What should I do if I've been arrested?

If you’ve been arrested, we recommend that you stay calm, clearly say that you want to remain silent, and ask to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions, because anything you say can be used against you later. With over 34 years of criminal defense experience in private practice since 1991, we understand how those first decisions at the station or jail can shape the rest of your case. We offer free consultations and 24/7 phone answering, so call us at (415) 552-1215 or contact us online as soon as possible so we can start protecting your rights and building a defense plan tailored to you.

Do I need a lawyer if I haven't been charged yet?

Yes, talking with a lawyer while you are under investigation but before charges are filed can make a real difference, because we can deal with detectives for you, help you avoid harmful statements, and in some cases present information that may influence a prosecutor’s charging decision. With over three decades of criminal defense experience across California, handling misdemeanors, felonies, and juvenile matters, we know how pre-charge work can affect what happens later in court. We offer free consultations, so reach out now and let us review what is happening before things get worse, instead of waiting until you are already in court.

Can I get my charges reduced or dismissed?

Many cases can be reduced or even dismissed, but it depends on the facts, the evidence, your record, and how the prosecution and judge see the case, so we start by carefully reviewing police reports, witness statements, and any video or scientific evidence for weaknesses we can challenge. Attorney Morales has experience defending everything from DUI and drug charges to serious felonies and white collar cases. We know which issues to attack and when to push for dismissals, reduced charges, or alternative resolutions. While no lawyer can promise a specific outcome, we offer free consultations to talk through your options and next steps, so contact us today and let us evaluate the best strategy for your situation.

What are my rights during a police investigation?

During a police investigation, you have the right to remain silent, the right to ask for a lawyer, and in many situations the right to refuse consent to a search, even if officers try to pressure you to talk or let them “just look around.” Attorney Morales has spent over 30+ years defending people in police stations and courts throughout California, so we know how officers question suspects and what tactics they use to get statements. We offer free consultations and 24/7 phone answering, so contact us as early as possible, ideally before you meet with the police, so we can explain your rights in plain language and speak to law enforcement on your behalf.

Can you tell me if I'll have to go to trial?

Most criminal cases do not go all the way to trial, but some do, and whether yours will depend on the strength of the evidence, the offers from the prosecutor, and your own goals and risk tolerance. With over 34 years of trial experience handling everything from DUI and assault to murder, sex crimes, and complex white collar matters, we can give you a realistic picture of what a trial would look like and when it makes sense to fight in front of a jury. During your free consultation, we’ll review your situation, talk about possible outcomes both with and without trial, and help you decide the path that best fits you and your family.

How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?

The cost of a criminal defense attorney depends on factors like the seriousness of the charges, how complex the evidence is, whether the case is likely to go to trial, and which court the case is in, so we usually cannot give a meaningful quote until we know some details. Since 1991, Attorney Morales has handled everything from misdemeanors and juvenile cases to serious felonies in courts across California. We can quickly assess what level of work your case will likely require. We offer free consultations so we can review your situation, explain your options, and discuss fees and payment arrangements upfront. Contact us today to talk through costs before you make any big decisions alone.

Can I get my record expunged in California?

In many situations, people can seek to have certain California convictions expunged, meaning the court treats the conviction as if it never happened and removes it from the public record, but eligibility depends on the type of offense, your sentence, and whether you have completed all terms of probation and are free of new charges. We handle expungements and record-clearing work as part of our practice, using over thirty years of experience in criminal law to review your history and determine what relief may be available. We offer free consultations, so contact us and we’ll go through your record with you, explain what can and cannot be cleaned up, and map out the next steps to give you a better future.

Morales Law Firm

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We’ve been protecting clients’ rights in California since 1991. Reach out today for your free consultation and let us put our decades of experience to work for you.

Demanding Identification from People on the Street

"Stop and identify" laws may enable police to demand identification. Using loitering laws for the same...

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Guidelines for Talking to the Police

By Paul Bergman The golden rule of criminal defense is that suspects who think that they...

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When to Answer a Police Officer’s Questions

Sometimes it's to your advantage to speak voluntarily with the police -- sometimes, not. By Sara...

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The Death Penalty and the Right to Self-Representation

Is it the defendant's right to throw in the towel when capital punishment is on the...

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Bay Area DUI Checkpoints (Halloween – 2016)

Local law enforcement agencies will be out in force, utilizing sobriety checkpoints all over the bay...

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Why Prosecutors Choose Grand Juries Instead of Preliminary Hearings

The grand jury process is prosecutor-friendly in that grand jurors see and hear only what prosecutors...

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Your Rights During Booking

Suspects aren't entitled to Miranda warnings during booking -- and should avoid any unnecessary conversations. Defendants...

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What can the prosecution ask me about my conversations with my lawyer?

The attorney-client privilege is, in some sense, a broad one. The attorney-client privilege is, in some...

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Criminal Trial Publicity

Criminal trials generally must be accessible to the public, but there are exceptions. Anyone accused...

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Blog

Demanding Identification from People on the Street

Guidelines for Talking to the Police

When to Answer a Police Officer’s Questions

The Death Penalty and the Right to Self-Representation

Bay Area DUI Checkpoints (Halloween – 2016)

Why Prosecutors Choose Grand Juries Instead of Preliminary Hearings

Your Rights During Booking

What can the prosecution ask me about my conversations with my lawyer?

Criminal Trial Publicity

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