Moreno Valley Criminal Defense Lawyer

Moreno Valley Criminal Defense Attorney

Being accused or charged with committing a crime can be overwhelming. There are so many things to do, such as completing legal paperwork, showing up in court, gathering evidence to defend yourself, and so much more. If you are not accustomed to dealing with such intricate legal processes, it can be difficult to know which steps to take. If you are in such a situation, a Moreno Valley criminal defense lawyer can help.

The seasoned attorneys at Brown & Stedman LLP have decades of experience successfully representing clients with their criminal defense cases. We are dedicated to helping our clients achieve a positive outcome with their legal matters.

Criminal Cases

There is a wide array of criminal charges that a person may face, and some could be facing more than one. The California legal system is complex, and it can be difficult for someone to truly understand what they are being accused of and how they may go about building a proper defense. Some areas an attorney could help include:

• DWI/DUI charges. Driving while under the influence or while intoxicated is a crime and can result in serious ramifications to your career and personal life if you are found guilty.
• Theft charges. Theft charges can range from small issues to more serious ones. A conviction could have a serious impact on your personal life.
• Assault charges. This is a broad term referring to any type of illegal physical altercation.
• Drug charges. Depending on the type of drug and activity that is involved in such a charge, you could face different outcomes.
• Weapon and firearm charges. It is important to know the laws concerning firearms; breaking them can result in serious punishments.

Felonies vs. Misdemeanors

Criminal cases can be divided into two main groups: felonies and misdemeanors. A criminal defense attorney can defend you on both levels.

Felonies are more serious crimes than misdemeanors and are punishable by time in prison or fines. They carry long-term consequences that will affect both your professional and personal life in serious ways. Conviction of a felony can severely affect your ability to hold certain jobs, obtain loans, rent certain apartments or spaces, and more.

Some examples of felonies include

• Murder
• Homicide
• Manslaughter
• Rape
• Kidnapping
• Drug possession and distribution
• Auto theft
• Perjury

Misdemeanors are less serious offenses but can still have life-changing ramifications. If you are facing a misdemeanor charge, it is still important to seek legal counsel. Being charged with a misdemeanor can result in time in jail, fines, and restrictions following your release from jail or payment of fines.

Examples of misdemeanors include:

• DWI/DUI
• Shoplifting
• Public intoxication
• Prostitution
• Reckless driving
• Disturbing the peace
• Indecent exposure
• Domestic assault

Things to Remember If You are Accused In Moreno Valley

One of the great benefits of living in the United States is that as a citizen, you have certain rights and protections legally set in place to safeguard you from being unjustly punished for breaking the law or being accused of something you did not do. Some things to keep in mind if you or a loved one have been accused are:

• You are considered innocent until proven guilty, beyond a reasonable doubt.
• You have the right to remain silent. Things that you say could be used by a prosecutor or other witness against you in court.
• If you are arrested, you have the right to an attorney.
• You should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the extent of your rights and what your next steps should be.

Just because you have been accused of a crime does not mean you will be convicted. There is a lengthy legal process that must take place for someone to be charged. There must be factual evidence presented that proves your guilt. If you are guilty, a lawyer can still work with you to ensure the consequences are fitting and are even lessened if you so deserve.

Getting Your Charges Dismissed

While it is not possible in all situations for your charges to be dismissed, it is a goal that a lawyer can work towards on your behalf. The ability of a lawyer to get your charges dismissed will depend heavily upon the type and amount of evidence presented against you. If there are solid factual pieces of evidence that prove your guilt, it can be difficult to obtain a dismissal. However, part of what a lawyer can do is find discrepancies in the evidence presented.

Even if the evidence against you is solid, that does not mean that all hope is lost. A lawyer who is experienced in criminal defense cases can work to find ways to lessen your sentencing. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as focusing on a lack of harmful intent or finding another way to reason with a judge or jury as to why you may not deserve the full punishment.

How A Moreno Valley Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

While you are not required to have an attorney represent you in court, there are many reasons why you should. An attorney in Moreno Valley, CA can be of assistance in many ways, even extending beyond the courtroom. Some things an attorney can do include:

• Investigating your case and gathering evidence that may help cast doubt on your guilt or even prove your innocence.
• Fighting on your behalf to reduce your bond so that you may await your trial from home rather than from a jail cell.
• Ensuring that your rights are protected and that no illegal actions are being taken against you by law enforcement or other legal personnel.
• Counseling you according to what steps would be helpful for you to take.
• Representing you in a trial in front of a judge and jury and crafting a strong defense.
• Reasoning with the judge and/or jury in an effort to reduce your sentencing, jail time, fines, and more.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in California?

A: There is no standard fee or rate that all criminal lawyers in California charge. This is due to many factors, including the fact that each case is different and will require a unique amount of time and attention, as well as the fact that some lawyers choose to charge by the hour while others charge a flat fee, while some use a combination of both of these methods.

Q: What Is the Difference Between a Lawyer and an Attorney in California?

A: While sometimes the terms “lawyer” and “attorney” are used interchangeably, they are two distinct terms. An attorney is someone who has completed law school and passed the bar exam, meaning they are able to give legal advice and represent clients in court. Lawyers are individuals who have graduated from law school but have not yet passed the bar exam. Lawyers do not have the licensing by the state to actually practice law.

Q: How Do I Defend Against Criminal Charges in California?

A: The first step to defend against criminal charges in California is to enlist the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. They will craft a robust defense tailored to your needs and the details of your case. Your attorney may attempt to cast doubt about the credibility of a witness or the prosecution’s evidence. They might also discover civil rights violations during your arrest. There may be various defenses available depending on the circumstances involved.

Q:  Am I Required to Hire a Defense Attorney in California?

A: While the state of California does not legally require you to hire a defense attorney, it can be very helpful to have such legal counsel on your side. There are many complexities that come with taking on a criminal case, many of which can be difficult to understand for someone who does not practice law. A lawyer can guide you in which steps to take, represent you in court, help gather evidence that helps your case and more.

Reach Out to a Moreno Valley Criminal Defense Attorney at Brown & Stedman LLP

Being accused of a serious crime can be a scary situation to be in. It can be challenging to go through. Anyone in this situation should contact an experienced attorney for help.

If you or a loved one have been accused of or charged with committing a crime, know that you are not alone. At Brown & Stedman LLP, we have extensive experience in handling criminal defense cases.

We understand that battling such a case can be confusing and overwhelming. This is why we are here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help and find answers to your questions.

With our legal team on your side, you can trust that you are getting the quality legal representation you need. The sooner you engage our team, the better your chances are for a successful outcome to your case.