Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hemet, CA

FAQs

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

  Hemet Police Department's non-emergency number is 951.765.2400.

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

  You can request a report from the Riverside County Sheriff's station. Contact the handling station within fourteen days of the incident to determine whether or not the report is available. You can also request a copy of a report by calling or writing the Information Services Bureau. If submitting the request in person, a valid government-issued photo identification card must be presented; if submitting the request by mail, a copy of the ID must be enclosed. Fees must be paid before copies of the reports are released.

• What are the potential penalties for a criminal case involving child endangerment in Hemet?

  The severity of the act determines whether child endangerment in Hemet is a misdemeanor or felony, and the penalties vary accordingly. Penalties for misdemeanor child endangerment include up to 1 year of jail time, fines as high as $1,000, classes mandatory in parenting education, and extended probation for four years. Alternatively, if the offense is classified as a felony child endangerment, penalties are up to 2, 4, or 6 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines or compulsory child education classes.

• How can criminal defense attorneys in Hemet get charges of domestic violence dropped?

  Your Hemet criminal defense attorney can help you get domestic violence charges dropped due to a lack of evidence. Arrests require probable cause but not enough to prove a case. Additionally, illegally obtained evidence can also cause domestic violence cases to be dropped. There may be strong evidence against the defendant, but it cannot be used in court due to how it was collected. Furthermore, if the alleged victim doesn't cooperate, the prosecution may drop the charges.

• How would a criminal conviction for domestic violence in Hemet affect your career?

  After reviewing the applicant's criminal record in Hemet, the employer can decide whether or not to hire the applicant. Regarding domestic violence, employers may be more hesitant to continue working with the applicant. If the employer decides not to hire the applicant, the employer must send a formal notice explaining the reason. The applicant is given time to respond and provide information about the conviction that may sway their decision. It ultimately depends on the discretion of the employer.

• How can a Hemet criminal defense lawyer defend a client facing robbery charges?

  Your criminal defense attorney in Hemet will use the following defense to avoid conviction. These include: -The property belonged to the defendant -False accusation -The property was not taken from the owner’s immediate presence -The property was not taken against the owner’s will -The defendant did not use force or fear -The defendant did not intend to take property when force was used. -Mistaken identity

• What is Hemet's crime rate?

  Hemet's crime rate is significantly higher than the national average for all American communities, from the largest to the smallest, but at 29 crimes per thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the highest crime rate. In Hemet, the likelihood of becoming a violent or property crime victim is 1 in 35. According to FBI crime statistics, Hemet is not among the safest communities in the United States. Hemet has a higher crime rate than eighty percent of all California cities and towns.

• 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.