Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in El Cajon, CA

FAQs

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

  (619) 579-3311 is the El Cajon Police Department's non-emergency contact number.

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

  El Cajon residents may get a copy of a police report by making a request in person or sending one in the mail.

  You can complete the form from: https://www.elcajon.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/4740/635779895790270000

  If your application is accepted, you will get the report you requested in the mail.

  Reports about cases that are still going on in court are not available until the case is over. Contact the District Attorney's Office at 250 E. Main Street, El Cajon, CA 92020, to find out about pending criminal cases.

• What are the most common crimes committed by teens in El Cajon, California?

  Some of the most common kinds of cases involving young people in El Cajon are:

  • Shoplifting and petty theft
  • Assault charges from fights at school or the neighborhood
  • Vandalism and graffiti
  • Alcohol and drug violations
  • Speeding or reckless driving

  Juveniles can also be charged with more serious crimes like:

  • Driving under the influence
  • Gun possession
  • Sex crimes
  • Robbery
  • Assault
  • Attempted murder

  If the minor is found guilty, he or she will get the same punishments as an adult, which could mean years in prison.

• What should you do after being arrested for DUI in El Cajon?

  When an officer questions you after a DUI arrest in El Cajon, always keep in mind that anything you do or say can be used against you in court. It is important to stay calm and not let your emotions get the best of you because anything you do could help the prosecutor's case. During a DUI investigation, it is important to do what the police say. If you don't do what you're told or agree to a chemical test, you could get into even more trouble. In California, you must always agree to a chemical test, but only one is required.

• When the police stop you and arrest you in El Cajon, what are your rights with the police?

  There are many rules about how the police can treat you, and you have many rights to protect yourself from abuse or intimidation by the police. The right to due process means that no one can take away your life, freedom, or property without a court order. You have other rights, such as:

  • To be free from searches and seizures that aren't fair
  • To be treated with compassion
  • To be informed that you are about to be arrested
  • To be told what you're being accused of
  • To be told your constitutional rights, also known as the Miranda rights
  • To see any relevant warrant within a reasonable amount of time after your arrest
  • To tell someone you've been arrested and what you're being charged with

• How can you get a criminal record expungement in El Cajon?

  In El Cajon, you must first meet certain requirements before you can ask for your criminal record to be erased. The following are some of these criteria:

  • You can't be on probation at the time you ask the court to clear your record.
  • You can't have been accused of committing any other crimes.

  If you want a crime to be taken off your record, it must have been a misdemeanor or a felony that could have been prosecuted as a misdemeanor. However, if the charge you want to get rid of was a felony that put you in jail, you are not eligible for a records expungement.

• What can you expect if you are arrested for drug crimes in El Cajon?

  In California, it is illegal to be in possession of controlled substances or illegal drugs. Even though marijuana can now be used for fun, people who use it must still follow the laws that are already in place. So, people over the age of 21 can only have 8 grams of concentrated cannabis, which is about one ounce of dry marijuana. If law enforcement stops you in El Cajon and finds illegal drugs or more marijuana than is allowed by law, you could be arrested for having drugs on you.

• 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.