Redwood City Criminal Defense Lawyer

An arrest changes everything.

Your job is at risk. Your family doesn’t know what to do. The future you planned feels like it’s slipping away. Meanwhile, prosecutors in San Mateo County are already building their case against you with resources you can’t match alone.

We’ve been defending clients in Redwood City since 1991. When you hire Morales Law Firm, you’re getting a lawyer who’s handled thousands of criminal cases in California and knows exactly what you’re up against.

Why Choose Morales Law Firm

Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist

Christopher Morales holds certification from the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization in Criminal Law. Less than 1% of California lawyers have this credential. Getting it requires passing a difficult exam, extensive peer review, and proving you actually know what you’re doing in criminal defense.

Three Decades in San Mateo County Courts

We opened our practice in 1991. You can’t fake that kind of experience. We’ve seen how prosecutors in this county operate, which judges are tough on sentencing, and which defense strategies actually work in Redwood City courtrooms. That knowledge matters when your freedom is on the line.

Track Record in High-Profile Cases

We’ve defended clients in some of the Bay Area’s toughest criminal cases. The 22nd Bryant Street gang rape case—largest in San Francisco history. The Bilitnikoff murder case. Federal prosecutions. These weren’t cases where you show up and hope for the best. They required skill, preparation, and knowing how to fight.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Christopher Morales’ most valuable trait is his straightforward honesty. He doesn’t just tell you what you want to hear. Instead, he provides with a realistic legal perspective grounded in deep knowledge, ensuring you are well informed. I was also impressed how his firm leverages modern technology which makes the entire legal process more efficient, thus more affordable. For anyone needing a highly competent, modern, and direct attorney, I strongly recommend Christopher Morales.

We Actually Answer the Phone

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I had a great experience with Morales Law Firm. They offer free consultations, which was a huge plus. With a promising track record and clear expertise, they answered all of my questions in a professional and timely manner. Attorney Chris Morales is definitely a lawyer I can trust, and I highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal help.

Understanding Criminal Defense in Redwood City, CA

San Mateo County runs its criminal cases through the courthouse at 400 County Center in Redwood City. According to the San Mateo County Superior Court, they process thousands of criminal cases every year. Understanding how this particular system works—the prosecutors, the procedures, the local quirks—makes a real difference in outcomes.

Here’s how it actually works. Most cases get resolved before trial. Prosecutors have their patterns. Some are reasonable. Some aren’t. Knowing who you’re dealing with, what they typically offer on similar cases, and where they have flexibility gives you negotiating power you wouldn’t have otherwise.

San Mateo County isn’t San Francisco. The enforcement priorities are different. You see more DUI stops along Highway 101 and El Camino Real. Drug enforcement focuses heavily on the corridor between Redwood City and Daly City. Property crimes in residential neighborhoods get prosecuted aggressively. FBI crime data shows drug offenses and property crimes make up most of the criminal docket here.

Juries matter too. Redwood City juries tend to be more suburban, more conservative than San Francisco juries. They’re generally more willing to believe police testimony. But they also have higher expectations for proof. A criminal defense lawyer in Redwood City, CA needs to understand these dynamics—not just general criminal law, but how cases actually play out in this specific courthouse.

We’ve been practicing in San Mateo County for decades. We represent clients throughout Redwood City, San Mateo, Belmont, San Carlos, Menlo Park, and the surrounding areas. It’s not just our office location. We’re here in court every week.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle

Criminal defense covers everything from misdemeanors to federal felonies. We handle state court cases, federal prosecutions, and juvenile matters throughout San Mateo County. Here’s what that looks like:

• Drug possession and sales cases involving methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and prescription drugs you’re not supposed to have. Most drug cases come down to search and seizure issues. If the cops violated your Fourth Amendment rights during the stop or search, we can challenge the evidence. Was the initial stop legal? Did they have probable cause? Sometimes they didn’t, and that changes everything.

