Criminal Defense Attorney – Redwood City, CA
Anyone facing the consequences of a probation violation should consider speaking with a Redwood City, California criminal defense attorney today. The outcome of probation hearings is often determined by the judge’s impression of the individual. The Morales Law Firm may be able to help.
What are probation conditions and terms?
If a person is found guilty on criminal charges, depending on the charge, he or she may be offered probation in addition to or in lieu of jail time. Probation is essentially the court’s way of restricting the individual and holding him or her accountable without putting the person in jail. Our Redwood City, CA criminal defense attorney provides you with some common conditions or terms for probation:
- Regular meetings with the probation officer
- Required court appearances
- Random drug tests
- Fines and restitution
- Required classes related to the offense- drug and alcohol or anger management classes may be required as part of the probation
- WHAT IS A PROBATION VIOLATION?
- 3 REASONS TO HIRE A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS
- MIRANDA RIGHTS
- PUBLIC DEFENDER
- CHOOSING A REDWOOD CITY, CA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
- WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU ARE FOUND GUILTY OF A PROBATION VIOLATION
- PROBATION REVOCATION
- San Fransico Criminal Defense Law Statistics
- SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF A CRIMINAL CONVICTION
- Legal Assistance
What is a probation violation?
In the event that an individual does not comply with any of the conditions or terms that are required to fulfill the probation, he or she may be subject to a probation revocation hearing. It is important to speak with a Redwood City, CA criminal defense attorney if you may have violated the terms of your parole so that you have the best possible chance to mitigate the consequences of that violation. Some common violations include:
- No show for meetings with the probation officer.
- Missed court dates- court appearances are required and a judge may issue a warrant if the individual misses a court date.
- Failed drug test- in the event that a drug test is failed, the probation officer has the discretion to give a warning or bring it to the court’s attention.
- Failure to pay fines and restitution- the individual may have to pay fines associated with the original charges. In addition, the court may require restitution be paid to those who were affected by the original crime.
Contact our Redwood City, CA criminal defense attorney if you are facing the consequences of a probation violation today.
What are the repercussions of probation violation?
The repercussions of violating probation vary greatly. It depends on many factors that are based on the severity of the violation, the probation officer and the judge, should the individual be required to attend a hearing. The repercussions can vary from a warning from the probation officer for something minor to jail time for something more significant, such as a new arrest resulting in a criminal charge. As you can see, the consequences of a possible parole violation are serious. If you have violated your parole, speak with an experienced Redwood City, CA criminal defense attorney as soon as you can. We may be able to prevent your situation from becoming even more complex and consequential.
What happens during a probation revocation hearing?
If the probation officer recommends a revocation hearing, he or she can also recommend a consequence. The final decision on whether the individual violated probation and the consequence that he or she will have to face ultimately falls on the judge in the case. The judge will hear arguments from the prosecution and your Redwood City, CA criminal defense defense attorney and review any evidence. The hearing is not as rigid as a trial might be and the judge has a lot of discretion with how to handle the proceedings and information.
What Happens if You Can’t Afford a Redwood City, CA Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you are arrested and accused of a crime, you may feel angry, scared or hopeless. This can seem like a desperate situation. Even if you did make a mistake and were involved in the incident, you still have rights. A criminal defense attorney serving Redwood City, CA can help protect your interests and make sure you are treated fairly. Of course, not everyone has an attorney, and many people can’t afford to pay one for a criminal defense. Fortunately, your legal rights allow you to still have access to a lawyer.
3 Reasons To Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you believe you are in trouble with the law, hiring a criminal defense attorney in Redwood City, CA, could be a good idea. The criminal justice system can be complex. A lawyer from the Morales Law Firm can be your guide and confidant through the process.
You have certain rights, even if you are being charged as guilty. Always know that you are not alone. The outline below has a few of the reasons why hiring a criminal defense attorney can help you out.
A Protector of Your Rights
A criminal defense attorney in Redwood City, CA, can help you navigate the complex trial process. Did you know police officers are only allowed to ask you certain questions? Additionally, answering their questions in a certain way could incriminate you.
