Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Fremont, CA

FAQs

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

  Please dial (510) 790-6800, option 3, for non-emergency concerns requiring the aid of a police officer or community service officer, including crimes that have already happened and the culprit is no longer at large, suspicious activities, and all other non-urgent matters.

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

  You can obtain a crime report from the Fremont Police Department by submitting an Application for Release of Information form. If you are requesting records under the Public Records Act, you must utilize the Fremont Public Records Act Request System. Every police report costs $16 and is accessible only to people named in the record. The form and $16 fee may be submitted in person or by mail to the Fremont Police Department. In-person entries may be paid for with cash, check, money order, or credit card at the Fremont Police Department.

• What is the penalty in Fremont for submitting a fake police report?

  Criminal Code § 148.5 covers false crime reporting in Fremont. This misdemeanor requires that the person making the false report knows it's untrue and realizes they're informing someone in an official role. This provision also makes providing false grand jury testimony a misdemeanor. A police report may be fraudulent if the reporter withholds facts from the inquiry. It can also be charged with obstruction of justice, wasting law enforcement's time, money, and resources.

• What are the penalties for white-collar crimes in Fremont?

  If you commit white-collar crimes in Fremont, this can result in a jail or prison sentence. You can also be required to pay substantial fines and reparations to your victims. It depends on the nature of the offense, the amount of money involved, and other variables. White-collar crimes include money laundering, embezzlement, bribery, and forgery.

• Which Fremont neighborhood has the highest incidence of crime?

  According to Fremont police crime data, the most dangerous areas of the city are downtown and the southeast. Based on the crime data, other neighborhoods and regions of concern include Irvington, Downtown, Cherry Guardino, Centerville, Sundale, and 28 Palms. Large gatherings, sites along Almeda Creek, the overall waterfront, and parks at night are additional public spots in Fremont that you should avoid or take measures. Even though Mission San Jose is a true monument, parkgoers should exercise vigilance in the surrounding area after dark.

• What crimes are reported frequently in Fremont?

  The following is a list of the highest incidents of criminal cases in Fremont, as determined by the City of Fremont's Crime Statistics. Theft accounts for the majority of all criminal acts. Other crimes reported in the city were homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, forcible rape, and burglary. In addition, there were also incidents of arson and hate crimes.

• Who has access to your criminal history in Fremont?

  Your criminal record is accessible to Fremont law enforcement personnel such as police officers and probation and parole authorities. A government employer may have access to it if you apply for a specific position. It can also be viewed by organizations that are state entities, such as the board that administers the bar exam. Employers and anybody else conducting a background check can see parts of your records, but they may not be able to read your "rap sheet."

• 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.