San Francisco Criminal Defense Attorney

Your Dedicated Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing criminal charges due to being accused of a crime, consider turning to our experienced San Francisco, CA criminal defense attorney for legal assistance. Regardless of what you are being charged with, we will work tirelessly to protect you. Seeking a criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, CA, may help prevent you from serving an unnecessary length of jail time, immense fines, and an unjust verdict.

We started our business protecting those who are wrongly accused in our community more than 25 years ago. Within that time, we have proudly established a respected reputation for professional yet compassionate legal services. We do not recommend going to trial without proper legal representation. Doing so may result in catastrophic damage to your finances, freedom, and future. We can offer advice and emotional support as you face challenges during the litigation.

In our eyes, a client is innocent unless proven guilty within the court system. We acknowledge that our clients are likely going through a turbulent time and will do what we can to take the weight off your shoulders. When you hire a criminal defense attorney from The Morales Law Firm, we can speak up in your defense and answer any questions or concerns you may have along the way.

Crafting the Strongest Defense Possible

Constructing a strong criminal defense strategy begins with understanding the truth. As soon as you begin working with our firm, you’ll benefit from attorney-client privilege. We’ll need to know as much as you do about what has happened and whether there is any truth to the prosecution’s case. Our communications with you will be confidential, so you don’t have to be shy about telling us the truth. Our job isn’t to judge. Our job is to protect the rights afforded to you by state and federal law.

Once we better understand the circumstances you’re facing, we can begin constructing a defense that will work best for you. Our legal team works hard to ensure that every client benefits from a personalized strategy. Your case is yours and yours alone. We will not simply re-use strategies that have worked in the past unless they are likely to succeed given your unique legal situation. When you work with our firm, your case will be treated with the respect and aggressive dedication that it deserves.

Common Types of Criminal Defense Cases

Common types of criminal defense cases that we can assist with include drug offenses, violent crimes, domestic violence, drunk driving, white collar crimes, theft crimes, sex crimes, and more.

We understand the immense stress you may be under and the impact this criminal charge against you may have on your future. At The Morales Law Firm, we may defend your rights, work for your fair trial, and build a solid foundation in support of your innocence in front of the jury.

After a thorough investigation of your case, we may uncover inconsistencies that could result in evidence being thrown out and no longer used against you. It is important you go over every detail with your attorney, so they can potentially find flaws in the prosecution’s evidence of what happened. Even the smallest of details may change the case outcome.

Even if immigration issues are part of your case, we can still offer you legal assistance. We can use tactics to help prevent your deportation and work around the clock to help you stay in this country. The last thing you need during this process is to be removed from your home and family.

Three Things You Need to Know if You Are Facing Criminal Charges

Being charged with a crime can be an overwhelming experience, particularly if it is your first time facing criminal charges. The best decision you can make after being charged, or if you think you may be charged in the future, is to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, CA, who can help you understand your rights and obligations. Although you might be eligible for court-appointed legal counsel, you may still wish to seek affordable representation from a local law firm like The Morales Law Firm. In the meantime, consider these three things:

1. You have guaranteed rights.

Criminal charges are brought against you by the government. Typically, these will be brought by a prosecutor on behalf of your state. When you are accused of a crime by the government, you have several important Constitutional rights that provide you some protection. For example, you are guaranteed access to an attorney, even if you cannot afford to pay one out of your own pocket. You also have the right to remain silent, meaning that you are not required to give a statement to the prosecuting attorney, the judge, or any investigating police officer. You should take advantage of your rights and strongly consider requesting access to an attorney before making any statements regarding the incident leading to your arrest.

2. Timing is important.

The San Francisco, CA, criminal justice system moves on a tight timeline and can be extremely rigid. This means that if you have a hearing scheduled, you must appear in court on that day, with your attorney if you choose to use one. If you are arriving at court from your own home, you should plan to arrive early and make sure that you allow yourself time to find your assigned courtroom. Failing to appear for a hearing or trial can result in harsh penalties, including additional charges.

