Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Elk Grove, CA

FAQs

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

  Get in touch with the Elk Grove Police Department through their phone number at (916) 714-5115.

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

  Mail or fax requests for police reports or personally visit the Elk Grove Police Department at 8400 Laguna Palms Way. Contact the Records Bureau at (916) 478-8170 for more information. Written requests will be processed within 10 days and mail will be sent to the requesting party if the request cannot be fulfilled.

• How can a person convicted of a crime in Elk Grove seek pardon?

  Contact the Office of the Governor if you have been convicted of a crime in Elk Grove and are pursuing a pardon. Contact the office through the Legal Affairs Secretary in the State Capitol in Sacramento. If you have already previously submitted a request for pardon to a past governor, were not granted pardon, and would like to request the current governor for one, you can file a new application.

• If a person fails to appear in court for an Elk Grove criminal case, what will happen?

  The judge may issue a warrant for your arrest if you fail to show up in court for the hearing of your Elk Grove criminal case. You will receive mail with instructions as to how the warrant can be cleared. Contact the Sacramento Superior Court at 916-874-5522. To clear the warrant, you have to go to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, which is situated at 4510 Orange Grove Avenue in Sacramento.

• Do you have to answer questions from the police in Elk Grove if you are not arrested?

  No. You are not required to answer any questions from the police and politely decline if asked. The police are only required to ask you basic identification questions such as name, birth date, and address. Beyond this basic information, do not provide any other information because it might be used against you. You must tell the police that you wish to speak with your Elk Grove lawyer.

• How can the "Three Strikes" Law affect a felony conviction in Elk Grove?

  The "Three Strikes" Law can impose a mandatory prison sentence of a minimum of 25 years to life imprisonment on an offender in Elk Grove who has previously been convicted twice of serious or violent felonies. Examples of serious felonies include inflicting great bodily injury, robbery, and the sale of cocaine to a minor. Examples of violent felonies include rape, arson, kidnapping, and carjacking.

• Could an Elk Grove woman be charged for slapping a creep who was trying to hit on her?

  It depends on the situation. The charge for slapping is assault or battery but it could have been in self-defense, which is legally allowed. According to the law, belief alone that you are in immediate danger is the only requirement for you to react with violence. Self-defense qualifications for the woman in the bar in Elk Grove may include seeing herself in immediate danger from a pervert and without defending herself, she could get seriously hurt.

• 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.