Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Vista

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Vista Sheriff’s Department is +1 858-565-5200.

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

  You can get a copy of a Vista police report by generating a request through the official web page of San Diego County’s Public Records Center: https://sdsheriff.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(lnlljuia3x32gaq1rn2uwz4k))/SupportHome.aspx.

• How do an infraction, a misdemeanor, and a felony differ in Vista?

  In Vista, an infraction will get you ticketed, meaning you must pay a fine. A traffic ticket is a common example of an infraction. A misdemeanor is a charge that can land you in jail and carries a sentence of no more than one year and a $1,000 fine. A felony is the most serious criminal charge that can result in incarceration in a California state prison.

• Can you still drive after getting arrested for DUI in Vista?

  When you get arrested for DUI in Vista, you may be granted a temporary driver’s license, also known as a temporary driving permit, which will remain valid for 30 days until your suspension or revocation goes into effect. You will then have to request an Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing with the California DMV, which you can attend in person or over the phone.

• What are the consequences of becoming a felon in Vista?

  Felons in Vista may face consequences that will impact their day-to-day lives and make it difficult for them to reintegrate into society. After getting convicted, a felon may be prohibited from voting, owning a firearm, or qualifying for assistance programs like food stamps and subsidized housing. Felons may also struggle with finding a job if their conviction appears on their background check.

• Can you use a lie detector test to prove your innocence in Vista?

  No, you cannot use a lie detector to prove your innocence in Vista. Under California law, evidence from lie detectors can only be admitted to the court as evidence if both parties agree to acknowledge the results. If the lie detector test results help your defense, the prosecution will not permit it. And if the results support the prosecution, your lawyer will not allow it to be used in court. In the end, a lie detector has no legal benefit in proving your innocence.

• Can you request to remove a conviction from your criminal record in Vista?

  There are some circumstances wherein you may be eligible for expungement or the removal of a conviction from your criminal record in Vista. An expungement is a way to clear your adult record that limits the information that shows up on a background check which can also relieve you of some of the consequences of having been convicted of a crime. You may be granted expungement by the court if you were convicted of an infraction and can complete all the terms of your probation.

• 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.