Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Antioch, CA

FAQs

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

  Contact the Antioch Police Department at 925-778-2441.

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

  Visit the Antioch Police Records Unit counter at the station situated at 300 L Street. It is open during business hours and can be reached by phone at 925-779-6927. You can also file incident report requests through email at APDRecords@antiochca.gov.

• How do you apply for the sealing of a juvenile record in Antioch?

  You can seal a juvenile record in Antioch by reaching out to the office of the Contra Costa County Probation Department located at 50 Douglas Drive, Suite 200 in Martinez. Call 925-313-4000 to speak to a Juvenile Officer of the Day for more information regarding eligibility. Persons cannot apply if they have active citations for not appearing in court, active civil court cases for charges handed out while under 18 years old, or active cases in adult criminal court.

• How does an offender in Antioch get listed in the sex offender registry?

  Effective 2021, persons in Antioch with the lowest severity of sexual offenses, such as indecent exposure, can be placed in the sex offender registry for 10 years. Persons with more severe offenses like lewd acts with a minor under 14 and non-forced sex with a minor, are to be on the list for 20 years. The most serious sex crimes such as trafficking of minors, rape, and crimes against children under 10 will put the offender on a lifetime registry.

• What should you say to the police if you are stopped in Antioch and asked if you have been drinking?

  You always have the right to remain silent if you are stopped and asked by the police if you have been drinking. Whether you have had one drink or too many, admitting to drinking alcohol will give the police officer reason you are guilty. However, if you say you did not have any drink but your car smells like alcohol, the officer will think you are lying. Generally, during a stop, the police are looking for signs of alcohol impairment.

• Can you get charged with criminal offenses in Antioch if you impersonate a police officer?

  Yes. Impersonating a police officer in Antioch can get you charged with a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2000 and one-year imprisonment. Impersonating a police officer may include putting on an officer's badge or clothing to intentionally fool another person or fraudulently present themselves as an officer.

• What happens if an Antioch person accused of a crime cannot afford a lawyer?

  If you are from Antioch and are accused of a crime and cannot afford a lawyer, you will be referred to the Public Defender's Office. You can contact public defenders at various locations in the county, including the main office at 800 Ferry St. in Martinez, the Richmond branch at 3811 Bissell Avenue in Richmond, and another branch located at 2020 N. Broadway, Suite 208 in Walnut Creek.

• 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.