Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Victorville

FAQs

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

  You may dial (760) 241-2911 to reach the Victorville Police Department for non-emergency concerns.

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

  You may lodge your request for a Victorville police report online at https://sanbernardinocounty.nextrequest.com/. For more information about obtaining a copy of a police report, visit https://wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/divisions/information-services/.

• Should you still hire an attorney if you plan to plead guilty in Victorville?

  If you are facing criminal charges in Victorville and you intend to plead guilty, it would still be best to have an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side to help you navigate the legal processes that come with your case. While you may represent yourself in court, the results can be disastrous. A good criminal defense attorney can help negotiate for a lesser charge or less harsh punishment on your behalf.

• Should you give your consent if the police ask to search your Victorville home?

  Never give the police your permission to search your home in Victorville. While law enforcement officials may pressure you into letting them into your home by threatening to detain you, you are not in any way obligated to give them permission. Unless the police have a warrant or your verbal consent, they are not permitted to enter your house. If they find incriminating evidence against you by breaking in without your consent or probable cause, whatever they find will be inadmissible as evidence.

• Do you have to go to court if you have a lawyer in Victorville?

  It depends on the criminal charges you are facing in Victorville. Once you’ve hired a private criminal defense lawyer, you may ask if you can stay home from court. Generally speaking, if you are a defendant in a misdemeanor case, you wouldn’t be required to appear in court as long as your attorney shows up. But if you’re a defendant in a felony case, you usually have to appear in court even if your attorney is present.

• Are there alternatives to going to jail in Victorville?

  If you’re facing prison time in Victorville, your lawyer may argue for a diversion or an alternative sentence if you have no previous criminal record. Your lawyer might be able to demonstrate that the judge should exercise their discretion to give a different sentence than what would otherwise be applied. For instance, you might be eligible for a diversionary program that allows you to have the charges dismissed once you complete certain requirements.

• Can you clear your criminal record in Victorville?

  If you were convicted of a crime in Victorville, you might be relieved to know that California law allows for the expungement or the clearing of your record of certain convictions. If you’re eligible and the court grants you expungement, your conviction will be erased from your record and you can also have the arrest and all related documents sealed. This way, there will be no evidence of an arrest under your name.

• 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.