Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Redlands, CA

FAQs

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

  You may reach the dispatch team of the City of Redlands Police Department at (909) 798-7681 for non-emergencies.

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

  To get a copy of police reports, the Records Unit is open Monday through Thursday from 12 to 4. Outside the RPD Station (1270 W. Park Avenue) and Administrative Offices, there are direct-line phones (30 Cajon Street). Online reporting should be used whenever possible.

  Send your report request and ID to records@redlandspolice.org. Emails are answered by people who work in customer service. (The digital method of collecting reports means that people don't have to go to the Redlands Police Department Records Unit during office hours to get reports. Instead, they can get reports at any time from their home computer or another computer.) Call (909) 798-7614 to talk to the Records Unit. Monday through Thursday, the phone is answered from 10 am to 4 pm. Records is closed on Friday, the weekends, and holidays.

• What to do if you get arrested for a DUI in Redlands?

  Driving while drunk is a very serious crime in Redlands. Possible consequences for a first offense include monetary fines, jail time, and license confiscation. These consequences also apply even if no one has been hurt. There are a few things you can do if you've been charged with drunk driving.

  • Get an attorney to attend your arraignment
  • Sign up for alcohol education classes or go to groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous
  • Hire a criminal defense who can help with your case

• Can you just plead guilty to the charges in Redlands and be done with it?

  If you are actually guilty, you should not give up so lightly; a criminal conviction will have ramifications for the rest of your life and will damage your character. With the assistance of a Redlands criminal defense attorney, you may seek to have your charges reduced or dismissed entirely. Without a strong defense, you will almost likely get the maximum penalty. If they have a witness or any convicting evidence against you, Your lawyer may propose a plea bargain and negotiate with the prosecutor so that you get the least amount of punishment possible.

• What should you do if you have been charged with sexual molestation in Redlands?

  Sex offenses are rigorously prosecuted in Redlands because the public expects the state to achieve a conviction and bring the "bad guy" (sex offender) to justice. The public perceives you (the defendant) as guilty just because you are accused of child abuse. You must move fast to avoid your case being used as an "example" by the state for the benefit of the public.

• What are the penalties for drug possession in Redlands?

  Many criteria determine Redlands drug possession punishments. The defendant's drug kind, quantity, and purpose are among those variables. California misdemeanorized drug possession in 2014 with Proposition 47. Drug possession prisoners in state prisons might petition the court for resentencing. With this new statute, not all inmates may seek resentencing. This includes murderers and sex criminals. After Proposition 47, non-marijuana-regulated hazardous drugs are always misdemeanors. Drug possession may result in a year in county prison rather than state prison.

• Can a Redlands police officer take my license after being arrested for DUI?

  If you fail a chemical test in Redlands, the law in California allows the police to seize your driver's license and send you a notice of suspension if they believe you have been drinking while driving. The fact that punishment is effectively being imposed prior to your guilt being established in court is something that most people aren't aware of, which is why sound legal counsel is important.

• 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.