Top Martinez, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Near You

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Martinez, CA Lawyers in Related Practice Areas

Domestic Violence, Drug Crime, Sex Crime

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Cities Near Martinez, CA

Oakland, Walnut Creek, Berkeley, Hayward, Pleasanton

Martinez Criminal Defense Information

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Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys In Martinez

Lead Counsel independently verifies Criminal Defense attorneys in Martinez and checks their standing with California bar associations.

Our Verification Process and Criteria
  • Ample Experience Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.
  • Good Standing Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
  • Annual Review Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
  • Client Commitment Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.

Find a Criminal Defense Attorney near Martinez

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Are You Facing Criminal Charges?

If you are being investigated for or have been accused of a crime, now is the time to seek out the legal help you need. No matter the crime, a Martinez criminal law attorney will be able to protect your legal rights.

Different Types of Criminal Charges

Criminal charges can range from minor infractions to misdemeanors and they can be as serious as felony or aggravated felony charges. No matter the charge, a person should be considered innocent until proven otherwise. Reading about criminal law and your rights can help you see the importance of a solid defense.

Each criminal charge carries with a potential punishment, which can include fines, probation and even jail time. The goal of a criminal defense lawyer will be to end up with the most favorable outcome possible for your particular situation.

What do criminal defense lawyers do?

A criminal defense lawyer will ensure that law enforcement respects your legal rights if they are investigating you or have arrested you. Your attorney will also conduct their own investigation to look for the best strategy to defend against your charges, including representing you at trial if necessary.

What makes a good criminal defense attorney?

A good criminal defense attorney knows the law and does not back down when police and prosecutors do not respect your rights or try to pressure you into taking a plea deal that is not in your best interest. You should also look for an attorney who has a long track record of success in cases like yours, including trial victories.

Should you accept a plea deal?

Police and prosecutors count on making defendants feel like they have no other option but to accept a plea deal, such as threatening to seek harsher punishment if you take your case to trial. You should only accept a plea deal after your attorney has taken a careful look at your case and the evidence for and against you. In some cases, a plea deal may be beneficial than taking your case to trial, but this is not a decision you should make on your own. It should be with someone who knows the law.

When should you ask for an attorney?

You should ask for an attorney as soon as you learn that you are under suspicion of committing a crime. If police are investigating you and “just want to ask you a couple of questions,” you should politely refuse and ask for a lawyer’s help. Also, if you are arrested, you should ask to contact a lawyer as soon as possible before answering any other questions. An attorney can speak to police and prosecutors on your behalf and make sure they respect your rights.

Best Time to Seek Legal Help

No matter what your legal issue may be, it is always best to seek legal help early in the process. An attorney can help secure what is likely to be the best possible outcome for your situation and avoid both unnecessary complications or errors.

What to Expect from an Initial Consultation

  • Seek to determine whether the attorney can represent you. There is no one-size-fits-all legal solution and it may turn out your needs are better served by an attorney in a different specialization.
  • It’s important to find a legal ally who is both competent in the law and someone you can trust to protect your interests.
  • Discuss how the practice’s billing works and discuss possible additional charges or fees that may arise during or after the resolution of your case.

An attorney consultation should provide you with enough information so that you can make an informed decision on whether to proceed with legal help.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

In general, how much an attorney costs will often depend on these four factors: billing method and pricing structure, type of legal work performed, law firm prestige, and attorney experience. Depending on the legal issue you are facing, an attorney may bill you by the hour, settle on a flat fee, or enter into a contingency fee agreement. The type of legal work you need help with will also play a role in cost incurred.

Common legal terms explained

Pro se – This Latin term refers to representing yourself in court instead of hiring professional legal counsel. Pro se representation can occur in either criminal or civil cases.

Statute – Refers to a law created by a legislative body. For example, the laws enacted by Congress are statutes.

Subject matter jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority to hear the claim based on the specific type of issue brought to the court. For example, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court only has subject matter jurisdiction over bankruptcy filings, therefore it does not have the authority to render binding judgment over other types of cases, such as divorce.

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