Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Livermore, CA

FAQs

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

  Contact 925-371-4987 to report non-emergencies to the local police station in Livermore.

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

  Go to https://livermoreca.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_RS/(S(54orjaznwuqxfrepwacbittt))/SUPPORTHOME.ASPX to get a copy of the police report for incidents in Livermore. Contact the police station's Records Bureau supervisor at (925) 371-4909 for further assistance. Additionally, visit the lobby of the Livermore police station at 1110 S. Livermore Ave. during regular hours.

• How can a lawyer help with a plea bargain for a DUI case in Livermore?

  If one is arrested for DUI in Livermore, an attorney can assist in plea bargaining to decrease or eliminate penalties. Such penalties can be imprisonment, fines, mandatory attendance at DUI education programs, and the installation of an ignition interlock device. Additionally, a criminal defense lawyer can help obtain a restricted license that permits DUI offenders to drive to and from work or school.

• When can a case involving a juvenile in Livermore be transferred to an adult court?

  In Livermore, a case involving a juvenile can be transferred to an adult court if the kid is 16 years old or older and is charged with serious crimes like murder, arson, robbery, and assault. Kids who are at least 14 years old will undergo a fitness hearing to determine which court is most appropriate for their case.

• If you steal property in Livermore and return it, can you get reduced penalties?

  When you return the property you stole in Livermore, there is a possibility you could obtain a reduced penalty if the property surrendered is in the same condition as it was taken. Doing so is one of the best ways to reduce penalties such as hefty fines, a longer jail sentence, and more community service hours. If you are an immigrant convicted of theft, you may also lose your permanent residency status, be deported, or be denied naturalization.

• Will criminal charges be dropped if a person completes the diversion program in Livermore?

  Yes, criminal charges may be dropped after completing a diversion program in Livermore because it serves as an alternative sentence to jail or prison time. These programs aim to treat, counsel, and rehabilitate the offender, so they do not commit another crime later on. Failure to finish the program may result in being charged or imprisoned again for the initial offenses. Seeking legal advice is recommended to determine options and avoid severe penalties.

• Can evidence collected by police officers through illegal search be used in court in Livermore?

  No, any evidence collected by police officers through an illegal search in Livermore cannot be used in court. This is due to the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures of their homes, persons, or papers. With the guidance of a criminal defense lawyer, the victim of an unlawful search can file a motion in court to suppress evidence.

• 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.