Criminal Defense Law Firm Services Redwood City, CA
Criminal and Civil Liability
Being accused of committing any type of crime in California is a serious matter and requires having a strong defense attorney from The Morales Law Firm, a criminal defense law firm services Redwood City, CA residents trust. If you are charged with a crime where someone was hurt as a result, such as assault or manslaughter, you need an attorney. In addition to facing the possibility of heavy fines and a lengthy jail sentence as the result of your charges, you could also be facing the prospect of a lawsuit filed by the victim in the case. In California, victims of violent crimes may seek damages for the injuries they suffered, regardless of whether the person accused of the crime is ever convicted.
The Family of Ronald Goldman vs. O.J. Simpson
Most people are familiar with the 1994 criminal case involving former football star O.J. Simpson, who was charged and eventually acquitted of the crime of killing his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. In the aftermath of the trial, Goldman’s parents filed a lawsuit against Simpson for the wrongful death of their son. Despite the not guilty verdict, Simpson was found liable for Goldman’s death and ordered to pay damages totaling $33.5 million. Insurance Journal reports that several years later, the family returned to court and got the award increased to $58 million.
This case is one of the most famous to illustrate how important it is to have an attorney experienced in both civil and criminal law when facing charges. While the case against Simpson was not strong enough to obtain a criminal conviction, his life was still permanently impacted as the result of the civil lawsuit. The bulk of the amount he owes remains unpaid, but the debt has followed Simpson in the years since, preventing from profiting through various jobs and business ventures.
Civil vs. Criminal Liability
The standard for proving guilt in a criminal case and in proving liability in a civil lawsuit are two very different things. While a criminal case requires that you prove a person is guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt, a civil matter only requires you show that the person is more than likely responsible for the damages suffered by the victim or their family members. Filing a civil lawsuit is an increasingly common way for alleged victims to seek a sense of justice. While a conviction helps, as the Simpson case shows it is not required. It is important to aggressively collect evidence, such as DNA, witness statements, and videotapes or photos at the scene, throughout your criminal case with an eye towards using it later in defending you in civil court hearings.
Secrets of a Criminal Defense Attorney
We are dedicated professionals that stand by our clients, whether they have been accused of a more minor or serious criminal act. Our work focuses on ensuring a person gets their right to a fair trial, despite how society may chatise them, and can create defense strategies to protect them as best we can. We find satisfaction in handling cases with high stakes, and it is our responsibility to be of support and a protector as clients go through the legal process. Here is a list of secrets that you may have not realized about an attorney from our Redwood criminal services defense law firm in CA:
Attorneys Keep Their Personal Feelings Aside
If we can be honest, we know that some defendants have committed terrible criminal offenses, however, they still have rights to a fair process. We don’t let our feelings about a crime interfere with a client’s defense. We will stand up for you, especially during a time when it feels like no one else is.
We Do Research on Jurors
The process of examining a potential juror is truly an art form. The prosecution and defense both want people in the jury who can be swayed, but circumstances are often stacked against the defense. No one likes to support crime, and so the jury is probably coming in ready to convict. We will quiz participants, look for jurors who may be problematic or have biases, so they can be removed from the panel.
Why Saying Less is More
It is much harder to take back something you already said. So if you answer questions from law enforcement and investigors about the crime before speaking with a lawyer, you may not realize what you are saying is going to be used against you later on. If you verbally admit guilt or share something that would make you a suspect, it is not possible to undo those statements (that is, as long as the officer read you your Miranda Rights during the arrest). We can manage conversations between you and the prosecution while protecting your best interests.
Criminal Defense Strategies
There are two categories that criminal defense strategies fall under: either the defendant did commit the crime, or they didn’t. If they did commit the crime, then it will be our job to show why they should not face certain repercussions. There are many criminal defense strategies out there, and the most common ones have been listed below:
- Lack of Proof
- Alibi
- Consent
- Insanity
- Self-Defense
- Entrapment
- Under the Influence
Contact Us Today for Help
We work aggressively on your behalf to protect you against the various penalties that can result from criminal charges. It is of the essence that you hire a legal team that is seasoned in handling complicated cases such as these. Please act quickly and be sure to find an attorney that has represented people like you in the past, and have won cases in their favor. We can share testimonials of past clients upon request. If you have been charged with a crime, do not delay. Reach out and contact our CA criminal defense attorney in Redwood City at The Morales Law Firm to request a consultation.
Client Review
“I wish I hired Chris for my case. Good attorney’s are hard to find and Chris advised me and was honest about best next steps in my challenging situation.”
M G
