Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Modesto, CA

Modesto, CA Criminal Defense FAQs

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

  Call the Modesto Police Department at (209) 572-9500 or (209) 552-2470 for non-emergency concerns.

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

  To request a copy of a police report, complete the Police Report Request Form and submit it in person to the Modesto Police Department. The department is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also mail the completed request form to the department. Enclose a money order or check for the total cost of the report. Report copies cost $0.10 plus tax per page. Before submitting/mailing your request, please call (209) 572-9580 to ask how many pages are in the report you need.

  Police Report Request Form: https://www.modestogov.com/DocumentCenter/View/151/Request-to-Inspect-Records-PDF?bidId=

  Mailing Address: Modesto Police Department 600 10th Street Modesto, CA 95354

• Do you still need a Modesto criminal defense attorney if you plan on pleading guilty?

  Yes! If you enter a guilty plea, the prosecution will proceed, and the prosecutor will attempt to impose the harshest penalties for the crime. A Modesto criminal defense attorney will work to have the charge reduced and the punishments minimized, such as getting you probation rather than jail time. The lawyer might even be able to have all charges dropped.

• What happens if you get arrested for DUI while passing through Modesto, CA?

  If you’re an out-of-state DUI defendant in Modesto, you will have 10 days from the arrest to have a DMV hearing scheduled to get your license back. If not, your license will be automatically suspended for 30 days. Your privilege to legally drive in your home state may also be suspended. It is important that you work with a local criminal defense attorney who understands the complexities and tight deadlines involved in out-of-state DUI.

• How do the California Sentencing Enhancements affect your case in Modesto?

  The California Sentencing Enhancements add a minimum of three years of prison time on top of your initial sentence. The Firearm Enhancement is for when you were armed or used a firearm, or injured someone using the firearm while committing the crime. The Gang Enhancement is if you committed the crime in association with or to benefit a street gang. And, the Three Strikes Rule for when you already have two prior felony convictions.

• Can you talk to the witness and convince them to withdraw from your criminal case in Modesto?

  You must not. According to the California Penal Code Section 136.1, it is a crime to dissuade or intimidate a witness into withholding their testimony. Depending on the circumstances, you can be charged with a felony or misdemeanor for doing this in Modesto. A conviction for dissuading a witness has serious repercussions, including deportation if you're a non-U.S. citizen.

• Can a criminal conviction be expunged in Modesto, CA?

  Under the California Penal Code § 1203.4, yes, it can be expunged. Take note that expungement in California is not the same as in other states. It does not result in your criminal records being wiped out as if the case never happened. Rather, the expungement process allows the Modesto judge to reopen your case, strike your prior conviction, and then dismiss the case. You can say that you were never convicted of the crime.