Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Menifee, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency number of the Menifee Police Department is 951-677-4964.

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

  You can get a copy of police reports for incidents related to your case in Menifee by submitting a request in person or via mail to the Records Bureau of the Menifee Police Department. It is located at 29714 Haun Road Menifee, CA 92586.

• What are the consequences for DUI cases in Menifee?

  In Menifee, the consequences for instances involving drugs or alcohol vary depending on whether you've been charged with DUI or DWAI. DUI can result in an immediate license suspension by the DMV. Large fines, lengthy prison or jail sentences, obligatory drug and alcohol counseling, and probation are among the other possible outcomes.

• What should you do if you've been charged with burglary in Menifee?

  If you were charged with Burglary in Menifee, the first thing you should do is find a criminal defense attorney who can help you develop a strong defense for your case. Second, you must employ diverse defenses to aid you in your charge. You may argue that you did not plan to commit a crime, that you had authority to access the premises, or that once there, you did not intend to commit a felony or theft.

• In Menifee, how are the penalties for vandalism determined?

  In Menifee, vandalism penalties are primarily determined by the value of the damaged property. The defendant faces a misdemeanor charge if the property is valued at less than $400 and could be sent to jail for up to a year and fined $1,000. For property valued at more than $400, the defendant could be charged with a felony, face up to three years in prison and fined $10,000.

• Do I need a criminal defense attorney even for minor offenses in Menifee?

  Yes. Even for minor accusations in Menifee, hiring a criminal defense attorney is beneficial. For example, even minor criminal offenses can result in a criminal record, which can negatively impact your job prospects, housing, and education. Minor infractions might also potentially "add up" when the prosecution analyzes your record while charging you or sentencing you for another violation.

• What are the possible punishments for juvenile crimes in Menifee?

  Punishments for juvenile crimes in Menifee include community service, probation, time in a correctional facility or juvenile hall, and restitution to the victim. In contrast to adult offenders, the penalty for these charges is usually meant to correct the juvenile offender's behavior and teach them to be useful members of society before they reach maturity.

• 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.