Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Tustin

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Tustin Police Department is (714) 573-3225.

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

  To obtain a police report in Tustin, CA, you need to fill out an Application for Release of Information Form using this link https://www.tustinca.org/DocumentCenter/View/4992/Application-for-Release-of-Information-Form-PDF-. Provide a copy of your valid state-issued ID or passport, and also include your email address and phone number. You can make a request in person at the Tustin Police Department front counter, through the Tustin Police Department Records Unit fax (714-730-8027), or by mail.

• What are the three different categories of crime offenses in Tustin?

  Tustin categorizes criminal offenses into three categories: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Infractions are the least severe and involve violations of traffic laws or municipal codes, punishable only by fines. Misdemeanors are more serious and may lead to fines up to $1,000-$2,000 and/or one year imprisonment in county jail. Felonies are the most severe and can result in lengthy prison sentences or even death, especially for major offenses such as murder.

• What is Tustin's criminal statute of limitations?

  The statute of limitations for criminal offenses in Tustin varies based on the severity of the crime. Misdemeanors have a one-year statute of limitations, while most felonies have a three-year statute of limitations. Felonies with prison sentences of eight years or more have a six-year statute of limitations, and there's no limit for crimes with life imprisonment or a death sentence. Some exceptions exist for heinous crimes, such as first-degree murder, rape, assault, kidnapping, embezzlement of public funds, and treason, where charges can be brought at any time.

• Can you file a lawsuit in Tustin for wrongful imprisonment?

  If you have been wrongfully imprisoned in Tustin, you have legal options available to you. You can submit a complaint with the police department against the arresting officer or file a motion to exclude any evidence that was gathered as a consequence of the arrest. Moreover, you can sue the arresting officer and department to seek financial compensation, or file a lawsuit against them for violating your civil rights.

• What defense strategies can you use in Tustin to counter circumstantial evidence?

  To challenge circumstantial evidence, a defense attorney in Tustin may argue that the evidence points to a different conclusion than guilt or that it is unreliable. For instance, if a woman is suspected of killing a loved one and a neighbor reports seeing her enter the home on the night of the death, the attorney can assert that she was there for a different purpose. In another scenario, the defense attorney can allege that the evidence is not reliable if a witness with impaired vision claims to have seen a man trespassing on someone else's property.

• Should you really hire a Tustin criminal defense attorney if you intend to enter a guilty plea?

  Yes. Even if you plan to accept a plea bargain, it is essential to seek help from a skilled Tustin criminal defense attorney. A legal team can help you decide whether a plea bargain is in your best interests and whether the prosecution has enough evidence to propose a plea bargain for a particular offense. Without an attorney, the prosecution may offer you an unfair deal, assuming that you will plead guilty. A defense attorney can negotiate for a reasonable settlement on your behalf.