Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Indio, CA

FAQs

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

  (760) 347-8522 is the non-emergency number of the Indio Police.

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

  Get your incident report at the Records Bureau of the Indio Police Department located at 46-800 Jackson Street during regular business hours. Please allow 10 days for the report to be prepared after you make a request. Contact (760) 391-4057 for any questions. You can also request online through a portal on Indio's website.

• Is it illegal to supply alcohol to a minor in Indio?

  Yes. It is illegal to supply alcohol to minors in Indio and anywhere in the state. It is considered a misdemeanor punishable by fines and community service. If a person allows underage drinking on their premises and such results in bodily injuries or death, it could lead to jail time and more severe fines.

• How can Proposition 47 affect someone's criminal case in Indio?

  Proposition 47 allows someone charged with a non-serious non-violent felony in Indio to have the charge reduced to a misdemeanor provided the person has never been charged with any serious crimes before. Additionally, Proposition 47 allows someone who has a low-level felony conviction on their criminal record to file a petition to reduce it to a misdemeanor.

• Where are criminal cases in Indio tried?

  Criminal cases in Indio are tried at the Larson Justice Center located at 46-200 Oasis Street in the metro. Take note that there is a prescribed courtroom attire which is comfortable clothing that conveys dignity in the courtroom. Hats, shorts, tank tops, and sunglasses are prohibited. Cellular phones, cameras, and computers are not allowed inside the courtroom.

• What are the most common types of crimes people get charged with during the Coachella Festival in Indio?

  Drug and alcohol crimes that range from possession and sales to drinking in public and underage alcohol use are some of the crimes that a person could get arrested for during the Coachella Music & Arts Festival in Indio. In addition, charges such as lewd activity, resisting arrest, and possession of a false ID or fake driver's license are common during the festival.

• What kind of criminal offenses in Indio can affect a person's ability to find employment?

  Assault and battery-related offenses are considered crimes of moral turpitude that carry an impact on a person's character and may affect chances of getting employed. However, once persons in Indio successfully complete probation these convictions may be expunged which can prevent private parties such as employers to learn about the criminal record.

• 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.