Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Alameda

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Alameda, California?

  The non-emergency number for the Alameda Police Department is 510-337-8340.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Alameda, California?

  A police report is available from the Alameda County Sheriff's Office. Fill out the Paper Form and send it back using ONE of the following approaches to request a police report by emailing it to ACSORecords@acgov.org, sending it via fax to 510-667-3970, or mailing it to 2000 - 150th Avenue San Leandro, CA 94578.

• Why should you retain an Alameda Criminal Defense Attorney?

  A Criminal Defense Attorney knows the Judicial System. It is recommended that you hire a local criminal defense attorney when you have been charged with a crime in Alameda since they are familiar with the judicial system. The legal system is perplexing, even for those who work in it daily.

• Can your Alameda criminal defense attorney contest a conviction?

  Yes. Your Alameda criminal defense attorney will need to file a motion with an appellate court claiming that a legal error affected the outcome of the case to appeal your conviction. The appellate judges will examine the original court record to determine the veracity of your claim. If the judges determine that prejudice had an impact on your case, they may remand it to the lower court. If the appeal is denied, the conviction will remain in place.

• What can your criminal defense attorney do if you need to drive to work while you are facing DUI charges in Alameda?

  In some cases, driving privileges may be granted to enable you to commute to your workplace. If this is the case, a provisional license will be issued to you. You must follow these rules, or your driver's license will be revoked. Following a DMV hearing, your Alameda criminal defense attorney can assist you in obtaining a provisional license.

• Why should you hire a criminal defense attorney in Alameda if you have been charged with DUI?

  If arrested for DUI in Alameda, it is advisable to retain legal representation. A criminal defense attorney typically has years of experience handling DUI cases and is well-versed in the law. As a result, they can be invaluable assets when fighting your charge. When arrested for DUI, the repercussions can be severe. With the assistance of your attorney, you can avoid losing your license, paying expensive fines, and going to jail.

• How can your criminal defense attorney in Alameda assist you in expunging your felony record?

  Your criminal defense attorney can expunge your felony record. It may be possible for you to expunge a felony or misdemeanor conviction if you completed probation and either served prison time in state prison or would have been sent to county jail under the Realignment of Proposition 47. The federal courts will expunge your felony record if you were wrongfully convicted or arrested or if there was a clerical error.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.