A criminal defense lawyer can advise you on how to behave during an investigation. They can also accompany you if you get further questioning from the police. Sometimes, they could be able to negotiate a dismissal of certain charges. You can strengthen your odds of success if you have a knowledgeable attorney advising you.
They Can Prepare You
You don’t have to wait for your arrest to hire an attorney. If you believe you could be in trouble with the law, find a criminal defense lawyer to help. A lawyer can advise you on how to proceed if the time were to come to face charges.
Know that all criminal cases start as investigations. If you are found guilty after an investigation, law enforcement officers will either arrest you or turn in their report to the State Attorney’s Office. Finding a criminal defense attorney in Redwood City, CA, ahead of this process can help immensely. A lawyer can be there to negotiate your charges or drop sentences.
Representation Can Matter
You don’t have to hire a defense lawyer. You can represent yourself in court. You can also simply plead guilty to any charges you face. However, hiring a defense attorney can be helpful if you are facing serious charges.
A defense lawyer can help ensure that the charges are legitimate. They may be able to help change your charges from a felony to a misdemeanor. There can be many ways how representation helps your case in the long run.
The Morales Law Firm has many trusted attorneys that can help you navigate this complex process. Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. Know that they are with you every step of the way.
Redwood City Criminal Defense Law Infographic
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense Attorneys
How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help?
Most defendants in criminal cases should seek representation, and an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate the system. Although you could work with a public defender, a criminal defense attorney in Redwood City CA might have more time and resources to devote to your case. Defense lawyers are able to help their clients because they are familiar with how the local criminal justice system works. They often have knowledge of the courts, judges and prosecutors. Furthermore, they can advise you on interacting with law enforcement and the justice systems.
What Can You Expect From a Defense Lawyer?
Your criminal defense attorney in Redwood City CA should be knowledgeable regarding cases like yours and criminal law in general. The lawyers at the Morales Law Firm are familiar with a variety of criminal law cases. Your legal team should be able to help you deal with paperwork and scheduling. They can also coach you on speaking with law enforcement or before a judge. Your criminal defense lawyer is obligated to keep confidential any information pertaining to your case. You can expect your defense attorney to communicate openly and work towards improving the outcome of your case.
How Can You Find a Defense Attorney?
It’s important to do some research before you start working with a criminal defense attorney. You can use your state’s bar association or other legal organizations which may have recommendations. You could also seek a referral from your personal network. Once you find a criminal defense attorney in Redwood City CA, you can ask about their focus and level of experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to assess their enthusiasm and expertise. You should also ask about fees and payment before you hire an attorney.
What Should You Do During a Criminal Case?
Being involved in a criminal investigation can be a confusing and stressful experience. A criminal defense attorney in Redwood City CA can help you figure out how you should act regardless of your situation. In general, you shouldn’t talk with law enforcement without representation present, as your words could be used against you in court. You and your lawyer may also need to discuss potential plea deals, and their experience in criminal law can help you decide how to proceed. Furthermore, your case may go to trial. Attorneys from the Morales Law Firm can help you litigate your case if that occurs. In addition, they can advise you on communicating and presenting yourself appropriately in court.
Miranda Rights
You are probably familiar with this term and the words police officers speak to those they arrest. Every arrested individual has the right to an attorney. In fact, accused people should not say a word to police officers or investigators without first consulting with their Redwood City, CA criminal defense attorney. Your attorney will discuss the accusations with you and will apprise you of your rights. The attorney will advise you what questions you can and should answer and will be present with you during questioning. Another part of the Miranda reading states that an attorney will be provided to you if you can’t afford one.
Public Defender
Defendants who can’t afford to hire a Redwood City, CA criminal defense attorney will have representation from a public defender. This individual is an attorney with a law degree from an accredited college or university. Government funding pays this lawyer’s salary. Rather than choosing the cases they want to work on, the public defender is assigned to a defendant. This lawyer has experience in defending accused defendants for a wide range of crimes. If you get a public defender, you can have confidence that this attorney will have your best interests at heart and will work diligently to help you achieve the outcome you want. Be aware, however, that you will not get a public defender simply because you tell a judge you can’t afford a criminal defense attorney in Redwood City, CA. The court will look at your financial situation to determine whether you’ll be given a public defender.