• Federal drug trafficking charges handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which means mandatory minimums and federal sentencing guidelines. Federal prosecutors have more resources than county DAs. They build bigger cases and push for longer sentences. Early intervention matters in federal cases—once indictment happens, your options narrow significantly.

• Drug manufacturing and cultivation cases where the defense gets technical fast. Lab analysis, search warrant validity, chain of custody—these cases involve a lot of moving parts. Police use confidential informants, surveillance, and home searches. We challenge whether the warrant was valid, whether the lab procedures were followed, and whether the evidence is actually reliable.

• DUI and traffic offenses including every type of drunk driving charge in California. Field sobriety tests aren’t as reliable as prosecutors want juries to believe. Breathalyzers need regular calibration. Blood samples get contaminated. A DUI conviction means license suspension, fines, and possible jail time—but many DUI arrests have problems we can exploit.

• Assault and battery charges from simple misdemeanor battery up to felony assault with a deadly weapon. Self-defense is a complete defense if you can prove it. We investigate, talk to witnesses, and build your side of the story. What looks like assault to the prosecutor might have been you protecting yourself or your family.

• Sex crime allegations including rape, sexual assault, child molestation, and internet crimes. Being accused is devastating even if you didn’t do it. False accusations happen—more often in custody battles and after bad breakups than prosecutors want to admit. These cases require immediate investigation before evidence disappears and witnesses forget details.

• Theft charges from petty theft (under $950) to grand theft. Lot of these cases involve misunderstandings about intent. Shoplifting charges sometimes come from confusion or mistakes, not criminal intent. Prosecutors have to prove you intended to permanently deprive someone of their property—sometimes they can’t.

• Robbery defense strategies for cases involving force or fear during theft. Robbery is theft plus intimidation or violence. Without force or fear, it’s not robbery. Eyewitness identification is notoriously unreliable, especially in commercial robberies where witnesses are stressed and scared.

• Burglary case analysis where everything depends on intent at the time you entered. You’re not guilty of burglary if you didn’t intend to commit theft or a felony when you went in. What happened afterward doesn’t matter—it’s about what you were thinking at that specific moment. Prosecutors often struggle to prove intent beyond reasonable doubt.

• Federal white collar crime prosecutions for fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and securities violations. These cases involve boxes of financial records and expert witnesses. Federal sentences are harsh, which makes early intervention critical. Sometimes cooperation with prosecutors is the right move. Sometimes fighting is smarter. Depends on the case.

• Murder and homicide charges where you’re facing life in prison or worse. First-degree murder requires premeditation and deliberation—they have to prove you planned it. Second-degree murder doesn’t require planning but still requires malice. Manslaughter charges apply when there’s no malice—heat of passion, criminal negligence. Self-defense is always an option if the facts support it.

Common Charges in Redwood City

Drug possession dominates the criminal docket in San Mateo County. California DOJ statistics show drug arrests remain among the most common charges statewide. Meth, heroin, cocaine—possession of any of these means potential jail time and mandatory drug programs.

Domestic violence prosecutions are aggressive here. Prosecutors often proceed even when the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges. Under California Penal Code § 273.5, willfully inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant is a felony. You’re looking at up to four years in state prison if convicted.

DUI arrests spike around holidays and after major events. CHP and Redwood City PD run DUI checkpoints regularly along El Camino Real and Highway 101. California Vehicle Code § 23152(a) prohibits driving under the influence. Section 23152(b) sets the limit at 0.08% BAC for anyone over 21. But being charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty.

Federal gun charges carry mandatory minimums. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), being a felon in possession of a firearm gets you up to 10 years in federal prison. Even having ammunition is illegal if you’re a prohibited person. These cases get complicated fast, especially when your prior convictions are old or from other states.

What to Expect When Facing Criminal Charges

It starts with arrest or a summons. In Redwood City, you’ll get booked at Maguire Correctional Facility or Maple Street Correctional Center. Photos, fingerprints, then you wait for arraignment.

