Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Rancho Cucamonga

FAQs

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

  Request a non-emergency dispatch from the Rancho Cucamonga Patrol Station through (909) 941-1488.

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

  To request an incident report, call the records division at 909-477-2800 to check if it is already available for release. Once the report is available, pick it up at the Rancho Cucamonga Police Station. Submit a completed RCPD Police Report Request Form as well.

• What happens after a felony defendant enters a not-guilty plea in an arraignment in Rancho Cucamonga?

  If you are charged with a felony and enter a not-guilty plea, a magistrate or judge will schedule a preliminary hearing within 10 days after your arraignment in Rancho Cucamonga. In this hearing, evidence will be presented, litigation will be conducted, and witnesses will be cross-examined. Afterward, the judge will decide to dismiss the charges, reduce the felony to a misdemeanor, or take the matter to the higher court for trial.

• Can you bring your cell phone to the criminal court in Rancho Cucamonga?

  Yes. You are allowed to bring cell phones with cameras to the San Bernardino Superior Court in Rancho Cucamonga. However, you are not allowed to take photographs or record within the court without prior approval, and failure to do so will result in expulsion and citation. Additionally, cell phones must be in silent mode or turned off while inside the courthouse. For more info, call (909) 350-9764.

• What are the penalties for carrying a concealed weapon in Rancho Cucamonga?

  Carrying a concealed weapon can be a misdemeanor or felony that carries penalties ranging from one to three years of county jail imprisonment to a fine of up to $10,000. There are also cases where an offender is only sentenced to probation. You can be automatically charged with a felony if you are an active gang member, have been previously convicted of a felony, or reasonably know the firearm was stolen.

• What criminal charges in Rancho Cucamonga have no statute of limitations?

  First-degree murder and rape that involved violence and force are some of the criminal charges in Rancho Cucamonga with no statute of limitations. There is also no deadline for offenses such as treason, public money embezzlement, and aggravated child sexual assault. For these crimes, there is no time limit for the government to bring charges against a suspected person.

• What cases are heard at the drug court in Rancho Cucamonga?

  The drug court of the San Bernardino Superior Court in Rancho Cucamonga handles the resolution of adult non-violent drug cases outside the traditional criminal justice system. It is a less formal proceeding compared to those in traditional courts and involves an active dialogue among the defendant, defense lawyer, prosecutor, and judge.

• 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.