Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Vallejo, CA

Vallejo, CA Criminal Defense FAQs

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

  707-648-4321 is the non-emergency contact number for the Vallejo Police Department.

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

  Police reports for incidents related to criminal cases in Vallejo can be obtained online or in person through the Records Section of the Vallejo Police Department, located at 111 Amador Street Vallejo, CA 94590. The Records Section can be contacted at (707) 648-4425. Vallejo arrest records may also be available on the Solano County Sheriff's Office website, https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/sheriff/default.asp.

• Is it necessary for parents or guardians accused of child abuse in Vallejo to hire a criminal defense attorney even if the accusations are false?

  Yes, because a child abuse accusation is one of the easiest to fabricate or falsify while also being one of the most difficult crimes to defend in Vallejo. For example, an ex-spouse may persuade a child to make false accusations against a custodial parent. Child abuse is a serious criminal charge that can result in long-term incarceration, probation, and community service, and its advisable to get the help of a criminal defense attorney.

• Can people in Vallejo be arrested for impaired driving even if their blood-alcohol content is less than 0.08%?

  Yes. According to California's DMV law, all that is required for an officer to make an arrest is probable cause. Among the specified probable causes are driving in multiple lanes at once, driving excessively slowly, and speeding. Providing a reason for an arrest, however, allows a police officer to avoid being accused of police misconduct.

• What criminal charges do motorists in Vallejo face if they are caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol?

  In most Vallejo cases, a driver is charged with two misdemeanors: one for DUI and one for driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher. Drivers with a sufficient number of prior DUI convictions can be charged with felonies. Only 3.2% of DUI arrests in Solano County result in felony charges, which are decided by the Solano County District Attorney's Office. According to statistics, less than 62% of DUI charges in the county result in a DUI conviction.

• Can Vallejo police officers request driver's licenses at DUI checkpoints?

  Yes. Vallejo law enforcement can request to see your license at a DUI checkpoint. A Vermont man lost his legal challenge alleging that a Vallejo police officer violated his 4th Amendment rights when he was asked to produce his driver's license at a drunk driving checkpoint in 2014. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals argued that the license check interfered only minimally with the freedoms guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment and was justified by the vital interest in road safety.

• Why is it not advised that people accused of crimes in Vallejo represent themselves in court?

  Individuals facing criminal charges in Vallejo should not represent themselves in court because serving as both the accused and the accused's legal advocate is often overwhelming for laypeople. The criminal justice system is extensive, and the trial process is complicated. This is also why public defenders are assigned to those who cannot afford a lawyer, because a legal practitioner will understand the rules of the court better than your average person. A court case, even just a hearing, requires so much work, and there's often a lot at stake, so it is best to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.