Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Vallejo

FAQs

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

  707-648-4321 is the non-emergency contact number for the Vallejo Police Department.

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

  Police reports for incidents related to criminal cases in Vallejo can be obtained online or in person through the Records Section of the Vallejo Police Department, located at 111 Amador Street Vallejo, CA 94590. The Records Section can be contacted at (707) 648-4425. Vallejo arrest records may also be available on the Solano County Sheriff's Office website, https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/sheriff/default.asp.

• Is it necessary for parents or guardians accused of child abuse in Vallejo to hire a criminal defense attorney even if the accusations are false?

  Yes, because a child abuse accusation is one of the easiest to fabricate or falsify while also being one of the most difficult crimes to defend in Vallejo. For example, an ex-spouse may persuade a child to make false accusations against a custodial parent. Child abuse is a serious criminal charge that can result in long-term incarceration, probation, and community service, and its advisable to get the help of a criminal defense attorney.

• Can people in Vallejo be arrested for impaired driving even if their blood-alcohol content is less than 0.08%?

  Yes. According to California's DMV law, all that is required for an officer to make an arrest is probable cause. Among the specified probable causes are driving in multiple lanes at once, driving excessively slowly, and speeding. Providing a reason for an arrest, however, allows a police officer to avoid being accused of police misconduct.

• What criminal charges do motorists in Vallejo face if they are caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol?

  In most Vallejo cases, a driver is charged with two misdemeanors: one for DUI and one for driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher. Drivers with a sufficient number of prior DUI convictions can be charged with felonies. Only 3.2% of DUI arrests in Solano County result in felony charges, which are decided by the Solano County District Attorney's Office. According to statistics, less than 62% of DUI charges in the county result in a DUI conviction.

• Can Vallejo police officers request driver's licenses at DUI checkpoints?

  Yes. Vallejo law enforcement can request to see your license at a DUI checkpoint. A Vermont man lost his legal challenge alleging that a Vallejo police officer violated his 4th Amendment rights when he was asked to produce his driver's license at a drunk driving checkpoint in 2014. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals argued that the license check interfered only minimally with the freedoms guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment and was justified by the vital interest in road safety.

• Why is it not advised that people accused of crimes in Vallejo represent themselves in court?

  Individuals facing criminal charges in Vallejo should not represent themselves in court because serving as both the accused and the accused's legal advocate is often overwhelming for laypeople. The criminal justice system is extensive, and the trial process is complicated. This is also why public defenders are assigned to those who cannot afford a lawyer, because a legal practitioner will understand the rules of the court better than your average person. A court case, even just a hearing, requires so much work, and there's often a lot at stake, so it is best to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.

• 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.