Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Redwood City, CA

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency situations, contact (650) 780-7100 to reach the local police station in Redwood City, California.

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

  Police reports are restricted to authorized persons. You may contact the Records Unit business line at (650) 780-7100 or visit the department's office at 1301 Maple, Redwood City, CA 94063, to find out if the report can be provided to you. Your inquiries can be welcomed during hours from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Any police report will cost you $12 to process and copy for the first eight pages and $1 per page beyond that.

• Can the domestic violence case against you in Redwood City, California, be dropped if the claimed victim recants their account to the police?

  Yes, however, the prosecution in the domestic violence case in Redwood City, California, might claim that the alleged victim committed perjury or provided a false statement if they decide to recant the original testimony to continue with the lawsuit. It is up to the prosecution to determine whether to proceed with the case and to support their argument; they might cite additional pieces of circumstantial evidence, such as phone recordings, medical records, and witnesses.

• What rights may you lose if you breach a restraining order in Redwood City, California?

  Suppose a defendant in Redwood, California, violates a restraining order. In that case, they risk losing their ability to own firearms and their custody rights to their children and marital privileges. The perpetrator might face a misdemeanor or felony charge, depending on the seriousness of the case. This crime is punishable by up to three years imprisonment, a fine of more than $10,000, and reimbursement of the victim's substantial recovery expenses.

• What is considered a crime of vandalism in Redwood City, California?

  Vandalism takes many forms in Redwood City, California, including graffiti or spray painting, shattering windows, cutting tires, tampering with street signs, and scraping paint off cars. The crime of vandalism is defined as a malicious intent to damage, destroy, or deface another person's property. Damages under $400 are considered a misdemeanor. If the sum is more than $400, it is a felony that is punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of more than $50,000, or both.

• What criminal defenses can be used to reduce or dismiss a murder charge in Redwood City, California?

  Murder charges in Redwood City, California, may be contested on the grounds of unintentionally killing a person in self-defense or homicide in defense of others. This act can be considered a viable defense if the alleged offender is killed to the degree of force used proportional to the perceived threat. Other potential arguments involve accidental killing or the defendant's insanity. In some cases, the suspect is mistakenly identified and later proven innocent by providing a solid alibi

• How can a lawyer help you to contest a wrongful conviction in Redwood City, California?

  A Redwood City, California, criminal defense lawyer may help you to contest a wrongful conviction by establishing a defense that the case is either a suspect misidentification or caused by inaccurate forensic analysis findings and manipulated evidence to prove your innocence. If you are a crime suspect, it is imperative that you contact a lawyer as quickly as possible to help you navigate your case, as any statements you provide on your own could be used against you in court.

• 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.