Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Ramon, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency dispatch number of the San Ramon Police Department is (925) 973-2779.

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

  To obtain a copy of a police report in San Ramon, call the Records staff during business hours at (925) 973-2770. Alternatively, you may make a request in person at the San Ramon Police Department, located at 2401 Crow Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA 94583, Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays).

• Can the police arrest you in San Ramon without a warrant?

  In most cases, law enforcement officials in San Ramon need a warrant to make an arrest. However, there are some instances wherein the police can make an arrest without a warrant. These include when an offense is committed in the presence of law enforcement or if the police officer has probable cause to believe the person committed a felony regardless of whether it happened in the officer’s presence.

• Are you still allowed to drive legally after getting charged with DUI in San Ramon?

  If you were charged with DUI in San Ramon, it does not necessarily mean you can no longer drive legally. Upon arrest, the police officer will suspend your license, but you will be issued with a temporary driving permit that is valid for 30 days. You then have 10 business days to schedule an administrative hearing with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), where you will have the opportunity to contest the suspension of your license.

• Who can you contact if you have a complaint against a state correctional facility or correctional employee in San Ramon?

  If you wish to lodge a complaint against a correctional facility or correctional employee in San Ramon, you may contact the Office of the Inspector General, which is responsible for the independent oversight of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. You may reach the Inspector General using the following information: Office of the Inspector General 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110 Sacramento, California 95827 Telephone: (800) 700-5952 Website: http://www.oig.ca.gov/

• Are there alternatives to going to jail in San Ramon?

  Yes, depending on your case in San Ramon, you may be eligible for diversion programs, which are basically alternative sentences. These programs will focus on counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation to prevent you from committing another crime in the future. If you are able to successfully complete a diversion program, your charges will be dropped. But if you do not adhere to the terms of your program, you can be sent back to jail for your original crimes.

• Can you clear your criminal record in San Ramon?

  In theory, criminal convictions will remain on your record for the rest of your life, but under certain circumstances, you may be eligible to expunge or remove a conviction from your record in San Ramon once you have completed your sentence. If you are qualified to petition an expungement, the court may allow your arrest and conviction to be erased from your criminal record, which will then be inaccessible to the public. You will also be legally allowed to state that you have never been convicted of that crime.

• 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.