Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Ventura, CA

FAQs

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

  To reach the City of Ventura Police Department, call (805) 650-8010.

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

  To obtain a police report, mail your request to the:

  Ventura Police Department Records Unit 1425 Dowell Drive, Ventura, CA 93003

  Please be informed that the report costs $20 and that you need to include a copy of your picture identification, the Ventura PD report number, and the address to which you want the report to be mailed.

• How important is it to hire a private criminal defense attorney in Ventura to represent a juvenile delinquent?

  It is very important to acquire the aid of a Ventura criminal defense attorney to protect the rights of a minor offendant since the prosecutors in California are tough on juvenile crime. Offenders over 14 can be tried as adults and youthful offenders over 18 will serve sentences in the adult criminal justice system, thanks to Proposition 21. The attorney can work to ensure that instead of harsh punishments, the minor can be rehabilitated.

• How does a criminal defense attorney help someone in Ventura who is facing their first DUI charge?

  Pleading guilty or getting convicted of a DUI charge can result in short and long-term consequences, such as increased insurance costs and mandatory attendance of the Drinking Driver Program. Your Ventura criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights by employing various defense points, such as providing an alternate explanation for the failure of your field sobriety test, or citing a lack of reasonable suspicion for your traffic stop.

• What do you do if your loved one who is experiencing a mental crisis or a psychotic break has been locked up in Ventura?

  The best course of action to take is to immediately hire an attorney, since law enforcement, if operating on the belief that your loved one poses a threat to themselves or others, can detain them for up to 72 hours to 14 days without the chance of release. Your attorney can work on your behalf to secure the release of your loved one so they can be taken out of a stressful environment.

• Is there hope for sex offenders for their records to be removed from the registry in Ventura?

  This is possible for some, but not all. Tier One sex offenders may be eligible for removal from the registry only after 10 years, while it will take 20 years for those belonging to Tier Two. Sex offenders belonging to Tier Three cannot opt out of their lifetime registration requirement.

• How can a criminal defense attorney help someone who's facing multiple drug charges in Ventura?

  Your hired attorney in Ventura will most likely challenge these charges by contesting or questioning the method by which evidence was obtained. Sometimes, law enforcement makes errors during the search and seizure of substances, or just outright performs unconstitutional acts. Depending on the case's unique circumstances, your attorney may be able to get the charges either dropped or reduced.

• 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.