Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Rialto

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Rialto Police Department is (909) 820-2550.

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

  To make a request for a copy of a police report in Rialto, contact the Records Supervisor at jmorales@rialtopd.com or call 909-820-2575.

• Should you give a statement to the police if you were arrested in Rialto?

  No. You are not obliged to give a statement to the police if you were arrested in Rialto. In fact, you must exercise your right to remain silent, which is also known as the right against self-incrimination. This applies to situations where there is an attempt to force you to give any form of testimony that will likely be used against you in a criminal proceeding. It would be best to enlist the help of a criminal defense lawyer right away before speaking with law enforcement officers.

• What should you do if you’re a minor and you get stopped by the police in Rialto?

  If you are 16 years old or less and law enforcement officers in Rialto stop you out of suspicion of a crime, request the police to contact your parent or legal guardian. Make sure to wait until your parent or guardian arrives to where you are being held before you answer any questions. You should also be proactive and ask the police to have an attorney present before and during any questioning, regardless of whether or not your parent or guardian is present.

• What will happen if you fail to complete a condition on probation in Rialto?

  If you’re under probation in Rialto for a felony or misdemeanor and you fail to complete a condition, you may face substantial jail or prison time. To avoid going behind bars, you must have a reasonable explanation as to why you were not able to meet a condition during your probationary period, say you or a family member fell ill or you lack finances. A skilled defense attorney can help you persuasively argue these points and obtain documentation and verification that will satisfy the court.

• What does the 10-day DMV rule mean for DUI offenders in Rialto?

  If you get a DUI in Rialto, you have 10 days from the date of your arrest to schedule your administrative hearing with the DMV. The state of California, through its DMV offices, has the legal right to suspend your driver’s license. But if you schedule a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest, you have the right to present evidence to avoid a possible DMV suspension for DUI.

• Can you clear your criminal record in Rialto?

  It may be possible for you to remove a criminal conviction under your name in Rialto through the process of expungement once you’ve completed probation. Petitioning expungement allows you to withdraw a plea of guilt or no contest, to re-enter a plea of not guilty, and to have your case dismissed once and for all. If granted expungement, your previous conviction will be inaccessible to the public, and you will be released from the many negative consequences of having a criminal conviction.

• 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.