3. Preparation is key.

Make sure that you are well-prepared for any court appearance that you have. Know what you plan to say and practice it with your criminal defense attorney if you are going to give a statement. Make sure that you have given your attorney all of the facts regarding the incident. Be honest and thorough with your attorney. Being prepared for your hearing can ensure that the court is able to make a ruling, potentially shortening the amount of time that you will have to wait before your case is resolved. Also, consulting with an attorney well in advance of your assigned hearing date may ensure that he or she is able to consider your defense carefully.

The Timeline of a Criminal Case

Being charged with a crime can be a very frightening experience. It is often even more intimidating when you don’t have an understanding of just how the criminal justice system works in California. Not knowing what to expect or how long the process will take can definitely make the situation even more stressful.

Our criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case and explain to you what to expect during this legal process.

The Arrest

The first step in the State criminal justice process is the arrest. In order to arrest a person suspected of a crime, law enforcement must conduct a thorough investigation in order to document the suspect’s activities connected to the crime. In other words, an arrest must be made on more concrete evidence than a “hunch.” After arresting the individual, police are required by law to read them their Miranda rights. This law clearly states that a person has the right to remain silent to avoid incrimination and the right to a criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, CA.

The Arraignment

The arraignment is the court appearance at which the charges against the individual arrested are formally read. This is the part of the process where they will enter a plea of not guilty or guilty. It is in the best interest of the charged individual to have a misdemeanor criminal defense attorney present at the arraignment to ensure their rights are protected against the prosecutor and the police.

Although we are addressing misdemeanor charges in this post, it is also helpful to know that if the charges against the individual are felony charges, there would have been either a preliminary hearing or a grand jury hearing where the prosecution is required to present the evidence against the individual and to ask that charges be issued against the suspect. In a preliminary hearing, the judge makes that decision. In a grand jury hearing, the grand jury decides.

The Trial

A person who has been charged criminally may choose to plead guilty in a plea bargain, which would avoid the need for a trial. It is the criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, CA, and the prosecution who enter into these negotiations. If a plea bargain cannot be reached or the defendant isn’t interested in one, a trial date will be scheduled.

Before the trial actually takes place, your misdemeanor criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, CA, will spend the necessary time needed for trial preparation. This preparation may include contacting witnesses, reviewing all evidence obtained from the prosecution during the discovery process, and developing the best strategy for a not-guilty verdict.

During the trial, the prosecutor will present their evidence. Once they have rested their case, the misdemeanor defense attorney will present their case. Either a judge or a jury will decide the verdict. In order to find a defendant guilty, the judge or jury must believe beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime.

When both sides have rested their cases, the jury will deliberate to decide the verdict. Once reached, that verdict will be read in the courtroom. If the defendant is found not guilty, they are free to go. If they are found guilty, a sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date for the judge to determine the sentence.

Defense Strategies for Criminal Cases

Depending on the circumstances of the crime, we may implement several defense strategies when building your case. As we may discuss with you, there are two approaches to take. The first is that you did not commit the crime. The second would be that you did commit the crime; however, you should not be held accountable for your actions. If we choose the latter, it will be important to emphasize your good character and lack of criminal background, explain why you shouldn’t be held accountable, list other factors that contributed to the incident, and more.

• Lack of Proof

Remember that you are technically innocent until proven guilty, regardless of what is said by others. The burden of proof rests with the prosecution, meaning they have to show why you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. As your defense attorney, we do not necessarily have to prove that you were innocent; the key is to establish a reasonable doubt that you did not commit the crime. The prosecution will have to share the evidence they are using against you, and then we will work to discount it.

• Self-Defense

If you were in a physical altercation because you were seriously worried for your safety, then you may have grounds for a self-defense strategy. Sometimes, law enforcement arrives at the scene of a physical altercation and only witnesses a brief moment that looks like you are the one to blame. To fight these charges, your lawyer will have to show why you acted in self-defense and what the other party was doing to cause fear of imminent danger to you.

• Alibi

An alibi is proof that you were not present at the location and time that the supposed crime occurred. For instance, if the crime was committed on Lombard Street in San Francisco at 10 pm in front of a bar, and you have a receipt of a gas station purchase 40 minutes away in Oakland at that same time, then it is not possible that you were involved in the crime.

