Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Apple Valley, CA

FAQs

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

  Apple Valley is covered by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, whose non-emergency contact number for the local area is 760-240-7400.

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

  You can get a copy of police reports for incidents related to your case from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Records Division, at 655 East Third Street San Bernardino, California 92415. The division's contact number is (909) 888-5916.

• In Apple Valley, can your felony charge be reduced or mitigated?

  Apple Valley, being in California, classifies some crimes as both misdemeanors and felonies, allowing some defendants to negotiate with the prosecution to lower their charge to a misdemeanor. Legal counsel can assist in this process, advocating for you to avoid felony charges and their consequences, such as county jail time and disqualifications from rights such as gun ownership.

• What proceedings are involved in an Apple Valley DUI case?

  When Apple Valley defendants are charged with a DUI case, they face administrative and criminal proceedings against the DMV and local district attorneys prosecuting their case. The DMV proceedings are generally only concerned with suspending your driver's license and require less evidence and litigation when compared to criminal proceedings before the court.

• In Apple Valley, can you be charged with DUI if you drove a car after taking prescription medicine?

  Apple Valley follows California statutes concerning DUI, namely that individuals under the influence of any drug are prohibited from driving a vehicle. State laws also provide that people under the influence of any combination of alcohol or drugs, or addicted to drugs are prohibited from driving personal and commercial vehicles.

• In Apple Valley, is visiting a website considered violating the probation condition of not patronizing certain businesses?

  In and around the Apple Valley area, there is a precedent of courts deciding that visiting certain websites is considered violating probation, depending on the specific probation conditions and websites involved. California state courts have decided that visiting a prohibited establishment's website is violating court-mandated probation, taking a more expansive stance on what it means to patronize said establishments.

• What can an attorney provide for an Apple Valley defendant throughout their criminal case?

  Attorneys provide legal support throughout criminal cases, from helping Apple Valley defendants to understand their legal rights and what laws apply to their circumstances to advocating for them before prosecutors and the court. Attorneys also generally protect their clients' constitutional rights throughout their cases, such as their right to remain silent and their right to a fair and speedy trial.

• 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.