Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Napa

FAQs

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

  The Napa Police Department has a non-emergency dispatch line that can be reached at 707-257-9223.

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

  To obtain police reports for your case, you must call (707) 257-9573 to schedule an appointment with the Police Records Bureau.

• How do you get a Napa public defender to represent you?

  If you are accused of a crime in Napa and cannot afford to hire an attorney, the judge will ask if you would like a public defender to be appointed to your case. You will need to complete a financial evaluation form and get in touch with the Napa County Public Defender’s Office to determine if you qualify for its services.

• Under what circumstances can a Napa felony get dismissed?

  A felony charge can be dismissed when the defendant decides to settle instead of taking the case to court. A defendant may be offered a plea bargain to gain a lighter sentence or plead guilty to a lesser offense. A Napa case dismissal also hinges on the defense lawyer’s strategies, such as filing a motion to dismiss evidence that was improperly obtained by the police.

• Can you represent yourself in a Napa criminal case?

  Technically, yes. You have the right to represent yourself if you are facing criminal charges. However, this comes with disadvantages. You may end up acting in a way that jeopardizes the outcome of your case. Hiring a criminal defense attorney, who knows how Napa courts work, will allow you to make sound decisions. Your lawyer will also review your case and work to get a reduction or dismissal of your charges.

• You were charged with a DUI offense in Napa. What’s next?

  The first thing you must deal with is the potential suspension of your driver’s license, which comes with your arrest. After a Napa police officer confiscates your license and replaces it with a temporary one, you need to contact the DMV within 10 days to set a hearing and make an appeal. Otherwise, your license could get revoked for four months when your 30-day temporary license period ends.

• Why should you avoid being a repeat offender in Napa?

  The Three Strike Law, which applies to certain felonies in Napa and across California, states that individuals on their third “strike” will be sentenced to at least 25 years of imprisonment. This sentence can be extended to life imprisonment. Note that strikes are counted per charge, not per case—you may receive two strikes for a single criminal case, so you must be wary of getting a third one.

• 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.