Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Temecula

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Temecula Police Department is 800-950-2444, option five.

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

  You can get a copy of the police report for incidents related to your case by contacting the Riverside County Sheriff's Department at 951-955-2400.

• Can you change defense attorneys throughout the process of your criminal offense trial in Temecula?

  In Temecula, you can change attorneys at any point during your trial, generally subject to the court's approval. Occasionally, you may need to sign documents related to this change or appear before court to inform them that you have switched attorneys. There are a few instances where you may not change attorneys, such as on the day your trial is set to begin.

• What is the general process of criminal trials in Temecula?

  In Temecula, criminal trials generally follow the same structure, namely beginning with an investigation of criminal charges against the defendant followed by arrest and arraignment, and eventually leading to pretrial and trial proper. The defendant's charges may be dropped or reduced at the pretrial stage, depending on various factors such as the presence or absence of probable cause and plea bargains between the defense and prosecution.

• In Temecula, how likely is your first-time misdemeanor charge to result in a conviction leading to prison time?

  Generally, first-time misdemeanor charges are placed under probation if found guilty, especially for non-violent crimes. In and around the Temecula area, first-time misdemeanor offenders are often treated as low-risk defendants and are offered probation as an alternative to jail time early on in their case. Noncompliance with probation terms can still send a first-time offender to jail, depending on the court's discretion.

• Will you be fired from your government position in Temecula if you have a misdemeanor on your criminal record?

  Generally, a misdemeanor on your criminal record does not bar you from working in the government. Exceptions exist, particularly at the federal level, where there are certain positions with established regulations preventing people with criminal records from working in them. Employers may also reconsider employing you if your misdemeanor charge is related to your position, such as having theft on your criminal record while working in a finance-related field.

• Can a Temecula court order you to wear a blood alcohol monitoring ankle bracelet if you are convicted of a DUI?

  Yes, Temecula courts can order you to wear an ankle bracelet that monitors your blood alcohol levels as part of your release on recognizance or bail. This condition is usually only applied when found reasonable by the court. This condition is also generally reserved for defendants on their second or third DUI offense, or those charged with felony DUIs.