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.

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.

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.

6 Best Perris Criminal Defense Attorneys

Blumenthal Law Offices

3993 Market Street, Riverside, CA 92501

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Blumenthal Law Offices is a firm that provides legal representation for juveniles and adults facing criminal charges in Perris. It handles various cases, such as murder, domestic violence, drugs, white-collar crimes, DUI, and theft. Its lawyers use a team approach to handle small and difficult cases by consolidating knowledge, strategies, and experience for each client's defense. Blumenthal Law Offices, led by founding attorney Virginia Blumenthal, has more than 100 years of combined practice in criminal law.

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Law Offices of Grech & Packer

7095 Indiana Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506

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Composed of lawyers with over 50 years of combined legal experience, the Law Offices of Grech & Packer is a criminal law firm serving clients in the Inland Empire. The criminal cases its team handles include felony, federal, white-collar, and violent crimes. Paul Grech Jr., the firm's founder, has been inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers in 2019. Trenton C. Packer, a partner at the firm, served on the Federal Bar Association of San Diego's Executive Board.

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Law Offices of Parwana Anwar, PLC

38975 Sky Canyon Drive, Murrieta, CA 92563

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The Law Offices of Parwana Anwar, PLC, is based in Murrieta. It has been providing criminal defense legal services in Perris since 2000. Parwana Anwar, the lead counsel, has over twenty years of experience. Her team of professionals offers legal services for criminal defense matters such as theft crimes, drug crimes, violent crimes, and DUI. Anwar previously served as a Riverside County Deputy District Attorney and has prior experience successfully defending a case in front of a jury.

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Mark Cantrell Attorney at Law

3800 Orange Street, Riverside, CA 92501

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Mark Cantrell, Attorney at Law, is a firm that provides legal services related to criminal defense for clients in Perris. He has completed over 325 jury trials for individuals accused of crimes, such as rape, murder, and DUI. He offers legal assistance to prove the innocence of his clients, helps dismiss their cases, and assists with the expungement process. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Cantrell is a certified member of the Inland Trial Lawyers Association, CFDA, and SBCBA.

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My Socal Lawyers

5041 La Mart Drive, Riverside, CA 92507

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My Socal Lawyers provides legal counsel and representation for Perris residents. The legal firm handles a number of areas, including criminal defense. Its team of attorneys provides personalized legal representation for clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges. They are committed to helping clients reduce charges and evade conviction. In addition to criminal defense cases, My Socal Lawyers handles claims that involve personal injury, probate, and DUI. Its legal team possesses more than 70 years of collective industry experience.

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The Law Offices of John L. Michels - Riverside

7095 Indiana Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506

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The Law Offices of John L. Michels - Riverside is a law firm defending individuals charged with criminal offenses in Perris. The agency represents clients in a wide range of charges, including drug crimes, murder, sex crimes, theft, and felonies. Founder John L. Michels has more than 22 years of criminal law experience and has served as the former deputy district attorney and judge pro tem for Riverside Superior Court. The Law Offices of John L. Michels - Riverside can cater to Spanish-speaking clients.

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Perris

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Criminal Defense Attorneys FAQs

Blumenthal Law Offices

Law Offices of Grech & Packer

Law Offices of Parwana Anwar, PLC

Mark Cantrell Attorney at Law

My Socal Lawyers

The Law Offices of John L. Michels - Riverside

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

Q: Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

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

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