Jo-Anna Nieves
Founding Attorney
Martinez Criminal Defense Lawyer
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While some criminal offenses are more severe than others, all criminal convictions have the potential to derail your personal and professional life. A criminal conviction may result in the loss of your job, family, and freedom, depending on the severity of the offense. If you are facing a criminal charge, you may benefit from consulting with a Martinez criminal lawyer about your case.
From low-level traffic offenses to major felonies, you likely will need a legal advocate to protect your rights and represent your interests. The consequences of a criminal conviction can be harsh and have a damaging effect on your future. By getting the help of a defense attorney, you may be better situated to fight back against your criminal charges effectively. En Español
All criminal offenses fall into one of three categories under state law: infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies. Infractions are the least serious offenses for which individuals can receive only fines and community service instead of jail time. Some common examples are speeding tickets and other minor traffic violations.
Misdemeanor offenses are more severe than infractions, but not as severe as felonies. A misdemeanor offense carries the potential for up to one year in the county jail and a maximum $1,000 fine. Disorderly conduct, trespassing, and vandalism all are examples of misdemeanor offenses.
Crimes classified as felonies are the most serious of all criminal offenses. Murder, rape, and robbery all are felony charges that can result in steep fines and prison sentences ranging from 16 months to life. A criminal attorney in Martinez may be able to build a strong defense, regardless of the level of the charges that individuals are facing.
Prosecutors can charge various crimes under state law as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the situation. These offenses are often known as “wobblers.” Some relevant factors involved in this determination include the severity of the crime, the extent of the injuries to any alleged victims, and the previous criminal record of the accused persons.
Some typical examples of crimes that are wobblers under state law include:
Other wobblers include statutory rape, domestic violence crimes, and assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm. Individuals can face a broad range of penalties for these crimes, depending on how prosecutors charge them. An experienced criminal defense lawyer in Martinez understands that crimes that qualify as wobblers may give individuals room to seek reduced charged based on mitigating circumstances in their cases.
State law lists hundreds of different criminal offenses, but some occur much more often than others. Low-level misdemeanors are more common crimes than murder, for instance, but plenty of serious felony offenses do occur regularly throughout the state. For example, alcohol-related offenses are typical, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), public intoxication, and possession of alcohol by minors.
Other common crimes deal with property and bodily harm or threats of harm to others. Property crimes include trespassing, vandalism, and theft. Crimes against people may consist of assault and battery, sex offenses, and domestic violence crimes.
Engaging the services of a Martinez criminal lawyer could be the most effective mechanism for positively resolving your case. Without the legal advice that you need, you may experience harsh consequences that impact various aspects of your life well into the future.
Immediately contacting legal counsel can be the best way to protect your rights and build your defense. To schedule your first consultation, call now.
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.
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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
