Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hesperia, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Hesperia Patrol Station is (760) 947-1500.

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

  To get a copy of police report for incidents in Hesperia, you must be an involved party and not listed as a suspect. Call the Hesperia Police Station's Records Department at (760) 947-1500 to check the status of your police report. Each copy of the police report costs $10 which you can pay by cash or credit card. Police reports cannot be released if a juvenile is involved. Call the Sheriff's Civil Liabilities Division at (909) 387-0613 if the juvenile is a victim or involved party in a case.

• What is the penalty for evading the police in Hesperia?

  Under California law, it is illegal to evade a police officer if they are pursuing you. This means that if you are driving in Hesperia and you try to evade or escape from a pursuing police officer, you may be charged with the crime of evading a police officer. You can be charged with a misdemeanor if this happens. If you are proven guilty of the crime of evading a police officer, you may face a maximum sentence of 364 days in county jail, a maximum fine of $1,000, or both.

• What are the consequences of a drug conviction in Hesperia?

  According to California law, penalties for drug possession depend on the type of narcotic involved, the number of drugs found, and the intended use of the drug in possession. If you are found with a smaller amount of a drug that is considered less dangerous, you could be charged with a misdemeanor. However, if the drug is classified as being more dangerous and a large amount is discovered to be in your possession, you could be charged with a felony. In addition, repeat offenders in Hesperia may face greater fines and harsher penalties.

• What happens if your child is charged with petty theft in Hesperia?

  In Hesperia, petty theft is defined as taking something worth $950 or less without force or the threat of force. The most common example of petty theft is shoplifting. If your kid is charged with petty theft, the case will be treated in a juvenile court, in which they are expected to appear for their offense. It will be a bench trial, where a judge will have the final say. Possible penalties include formal or informal probation. Repeat offenders or offenders whose crimes rise above the level of petty theft may face incarceration, but this is very unlikely.

• What happens to teenagers charged with DUI in Hesperia?

  In Hesperia, individuals under the age of 21 cannot have any amount of alcohol in their system while driving. If you are under 21 years old and caught for a DUI, your driver’s license can be suspended for up to one year. If you do not have a license yet, you can only apply after one year. If your BAC level is 0.05% or higher, you may also need to pay a fine of $100 and be required to enroll in and attend an alcohol education program for three months or longer. Underage DUI conviction may also affect your chances of getting accepted into colleges or universities or finding a job.

• Can you get removed from a sex offender registry in Hesperia?

  Hesperia follows Senate Bill 384, which has a three-tiered system for sex offenders. Tier 1 is the least serious, while Tier 3 is the most serious. Those who belong to Tiers 1 and 2, as well as those who were only placed in Tier 3 because of a risk assessment, are eligible to file a petition. There are also some cases wherein an individual is ineligible for the sex offender registration removal petition, including those who are Tier 3 lifetime registrants and those on parole, probation, or supervised release. The petition to be removed as a sex offender will lead to a litigated hearing where the defendant may present relevant evidence supporting the petition. 

• 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.