Arraignment happens within 48 hours of arrest, not counting weekends and holidays. The judge reads the charges, you enter a plea, and the court sets bail. Having a criminal defense attorney in Redwood City at your first appearance helps. We can argue for lower bail or OR release.

The pretrial phase is where most cases actually get resolved. We file motions to suppress evidence, challenge illegal searches, and negotiate with prosecutors. Discovery happens—that’s when we see their evidence against you. Sometimes it’s strong. Sometimes it’s weaker than they claimed.

Some cases need a preliminary hearing. The judge decides if there’s probable cause to believe you committed the crime. We use prelims to lock in witness testimony and see how solid their case really is.

If negotiation doesn’t work, we go to trial. You have a constitutional right to a jury trial. Prosecutors must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. We cross-examine their witnesses, challenge their evidence, and present your defense. Some cases should be tried. Others shouldn’t. We’ll tell you which is which.

California Criminal Law Requirements

California criminal law lives in the Penal Code, Vehicle Code, Health and Safety Code, and various other statutes. You need to understand these laws to mount a real defense.

Look at Penal Code § 459, the burglary statute. Burglary means entering a structure with intent to commit theft or any felony. The crucial word is “intent.” If you walked into a store without intent to steal—maybe you were confused, maybe you planned to pay but forgot—that’s not burglary. Prosecutors must prove your intent at the moment you entered, and that’s often harder than they expect.

California’s three strikes law mandates enhanced sentences for repeat offenders. Two prior serious or violent felonies plus any third felony conviction equals 25 years to life. Recent reforms have limited three strikes enhancements, but the law still poses serious risks if you have priors.

Drug possession gets charged under Health and Safety Code § 11350 (controlled substances) or § 11377 (methamphetamine). Simple possession became a misdemeanor after Proposition 47 passed in 2014. Possession with intent to sell is still a felony.

These distinctions matter because they create defenses. Possession requires knowing control. If cops found drugs in a car you were riding in, but the drugs weren’t yours and you didn’t know about them, you’re not guilty of possession. Simple, but prosecutors hate admitting it.

Common Challenges and How We Address Them

Aggressive Prosecutors

San Mateo County prosecutors care about conviction rates, not what’s fair to you. They’re not on your side. They’re building the strongest case they can. We level things by conducting our own investigation, finding witnesses they didn’t talk to, and hiring experts when needed.

Police Misconduct

Cops don’t always follow the rules. We’ve seen illegal searches, coerced confessions, and fabricated evidence. When police violate your constitutional rights, we file motions to suppress. If the court grants it, the prosecution often falls apart.

Complex Evidence

Criminal cases now involve DNA testing, digital forensics, fingerprint analysis, and toxicology reports. We work with forensic experts who can evaluate this evidence and spot problems. Crime lab errors happen more than you’d think.

Immigration Consequences

Criminal convictions trigger deportation proceedings for non-citizens. We know how to structure plea agreements that minimize immigration consequences. Sometimes fighting the case at trial is better than taking a plea that results in deportation, even if the plea seems like a good deal.

Public Perception

Sexual assault allegations, child abuse charges, domestic violence cases—people assume guilt immediately. We combat this by presenting the full story and humanizing our clients. Every case has two sides, and juries need to hear both.

Steps to Take After Arrest

Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

Don’t talk to police. Period. Even innocent people say things that get used against them. Police are trained interrogators who know how to twist your words. Say you want a lawyer. Then stop talking.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately

Time matters. Evidence disappears. Witnesses leave town or forget details. Security footage gets deleted after 30-60 days. We need to start investigating while the evidence still exists. Call us for a free consultation so we can evaluate your case and start building your defense.

Don’t Consent to Searches

If cops ask to search your car, phone, or house, say no. They wouldn’t ask permission if they had legal authority to search. Consenting waives your Fourth Amendment rights and kills our ability to challenge the search later.

Preserve Evidence

Save text messages, emails, and social media posts related to your case. Write down everything you remember about your arrest while it’s fresh: where you were, what happened, who saw it. Details fade fast. Document it all now.

