Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Oxnard

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Oxnard Police Department is 805-385-7740.

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

  You may obtain a copy of a police report at the Records Department of the Oxnard Police Department, located at 251 South “C” Street. For further assistance, call (805) 385-7600.

• How does the Three Strikes Law work in Oxnard?

  Oxnard follows California’s Three Strikes Law, which is a sentencing statute that is intended to penalize repeat criminal offenders. Typically, the crimes that qualify for a “strike” are serious or violent felony offenses. If an offender receives a third strike, they can be sentenced to prison for 25 years to life.

• Will a warrant in Oxnard appear on your background check?

  Yes. If you have an outstanding warrant in Oxnard, it will most definitely appear on background checks being run on you by anybody. This means potential employers, insurance providers, and university admission officers can find out if there is an active warrant for your arrest or a bench warrant waiting on you.

• What are the crimes that will get you deported if you’re convicted in Oxnard?

  If you are a non-U.S. citizen and are facing criminal charges, you must know that your immigration status is already threatened. And if you’re convicted of certain serious crimes, it is highly likely that you will be deported. Some examples of deportable crimes are aggravated assault, rape, murder, kidnapping, and controlled substance offenses.

• Can your criminal charges be reduced in Oxnard?

  There may be a possibility for your criminal charges to get reduced in Oxnard. This usually happens when a case progresses and there is a discovery that what was originally believed to have happened actually didn’t. With the prosecutor realizing that they are prosecuting a case they cannot prove, your criminal defense attorney can get the district attorney to either dismiss or reduce your charges.

• What does getting your record expunged in Oxnard mean?

  In its simplest sense, expungement is the process of removing a criminal charge from your record. It is not available to everyone, but if the court approves your petition for expungement, it will erase your prior criminal history from the public’s view, legally allowing you to deny that you have been convicted of a charge if you’re asked.

• 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.