Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Santa Maria

FAQs

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

  Dial 805-928-3781 extension 2277 for a non-emergency dispatch.

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

  You can obtain accident reports from the Santa Maria Police Department Records Bureau which can be reached through email at pdrecords@cityofsantamaria.org or through phone at (805) 925-0951 ext. 2590. You can visit the office personally at 1111 W. Betteravia Road.

• What happens if a DUI offender in Santa Maria takes off the scram ankle monitor?

  Taking off the scram ankle monitor will alert the monitoring center at Alcohol Monitoring Systems, Inc immediately and is considered a violation of probation. This could lead to penalties such as longer probation or harsher sentencing for the DUI offender in Santa Maria. Take note that wearing the scram ankle monitor 24/7 is a must, and a person is not allowed to take it off until the court-ordered sobriety period is completed.

• How can you reach the Public Defender's office in Santa Maria?

  You can reach the Santa Maria Public Defender's Office by phone at (805) 346-7500 or by fax at (805) 346-7670. You may visit the office personally at 312 E. Cook Street Building B from Mondays - Fridays 8 AM - 5 PM. If you are indigent and need representation for felony or misdemeanor charges, contact the office directly for more information.

• What will happen when a minor in Santa Maria is committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice?

  A minor in Santa Maria who is committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) will serve a commitment similar to the state prison commitment of convicted adults. The minor's length of stay at the DJJ will depend on the specificity of the crime committed and the performance of the minor at the DJJ. There are some very rare cases where a minor may only be committed at the DJJ until the age of 25.

• Does a person need a lawyer when filing for a Prop. 47 petition in Santa Maria?

  Not necessarily. The petition form can be downloaded online from the Santa Barbara County Superior Court's website. However, due to a lot of disputes in court regarding what cases may qualify under Prop. 47, you may want to consult with a lawyer. Additionally, since you have to convince a judge of your eligibility for relief, a lawyer can help you gather and present evidence for your case in Santa Maria.

• What are considered federal crimes in Santa Maria?

  Serious crimes in Santa Maria can be filed in federal courts. White-collar crimes such as extortion, forgery, mortgage fraud, and tax evasion could be prosecuted federally. Kidnapping, weapons charges, child pornography, and arson could be considered federal crimes. Any other crime against a federal employee or property or those that cross state lines are tried in federal courts.

• 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.