Follow Bail Conditions

If you’re released on bail, follow every condition exactly. Violating bail conditions means additional charges and getting locked up again. Don’t contact alleged victims if there’s a protective order. Don’t leave the area without court permission.

Legal Process Overview

1. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

We start with a free consultation to hear what happened and evaluate your defenses. We explain the charges, potential penalties, and your options. Everything you tell us is confidential. You’re not obligated to hire us.

2. Investigation and Strategy Development

Once you hire us, we start investigating immediately. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, get police reports and discovery, and identify weaknesses in their case. Defense strategy depends on the specific facts of your case, not some template approach.

3. Pretrial Negotiations and Motions

Most cases resolve here. We negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges. We file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence and challenge procedural violations. Many cases get resolved without trial when we find the right leverage.

4. Trial Preparation and Courtroom Defense

If negotiation fails, we prepare for trial. We depose witnesses, prepare exhibits, and develop our trial strategy. At trial, we cross-examine their witnesses, present your defense, and argue for acquittal. Jury trials require extensive preparation. We’re ready.

5. Post-Conviction Relief

If you’re convicted, we can pursue criminal appeals or writs of habeas corpus. We also help with expungement in Redwood City once you’ve completed your sentence. Many convictions can be expunged, letting you honestly answer “no” when asked about criminal history.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Christopher Morales’ most valuable trait is his straightforward honesty. He doesn’t just tell you what you want to hear. Instead, he provides with a realistic legal perspective grounded in deep knowledge, ensuring you are well informed. I was also impressed how his firm leverages modern technology which makes the entire legal process more efficient, thus more affordable. For anyone needing a highly competent, modern, and direct attorney, I strongly recommend Christopher Morales.

Time Limits and Deadlines

California Penal Code § 801 sets a three-year statute of limitations for most felonies. But serious felonies like murder, embezzlement of public funds, and certain sex crimes have longer deadlines or no time limit at all.

The statute of limitations is a defense. If prosecutors charge you after the deadline, we can move to dismiss. But there’s a catch—the clock stops when they file a complaint or when you leave California. Prosecutors sometimes file charges at the last possible moment.

Time matters for other reasons too. Evidence degrades. Witnesses move or forget. Security footage gets deleted after 30-60 days. The sooner you contact a Redwood City criminal defense lawyer, the better chance we have of preserving favorable evidence.

After arrest, you have 48 hours (not counting weekends and holidays) before you must be arraigned or released. This protects against indefinite detention. But prosecutors can refile charges later if they miss the deadline.

Appeals have strict deadlines. In California state court, you typically have 60 days from sentencing to file a notice of appeal. Miss that deadline and you’ve lost your right to appeal. Federal criminal appeals must be filed within 14 days of judgment.

Don’t wait. Call now.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do you charge?

We offer free consultations and flexible payment plans. Fees depend on the complexity of your case, the charges, and whether it goes to trial. We’re upfront about costs from the beginning.

How long will my case take?

Misdemeanors usually resolve in 2-4 months. Felonies take 6-12 months or longer. Complex cases with lots of discovery or expert witnesses take more time. We work efficiently, but we don’t rush your defense.

What should I bring to our first meeting?

Bring any documents about your arrest: police reports, bail paperwork, court papers, witness contact information. If you have text messages, photos, or videos relevant to your case, bring those. Write down everything you remember about what happened.

Do I really need a lawyer?

Yes. Prosecutors have experienced lawyers and unlimited resources. Representing yourself is a mistake, even for simple cases. Prosecutors know how to use the system against you. We don’t.

Can I handle this myself?

No. Criminal law is complicated. Court procedures are confusing. Prosecutors extract damaging admissions from people who don’t know better. Small mistakes lead to convictions or harsher sentences. Hiring a criminal defense attorney in Redwood City, CA is the most important decision you’ll make.

What happens if I’m convicted?

Depends on the charges and your criminal history. Misdemeanors mean up to one year in county jail. Felonies mean longer sentences in state prison. Beyond jail time, convictions bring fines, probation, counseling, registration requirements, and loss of rights.

