Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Fairfield, CA

FAQs

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

  Contact (707) 428-7300 option 8 to report non-emergencies to the Fairfield Police Department.

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

  Call the Records Bureau of the Solano County Sheriff’s Office at 707-784-7010 or visit them at 530 Union Ave, Ste 100 in Fairfield. You can go to the web portal of Solano County to obtain a police report.

• How can you obtain information on an inmate recently arrested in Fairfield?

  Contact the Solano County Jail at (707) 421-7100 to obtain information about an inmate recently arrested in Fairfield. The county jail is located at 500 Union Avenue in the metro. You can also check the website of Solano County’s Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) for its inmate search portal.

• What is the alcohol limit for DUI in Fairfield?

  Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits at 0.08% or higher could get you arrested for DUI in Fairfield. The BAC limit for driving a car for hire is 0.04% or higher while it is 0.01% or higher for drivers aged 21 years or younger. Additionally, if you are under probation, you should not have a BAC of 0.01% or higher.

• What items should a defendant bring in court for their criminal case in Fairfield?

  You should bring a copy of the citation, the notice of hearing, bond receipts, and proper identification. Additionally, bring payment for fines and fees as well as documents that provide proof of your compliance with sentencing or judicial orders. Criminal cases in Fairfield are tried at the Law and Justice Center which is situated at 530 Union Ave. in the metro.

• What constitutes a false report of a crime in Fairfield and what is the punishment?

  If a person making a police report knowingly provides incorrect information or withholds significant information from the police, they will be charged with a false report of a crime. Offenders can face punishment such as fines of up to $1,000, jail time of up to six months, and community service. Additionally, if an accused filed a police report that resulted in harm against a company or individual, they will be liable for paying restitution to the victim.

• Do most violent crimes in Fairfield get prosecuted as felonies?

  Yes, most violent crimes in Fairfield get prosecuted as felonies. It depends on the level of force used such that shoving or pushing and throwing something at someone can be considered a misdemeanor. Torture or disfiguring another person is considered a felony. Additionally, there are crimes called "wobblers" which can be charged and prosecuted either as misdemeanors or felonies. Common wobblers are evading police, assault with a deadly weapon, and corporal injury.

• 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.