Do it Yourself
Though rare, some defendants choose to represent themselves in court. The law allows this, though there are many downsides to this choice. If you go this route, you will not have the expertise and knowledge in criminal law that a public defender would have, unless you have a legal background yourself.
If you face criminal charges and are preparing for a trial, legal representation is essential. Even if you can’t afford a Redwood City, CA criminal defense attorney, you can still get the help you need.
In general, it is advised to seek counsel when in legal trouble. It is especially prudent to turn to an attorney for representation during a probation revocation hearing, especially for more severe violations. When you are facing significant criminal consequences, it makes good sense to have an experienced Redwood City, CA criminal defense attorney by your side advocating for your interests. Contact the Morales Law Firm today!
Choosing a Redwood City, CA Criminal Defense Attorney
Choosing a criminal defense attorney could be one of the most important decisions you make in your life. The right attorney could be the difference between conviction and acquittal, or prison time and community service. While a criminal defense attorney serving Redwood City, California can’t guarantee an outcome, you have a better chance at a more favorable result when you choose the right professional to represent you. The Morales Law Firm provides you with considerations to make when searching for the right criminal defense attorney for your case:
The Right Kind of Experience
When you’re looking at potential attorneys, be sure you’re looking for the right kind of experience. If you hire an attorney with twenty years of legal experience in fraud cases, it may not do you much good if you are charged with breaking and entering with possession of an illegal firearm. You may be better off with a criminal defense attorney in Redwood City, CA who has experience in representing criminal cases.
Keep in mind, experience shouldn’t always be a determining factor. There are some attorneys just starting out that may charge less in order to build a reputation and a client base, and who focused on criminal defense more than anything else in law school. There could be another attorney with many years of experience who is burned out and doesn’t perform as well. As you can see, experience is important, but it has to be the right kind of experience.
Someone Who Practices Empathy
Our Redwood City, CA criminal defense attorney knows that criminal charges often feel quite personal to the defendant. It may not do you well to hire an attorney who isn’t empathetic to your situation. Afterall, you could be dealing with one of the most difficult situations in your life. You should find an attorney who takes time to learn about you, about the crime for which you are charged and about the way you live.
You should pay attention to how you and the attorney interact, ensuring you feel comfortable with their style of communication. Do they listen to what you’re trying to portray, even if you can’t find the words? Does your Redwood City, CA criminal defense attorney give you enough information that you understand what’s going on? Communication is very important moving forward, and you shouldn’t be afraid to get personal with your attorney.
A Local Professional
Sometimes when you hire an attorney who is local, they have a more solid understanding of the way your courthouse operates. You attorney is more likely to have a history with certain judges, district attorneys, police officers and other individuals who could be part of your case. This could come in handy in many criminal cases.
What Happens if You Are Found Guilty of a Probation Violation
If you’re found guilty of a probation violation, the judge overseeing your case may penalize you in multiple ways. Knowing what to expect can help ease the shock of additional punishments coming down. The odds of escaping harsher penalties are always better when you hire a skilled criminal defense attorney in Redwood City, CA.
Probation Reinstatement
If the nature of your violation isn’t particularly egregious, a judge may decide to do nothing more than reinstate your probation without additional stipulations. Attorneys at The Morales Law Firm aim to deliver this result for their clients every time one of them commits a probation violation. Even if the judge’s ruling is lenient, the opportunity to have one’s record expunged might be voided.
Occasionally, the abilities of a criminal defense attorney in Redwood City, CA, aren’t enough. A judge may still want to impose harsher penalties. Examples include community service, additional jail time, and electronic monitoring. With drug-addicted offenders, a judge might mandate rehabilitation treatments. For those found guilty of acts of violence, anger management is always a possibility.
Probation Revocation
The worst possible outcome of a probation violation is revocation. Probation is a set of rules by which someone found guilty of a crime can avoid incarceration. Revocation of this privilege means time behind bars. Under such circumstances, attorneys at The Morales Law Firm can work to help minimize the imposed sentence.
