Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Marin County, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Marin County Sheriff's Office is 415-473-7250.

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

  You can get a copy of the police report for incidents related to your case in Marin County by going to the Records Division of the Marin County Sheriff's Office at 1600 Los Gamos Dr. #200 San Rafael, CA 94903. You can send a request through email at SOrecords@marinsheriff.org.

• In Marin County, where are criminal cases prosecuted?

  The Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael is where criminal cases in Marin County are prosecuted. Misdemeanors, DUI, and other criminal cases are handled in courtroom M on a pre-trial basis before being allocated to judges in other courtrooms for trial calling and motion hearings. Meanwhile, felony cases are arraigned in courtroom M but are moved to other courtrooms for preliminary trials and hearings before judges.

• How are criminal cases classified in Marin County?

  In counties of California, such as Marin County, criminal matters are classified into three categories. An infraction, a minor violation punishable by no more than a fine, is the first and least offense a person could be charged with. The second category is a misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a year in prison. The most serious offense is a felony, which is punishable by more than a year in jail if convicted.

• If you are convicted of a sex crime in Marin County, do you have to register as a sex offender?

  Yes. Because of the Sex Offender Registration Act (Penal Code 290), anyone convicted of certain sex crimes is required to register as a sex offender. Indecent exposure, sexual assault and battery, possession of child pornography, and rape are examples. If you have been charged with a sex crime, you must hire a lawyer who can help you build a solid defense for your case.

• Is there more than one way to post bail in Marin County?

  Marin County has three bail options. First, the defendant or their representative can pay in full with checks or money orders. Another option is depositing State or U.S. Government bonds or real property equity with the court. The last and most common method is using a bail bondsman to guarantee the court that the defendant will pay the full bail if they don't show up. You can check the bail schedule of various criminal charges at the Marin County Superior Court's website.

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

  The penalties for white-collar crimes in California counties such as Marin County vary depending on the type of crime (misdemeanor or felony), the amount of money involved, and other relevant factors. It can lead to jail or prison time, along with paying restitution or large fines to your victims.

• 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.