• Consent

Using consent as a defense strategy may be appropriate given the details of the incident, but it may not lead to an acquittal. We can let you know whether the consent strategy can work in your favor after a consultation.

• Under the Influence

If you were arrested for driving while under the influence, using this defense strategy won’t be helpful. But, if you committed another kind of crime while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and can prove you were not in your right state of mind because of it, you may face charges of a lesser severity or a shortened sentence.

• Entrapment

Unfortunately, sometimes law enforcement is so desperate to make an arrest that they coerce or induce a person into committing a crime. For instance, if an officer approaches you on the street and forces you into buying drugs from them, then you may not receive a conviction on account of entrapment.

• Insanity

You may hear in the news and in television shows about someone claiming insanity as their defense strategy. It isn’t actually used as often as you may imagine, and should only be utilized seriously and truthfully for a case; otherwise, it may not result in the outcome you hope for. For those who are medically insane, evidence from a healthcare professional will be required to prove to the judge that the crime was driven by mental instability. You may also have to enter a rehabilitation program.

San Francisco Criminal Defense Infographic

The Benefit of an Attorney

A criminal defense attorney in San Mateo County, CA will likely have knowledge of the climate of the courtroom and the judge presiding over your case. This can work to your benefit, as an attorney will understand the judge’s preferences and the courtroom’s climate. A good attorney may be able to help:

• Obtain a lesser charge
• Review your case and determine if your case can be dismissed
• Legally strategize your defense
• Help ensure that you do not do anything that further incriminates you
• Offer a team of professionals that can help represent you
• Can help move cases along in an efficient manner
• Clarify the process for you and listen to your fears and needs

Representing Yourself

It is not recommended that a person accused of a crime represent themselves in the courtroom. You should seriously consider contacting a criminal defense attorney for San Mateo County, CA, to represent you.  Although criminal law may appear straightforward, there are several nuances. Someone untrained in this area of practice may find themselves in over their heads very quickly. The portrayal of litigation on television may make it seem pretty straightforward; however, real-life courtrooms vary. Representing yourself can work against you in many respects:

• Judges do not have the time or patience to wait for you to figure out the process. Courtrooms are overloaded with criminal cases; a judge is likely to oversee several cases. As a result, they will not take kindly to someone who does not understand the legal process or the courtroom.
• You could work against yourself. When representing yourself, you are far more likely to miss paperwork deadlines and have your case pushed back in court. You will not have the “in” that attorneys do, which could draw out the court process.
• Many people who represent themselves are unsuccessful. By obtaining an attorney from the start, you have a better chance at a favorable outcome.

Additionally, if you have information about other illegal activities in which others are involved, you may also want to hire a San Mateo County, CA criminal defense attorney.

Finding the Right Defense Attorney

Putting in the time and effort to find the right attorney will make all the difference. Representing yourself is likely be a regrettable decision. Be sure to:

• Research attorneys in your area
• Ask people you know who may have had an attorney in the past
• Choose an attorney who is well-versed in criminal defense
• Take the time to interview an attorney before you hire them
• Ask for references from past clients

We Understand How the Judicial System Works

The main reasons you must hire an experienced attorney in defense cases is that we understand how the judicial system operates. We can imagine how confusing it can be for people who don’t work in this field every day, and we can help guide you and your loved ones through this process. We can build a case in your defense, utilize legal strategies, negotiate with the prosecution, scrutinize evidence, investigate, speak with witnesses, review paperwork, advocate for your behalf, and so much more.

Going through this process without a knowledgeable criminal defense professional may result in a devastating verdict in your case. While we cannot guarantee a certain outcome, we know how to work the judicial system to protect you as best we can. If you are ready to get more personalized information about your case, call The Morales Law Firm to speak with a criminal defense attorney San Francisco, CA residents can depend on for quality legal services.

