Domestic Violence Lawyer San Francisco, CA
California domestic violence laws have become increasingly stringent, and the pressure to arrest and convict offenders is substantial. A fundamental issue of our democratic society is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. However, your legal rights can easily be overlooked as law enforcement officers and courts push for an increase in convictions.
You need a committed and experienced San Francisco, CA domestic violence lawyer by your side when you must navigate the criminal justice system. Without a solid and strategic defense strategy, you could become just another statistic. Don’t gamble with your rights.
Because domestic violence lawyers are well versed in criminal law, they can also represent clients accused of misdemeanors and felonies for other types of crimes, including:
- Appeals: You will likely want to file an appeal if you have been unjustly convicted or sentenced. A San Francisco, CA domestic violence lawyer can guide you through the appeals process.
- Assault and Battery: Assault and battery charges are not to be taken lightly. Simple assault and battery are both considered misdemeanors, while aggravated assault and battery are considered felonies.
- Civil Forfeiture: When the police take your property through civil forfeiture, they may seize and keep your property. Many people don’t know how to get their money or property back. A criminal defense attorney can help you protect what’s rightfully yours from wrongful civil asset forfeiture.
- Drug Offenses: Drug charges may be prosecuted as either felonies or misdemeanors. The fines and jail terms given to those convicted of drug offenses can be substantial. From allegations of prescription fraud to possession to drug trafficking, you should contact an experienced attorney immediately.
- Forgery: Forgery is the act of creating or possessing a document that is not what it seems to be. The severity of forgery charges may range from misdemeanors to felonies.
- Fraud: Identity fraud is the criminal act of opening a credit card or bank account in someone else’s name, transferring someone’s personal identifying information, or using someone’s credit card or bank account without permission.
- Murder and Manslaughter: Murder is arguably the most severe crime you can be charged with. The outcome of a murder case can have a significant impact on your future. First-degree murder is the most severe and is punishable with life in prison or even death. Involuntary manslaughter is the least severe, but if convicted, an individual can still be punished substantially.
- Parole and Probation Violations: Many things can lead to a parole or probation violation. These range from not getting or keeping a steady job to failing a drug test. A parole or probation violation can result in you losing your freedom. You need a lawyer who can ensure you will stay out of jail.
- Racketeering: The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) used to be a tool to take down organized crime. However, now its scope includes much more. If convicted, you can be subject to hefty fines and spend years in jail.
- Theft: Theft may seem like a trivial charge. It can be a misdemeanor charge or could be much worse. Even misdemeanors may have steep consequences if you don’t have an experienced and knowledgeable legal professional protecting your rights.
If you have been charged with domestic violence, reach out to the Morales Law Firm to speak with a domestic violence lawyer San Francisco, CA clients recommend. Our legal team can also help you if you have been charged with any other criminal offenses.
Managing Police Interrogations
Our domestic violence lawyer in San Francisco, CA, will tell you that you could be facing an arrest if law enforcement is called to a scene for suspected domestic abuse. Domestic violence occurs between two people in a relationship with one another; this could be a spouse, partner, or family member. At the scene, law enforcement will conduct an investigation and interview those involved. If you are arrested for domestic violence, you may be brought to the police station for interrogation. Understanding the difference between an interview and interrogation is critical. However, it’s essential to be aware that you should proceed with caution. You will need professionals from The Morales Law Firm to protect your rights and ensure that you do not do anything to incriminate yourself.
Police Interviews
When police are called to the scene for domestic violence, they may take the time to interview the parties involved. Typically, each person will be asked questions individually. This may occur at the scene or the police station. While this may seem harmless, be aware that this is often a way of gathering evidence or information about the events that have transpired. Anything you say during an interview could be used against you and can be used as evidence to charge you with a crime. Be aware that you can refuse to answer questions and ask for your lawyer to be present at any point in the process.
Police Interrogations
Our San Francisco, California domestic violence lawyer shares that a police interrogation serves a very different purpose. While an interview is used to gather information, interrogation is a strategy when the evidence leads law enforcement to believe a person has committed a crime. Interrogations are a way of gaining a confession from the suspect. Know that police are trained in techniques for interrogation, and the deck may be stacked against you, which is why you will want to call an attorney before answering any questions.
The Right to Remain Silent
The right to remain silent is known as Miranda Rights; when this occurs, police must stop the process of interrogating a suspect. Whether you are being interviewed or interrogated, you must know your rights within this process. One thing to always keep in mind when police want to talk to you is that you have the right to remain silent. The last thing you want to do is say something that could make matters worse. Ask to speak with your lawyer as they will be able to provide you with proper guidance and ensure that your rights are protected during an interrogation.
Contacting a Lawyer
Whenever possible, it’s critical to get a criminal defense lawyer before interacting with law enforcement. You have a right to have legal representation if you have been arrested and are being interrogated. Answering questions could result in providing incriminating answers. To minimize the potential impact, it’s advisable to refrain from answering questions until your lawyer is present.
Dealing with the possible consequences of criminal charges and a possible conviction can be life-altering. Take action immediately with The Morales Law Firm, a domestic violence lawyer you can rely on in San Francisco, CA.
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