violent crime charges, including homicide under California Penal Code § 187, kidnapping under PC §207 and PC §209, mayhem under PC §203, robbery under Cal. Pen. Code § 211, and assault with a deadly weapon under Cal. Pen. Code § 245
• Sex crimes charges, including rape under Cal. Pen. Code § 261, statutory rape under Cal. Pen. Code § 261.5, child molestation under PC §647.6, indecent exposure under PC §314, and lewd acts with a minor under Cal. Pen. Code § 288
• Financial crime charges, including embezzlement under Cal. Pen. Code §424, grand theft under Cal. Pen. Code § 487, receiving stolen property under PC §496, and petty theft under Cal. Pen. Code § 484
• Domestic violence charges, including domestic battery under Cal. Pen. Code § 243(e)(1), corporal injury under PC §273.5, child endangerment under Cal. Pen. Code § 273(a), and stalking under Cal. Pen. Code § 646.9
• Drug crimes charges, including possession of a controlled substance under California Health & Safety Code § 11350, possession for sale under Cal. HSC § 11351, and sale or transportation of a controlled substance under Cal. HSC § 11352

This is not an exhaustive list of the many crimes that exist in the various codes that an individual can be accused of. Each type of criminal charge requires different elements that the state prosecutors must establish beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a guilty verdict against an individual. Each crime also has various penalties associated with them depending on whether the offense is charged as a misdemeanor or felony, if they are strike offenses, require sex offender registration, require relinquishment of gun rights, or have higher restitution and fine requirements.

Various crimes require time in state prison or county jail, can result in probation or parole, and can have additional terms such as search clauses, stay aways and no contacts, counseling, treatment, or other terms and conditions that are negotiated or imposed by a court at sentencing.

A seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Fremont understands the many types of criminal offenses under state law and could help build a strong defense in your case.

Speak with a Fremont Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Criminal investigations and charges can be overwhelming for many individuals, especially those that have never dealt with the criminal justice system. An experienced Fremont criminal defense lawyer could help investigate the case against you and fight by your side to secure a favorable result. An attorney should be contacted soon after an investigation starts or charges are filed, so there is sufficient time to put together a strong defense for your case. Call today to get started.