Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Baldwin Park

FAQs

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

  You can call 626-960-1955 for non-emergency situations in Baldwin Park, California.

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

  A copy of a police report may be obtained from policereports.us. Non-residents will be charged $55 plus a $10 processing fee.

• What is the criminal statute of limitations in Baldwin Park, California?

  In Baldwin Park, California, the criminal statute of limitations is one year for misdemeanors and three years for felonies. Prosecutors have more time to file charges in more serious situations. And there is no statute of limitations for the most heinous crimes, such as rape and murder. Furthermore, there is no time restriction for offenses punishable by death or life in prison.

• How should you talk to your Baldwin Park criminal defense lawyer?

  If you have been charged with a crime in Baldwin, California, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible and be as honest as possible about the facts of the case. When your attorney is aware of the details, he or she can better defend you, help dismiss your case, or reduce your sentence.

• What questions should you ask your Baldwin Park criminal defense attorney?

  You should ask a Baldwin Park criminal defense attorney about your legal options and the possible results of the case.  If you don't understand what your attorney says or explains to you, ask questions. You may also be interested in learning what types of information and documentation the lawyer might need from you, the types of cases successfully handled, and the general timeline by which certain cases move.

• What strategies can Baldwin Park criminal defense lawyers use?

  Depending on the facts of the case, the most frequent criminal defense strategies that Baldwin Park attorneys might utilize include innocence, self-defense, constitutional violations, and insanity. Your attorney can look for witnesses to testify and assist in the discovery of potential evidence that could prove your innocence or indicate your inability to conduct the crime. A breach of the Constitution can often result in the charges being dismissed entirely or lead the prosecution to accept a particular plea bargain for a less serious penalty.

• What are some serious cases that Baldwin Park criminal defense attorneys handle?

  Homicide, murder, manslaughter, assault, and juvenile crimes are some of the most serious cases Baldwin Park criminal defense lawyers handle. In addition, they handle cases like DUI, rape, robbery, kidnapping, and white-collar crimes. If you have been charged with any of these offenses, it is advisable to contact a Baldwin Park criminal defense attorney who can protect your legal rights and help you win your case.

• 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.