We May Be Able To Reduce Your Sentence

To reduce a sentence, we may try to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution. In some instances, it will reduce your sentence and can eliminate or reduce some of the charges against you. If you are found guilty of the charges by the court, we may be able to reduce the time served or have you enter a rehabilitation center instead. When speaking with you about your case, it is important to be forthcoming about your situation and what happened. We are on your side and are committed to confidentiality when discussing details of your case.

Criminal accusations can leave a lasting impact on the defendant for years to come. Overcoming the stigma of a criminal charge and rebuilding trust within your social circles (both personal and professional) can take time. By choosing The Morales Law Firm today, an experienced criminal law firm, you will be able to let them take the lead in the courtroom. This can give people accused of crimes a sense of relief and help them feel protected throughout a process that can be emotionally taxing, so call a criminal defense attorney San Mateo County, CA trusts today!

San Francisco Criminal Defense Statistics

According to statistics from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, there are an estimated 10 million arrests each year in the United States.

• The most common type of arrest is for a drug offense.
• The second most common type of arrest is for a property crime.
• The third most common type of arrest is for a violent crime.
• The majority of arrests are made by local police departments.

San Francisco Criminal Defense FAQs

You’ve been arrested on suspicion of a crime, and you now need a criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, CA, such as The Morales Law Firm. Here are four important questions to ask before hiring a lawyer to defend you.

What do I need to do after an arrest?

You are ordered to appear in court for an arraignment. This is when you will be informed of your rights, learn the charges against you, and whether you want to plead guilty or not guilty. During this time, you will also learn if you will be able to be released on bail and the other conditions of your release.

Do I need to speak to the police?

You have the right to remain silent and do not need to speak to the police. You do not need to provide more than basic information about yourself. If the police ask you questions that you are not comfortable answering, you can remain silent and have a skilled criminal defense attorney speak on your behalf.

What should a good lawyer be able to do for me?

When you are searching for a lawyer to defend you, find one who has the skills, experience, and background. A lawyer should have a strong understanding of the court system and the law, as well as negotiation skills. They need a proven history of successfully defending their clients against charges.

How do I choose a reliable defense attorney?

When you are choosing a lawyer to represent you, you should find out if they have experience in state or federal courts. Some lawyers are more familiar with one or the other, while others have a mix of practice experience in both areas. Choosing which lawyer you should hire depends on what charges you are facing.

What Is Your Success Rate in Cases Like Mine?

You want to know that your criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, CA, is up to the task of successfully trying your case and getting you exonerated of all charges. Simply asking how many similar cases the lawyer has tried isn’t enough, you want to know their success rate. How many cases like yours has the lawyer seen, how many times they have had charges dropped or reduced, how many have gone to trial, and how many have they won at trial?

What Would Your Strategy Be in My Case?

While you know every case is different, if the lawyer has seen enough cases similar to yours, they should be able to give you the broad strokes of how they would handle your case. They may call expert witnesses to refute the testimony of the state’s witnesses, file motions to have evidence suppressed, and recommend whether you testify on your own behalf or not.

How Do You Bill Clients?

This is a two-pronged question. The first part asks how they charge, and the second, how much they charge. It’s important to have an answer to both questions so you know what you’re getting into with a criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, CA, such as The Morales Law Firm.

Lawyers may charge by the hour, on a retainer fee, or on a per-case basis. In other words, you may have to pay them as you go along, give them a lump sum up front based on how many hours they think they’ll spend on your case, or give them a lump sum based on the type of case you have. They may also have additional charges for going to trial, so make sure you ask about that as well.

Who Will Be Handling My Case?

Busy lawyers don’t always have the time to work on every case that comes into their office. They may have other attorneys, paralegals, or interns handling portions of your case. One huge benefit in this instance is cost. Paralegals, junior attorneys, and interns likely charge far less than the lawyer spearheading your case. However, there are some drawbacks to this scenario. With multiple people working on your case, there are more opportunities for miscommunication and the potential for matters to be overlooked or confused.

Client Review

“Christopher Morales is a highly , expert criminal defense attorney. He treats us with dignity and respect, understand and make informed decisions about our son case. I am highly – recommend Christopher to people.”
Christian Panameno