Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Fontana

FAQs

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

  The Fontana Police Department's non-emergency number is available 24/7 at (909) 350-7700.

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

  The Fontana Police Department can provide you with a copy of a police report in person or by mail. Print and fill out the entire Records Request Form. Please include a photocopy of your photo ID. Due to the high volume of copy requests, your copy may take two to three weeks to arrive.

• What are criminal cases in Fontana that do not have a statute of limitations?

  Some crimes in Fontana, like murder, have no statute of limitations. First-degree murder is considered a serious enough offense, and there is no time limit for the government to charge and prosecute a suspected murderer. Other serious criminal cases that do not have statutes of limitations include treason, rape involving violence or force, child-aggravated sexual assault, and public money embezzlement.

• How can your criminal defense attorney in Fontana help you obtain bail for murder charges?

  When you're accused of murder in Fontana, your criminal defense attorney represents you before a judge who decides whether bail can be set. A lawyer can assist you in obtaining bail for murder charges by reviewing your case to prove that bail can be reduced and you could be released on your recognizance. They can also negotiate for lower bail bondsman fees. This is part of their overall work, which can also involve proving that the prosecution's case against you is unfounded and even attempting to have the murder charges against you completely dropped.

• Should you hire a private criminal defense attorney instead of a public defender in Fontana?

  Although public defenders may be available to help the extremely poor, they may not be the best option for your particular case. One obvious benefit of hiring Fontana criminal defense attorneys, especially if you are facing a misdemeanor, is that they can represent you in court, keeping you out of it. If you are represented by a public defender, you need to appear in court on each scheduled date. Furthermore, many people prefer to hire private attorneys because of the level of customer service and individualized attention that they can provide.

• Does the court take into account the fact that this is your first time being charged with a criminal case in Fontana?

  Yes. When determining the severity of a punishment for a crime, the court will consider whether or not the defendant has committed similar offenses in the past. In Fontana, individuals with little or no prior criminal history are given lighter sentences than those with extensive criminal histories. An experienced criminal defense attorney knows how to emphasize the significance of the client's lack of a criminal record while downplaying the significance of a lengthy criminal record.

• What are the top criminal cases typically reported in Fontana?

  The following are frequently reported criminal cases, according to a report from the Fontana Police Department: drug and drug paraphernalia possession; assault; larceny; possession of stolen property; motor vehicle theft; fraud; and destruction of property.

• 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.