How do you communicate with clients?

We’re accessible. You get our direct phone number and email. We respond quickly to questions and keep you informed about what’s happening with your case. Good communication matters.

What are my chances of winning?

It depends on the facts, the evidence, and the charges. We give realistic assessments, not false promises. Some cases should go to trial. Others shouldn’t. We’ll tell you which is which.

Can you get my case dismissed?

Sometimes. If police violated your rights or the evidence is weak, dismissal is possible. We file motions to suppress evidence and motions to dismiss when appropriate. But we can’t guarantee outcomes.

What if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges?

In domestic violence cases, prosecutors often proceed anyway. The state brings charges, not victims. But when a victim won’t cooperate, it weakens the case and creates negotiating leverage.

About Morales Law Firm

Christopher F. Morales started this firm with one focus: defending people accused of crimes. He graduated from U.C. Berkeley and Santa Clara University School of Law before being admitted to the California State Bar in 1991.

Since then, he’s defended thousands of clients in criminal cases throughout California. He’s certified as a Specialist in Criminal Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Less than 1% of California lawyers have this certification.

His cases have drawn significant media attention. He was an expert commentator for Fox News during the Scott Peterson murder trial. The San Francisco Chronicle and San Jose Mercury News have quoted him. His work includes defending clients in the largest gang rape case in San Francisco history and handling complex federal criminal prosecutions.

Beyond casework, Mr. Morales has served on multiple boards: San Mateo County Bar Association, Huckleberry Youth Programs, La Raza Centro Legal. He was president of La Raza Lawyers Association and served on the State Bar of California Conference of Delegates.

His recognition includes Northern California Super Lawyer (2012-2015), Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers (2015), Best Attorney of America by Rue Ratings (2015), Superb Avvo rating, and A+ from Better Business Bureau.

He was Chairman of the Private Defender Committee for the San Mateo Private Defender Panel in 2005. He also served on the Board of Directors of the San Mateo County Bar Association from 2006-2009. This gives him unique insight into how the San Mateo County criminal justice system actually works.

Mr. Morales is a former National Boxing Champion (1984). He brings the same fighter’s instinct to defending clients in court that he brought to the ring.

Important Local Resources for Redwood City Criminal Defense

San Mateo County Superior Court – Criminal Division 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063 (650) 261-5100 https://www.sanmateocourt.org/court_divisions/criminal/criminal.php The main criminal courthouse in San Mateo County. All felony and misdemeanor cases are heard here.

San Mateo County Public Defender’s Office 555 County Center, 4th Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063 (650) 363-4733 Provides free legal representation to indigent defendants who cannot afford private counsel.

Maguire Correctional Facility 270 Maple Street, Redwood City, CA 94063 (650) 363-4000 Where arrestees in Redwood City are held pending arraignment and where sentenced inmates serve county jail time.

San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063 (650) 363-4636 https://www.smcgov.org/da The agency responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in San Mateo County.

California Courts Self-Help Center https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp.htm Provides information about criminal procedures, forms, and legal rights for people representing themselves.

Contact Morales Law Firm

If you’re facing criminal charges in Redwood City, CA, don’t wait. Every day gives prosecutors more time to build their case. We offer free consultations to evaluate your situation and explain your options.

We’re available 24/7 because arrests don’t happen on a schedule.

Being arrested is terrifying. Your future feels uncertain. But you don’t have to face this alone. Our Redwood City criminal defense lawyer has been fighting for clients’ rights for over 30 years.

Attorney Christopher Morales handles cases personally. You won’t get passed to a junior associate or paralegal. When you hire us, you get representation from a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist.

We serve Redwood City and all of San Mateo County. Our office has convenient access to the courthouse at 400 County Center. We handle cases throughout the Bay Area and California.

Don’t talk to police without a lawyer. Don’t try to handle this yourself. Your freedom is too important.

Free Consultation | Available 24/7 | Flexible Payment Plans

Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced Redwood City criminal defense attorney.