When probation gets revoked, deferred sentences often provide the basis for sentencing. The originally determined length of incarceration will now be in effect. That said, someone convicted of a probation violation can still get credit for time served.
An alternative is for a judge to suspend the execution of a sentence. When this happens, the judge revokes probation yet doesn’t send the violator to a correctional institution. Should the reprimanded individual commit another probation violation, the judge will have no choice but to send that person to prison. These terms are spelled out during a hearing. Nonetheless, a qualified criminal defense attorney in Redwood City, CA, can explain a judge’s words clearly and understandably. Defendants need to fully comprehend the court’s final ruling or risk an inadvertent violation that could result in jail time.
When facing the law because of a probation violation, it’s helpful to come to court knowing the potential outcomes. A criminal defense attorney in Redwood City, CA, can give you a deeper appreciation for what may come to pass when facing the long arm of the law.
If you’ve never been accused of criminal wrongdoing before now, you may be wondering if the criminal charges that you’re now facing are serious in nature. Perhaps you’ve “only” been charged with a misdemeanor and well-meaning loved ones have been trying to comfort you by insisting that what you’re dealing with isn’t really that big of a deal. Unfortunately, if this is the case, your well-meaning loved ones are incorrect. Regardless of whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, the situation that you currently face is very serious.
San Fransico Criminal Defense Law Statistics
According to Pew Research Center, only 2 percent of the almost 80,000 defendants charged with federal crimes actually go to trial. Almost 90 percent of those cases are resolved with a guilty plea by the defendant, while just under 10 percent are dismissed. Make sure you have a skilled criminal defense lawyer who will aggressively defend you and not just look to plead your case out.
Criminal Defense Attorney – Redwood City, CA a part of San Mateo County
Connect with an experienced Redwood City, CA criminal defense attorney in San Mateo County, at the Morales Law Firm today to discuss the unique criminal charges that have been levied against you. The sooner that our legal team is alerted to your need for representation, the sooner that we can begin building the strongest possible defense on your behalf.
Short-Term and Long-Term Consequences of a Criminal Conviction
The kinds of consequences you could face at a sentencing for a criminal conviction would depend upon the nature of your crime, as well as other factors (such as any history of previous criminal wrongdoing, the impact of victim statements, etc.). A judge could potentially sentence you to imprisonment, fines, community service, probation, substance abuse treatment, anger management courses, a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, etc. etc.
However, the short-term and long-term consequences of a criminal conviction extend well beyond the sentencing handed down by a judge. Having a criminal record is something that you’ll be compelled to disclose under many different circumstances. You’ll likely need to admit to your conviction on job applications, housing applications, credit applications, applications to institutions for higher learning, and even on background checks to volunteer at a hospital or school. Don’t underestimate how tough it can be to have a conviction on your record. Work hard to present a strong defense to the charges against you.
Morales Law Firm Redwood City Criminal Defense Attorney
605 Middlefield Road Suite A, Redwood City, San Mateo County, CA 94063
Redwood City Criminal Defense Attorney Google Review
“If you’re looking for a trusted and experienced criminal attorney in the Bay Area Mr. Morales is the one. I had a Great experience with him , he’s a great attorney and good human being. He is beyond helpful. I highly recommend his services to anyone in need. Thank you Mr. Morales!!” – Narcis V.
Legal Assistance Is Available
If you have not yet connected with us to schedule a risk-free consultation with the experienced California team at Morales Law Firm, don’t delay any longer. There is really no way to overestimate how seriously you need to approach your legal situation now that you’re facing criminal charges. Once we have been alerted to your need for guidance and support, we’ll begin working to aggressively protect your interests and defend your rights.
Learning More About Our Redwood City, CA Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are in need of a criminal defense attorney, it’s important that you learn as much as possible about them. This will provide you with the ability to make the right choice when hiring one. For a Redwood City, CA criminal defense attorney you can trust and rely on, contact The Morales Law Firm today.
Client Review
“I have had the pleasure of working alongside Mr. Morales. He is an excellent attorney who is well regarded in the legal community for his skill, experience, and zealous advocacy.”
Valery N