Albany Criminal Defense Lawyer

Albany Criminal Defense Attorney

Serious criminal charges can turn a person’s life upside down in an instant. This is especially true in a state like California, which boasts a powerful and well-funded criminal justice system. As a highly trusted Albany, CA criminal defense lawyer, Louis J. Goodman leverages his years of success as a former deputy district attorney to deliver positive outcomes for clients in the Albany, CA, area who need proactive, effective criminal defense representation.

At the Law Office of Louis J. Goodman, we are available to defend against a wide range of criminal accusations, such as:

• Driving Under the Influence – Drunk driving is considered a very serious public safety issue in California and other states. Working with a good criminal defense attorney can help you minimize the consequences of your DUI charge.A good lawyer can negotiate effective plea deals when appropriate, attack the prosecution’s case aggressively if the charges are unfounded, or argue to have the case thrown out if your rights were violated in the process of your DUI stop.
• Theft and Property Crimes – Crimes involving the illegal taking or destruction of property or financial assets can be harshly punished in both criminal and civil court, depending on the specific circumstances of the case, with criminal charges representing the more immediate threat to your freedom and livelihood.
• Domestic Violence – Some crimes, such as those involving violence against women and children, are quickly judged in the court of public opinion, sometimes regardless of where the facts lie. This means the social consequences of such accusations can be severe, even for those who go on to beat domestic violence charges in court and see themselves officially exonerated.A fast-thinking, fast-acting defense attorney can help put such ordeals behind you as swiftly and effectively as possible, minimizing the repercussions in all areas of your life.
• Drug Charges – Despite the spread of cannabis legalization and normalization, the so-called “war on drugs” remains far from over in the state of California.Law enforcement agencies and court officials in California have been known to build their entire careers on tirelessly pursuing drug charges, often against non-violent and low-level offenders. An effective criminal defense lawyer can prevent you from becoming a hungry state prosecutor’s latest success story.
• Violent Crimes – When Californians use violent force against one another, with or without weapons, police and prosecutors are compelled to take it very seriously. Charges of violent crimes like assault or homicide should be swiftly met with smart and effective criminal defense representation to minimize the potential consequences.

The above is not a complete list of crimes in the state of California but merely a sampling of some types of criminal charges against which the Law Office of Louis J. Goodman is adept at defending. Whether your own case involves one of these charges or something entirely unique, our legal team can help you learn more about your circumstances through a confidential, no-pressure consultation session. Contact our offices at your earliest convenience to schedule.

Understanding Your Rights in California Criminal Proceedings

If you’ve been arrested in Albany, CA, or a nearby area, it’s important to remember that you have essential rights designed to protect you and ensure that you are treated fairly and equally under the law. Your rights include:

• The Right to Remain Silent – You are not required to answer a police officer’s questions if you are uncomfortable doing so. In fact, this right largely extends into the courtroom as well, in the form of the Fifth Amendment. To protect yourself, politely but firmly inform police officers and investigators that you will not be answering questions without your attorney present.
• The Right to an Attorney – Anyone charged with a crime in the US has the right to a lawyer. For most people caught up in legal charges, hiring a dedicated criminal defense attorney is the clear path to making the most of this right to representation.
• Protections Against Unlawful Search and Seizure – If your arrest was not conducted lawfully, it may be grounds to have your entire case thrown out.

Whether you are a California citizen or visiting from outside the state, these are just a few of the fundamental rights you have when you encounter trouble with the law. A qualified Albany, CA, criminal defense lawyer can thoroughly evaluate your case and all of the available evidence to ensure that your rights are not violated or compromised in any phase of proceedings, from your initial arrest through your criminal court proceedings.

FAQs

How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in California?

The cost of a criminal lawyer in California will vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of legal assistance needed, the nature of the case, the current market for legal services, and the quality of your chosen attorney. Consult a lawyer directly to get a better idea of how much you may need to pay to receive quality legal representation for your specific circumstances.

How Many Criminal Defense Attorneys Are in California?

There are thousands of criminal defense attorneys in California. While many individuals are licensed by the California State Bar to practice law, the exact number of these attorneys who are both active and focusing solely on criminal defense at any given moment is unknown.

These dedicated lawyers range from defenders who work for the state on behalf of individuals who can’t afford private counsel to busy multi-attorney law firms to high-end attorneys who focus on one case at a time.

What Is the Difference Between a Lawyer and an Attorney in California?

The difference between a lawyer and an attorney in California is very subtle, and they are often used interchangeably. In fact, all attorneys are also lawyers. In short, a lawyer is someone who has studied the law and graduated from an accredited law school, while an attorney is a lawyer who has passed their bar exam and achieved an actual license to represent clients in court.

Is an Attorney More Powerful Than a Lawyer?

Yes, an attorney is more powerful than a lawyer in the sense that an attorney is a lawyer who is further ahead in their career. Specifically, “attorney” always refers to a lawyer who has passed their bar exam and can represent clients in court. Meanwhile, the term “lawyer” could refer to someone who has graduated from law school and has yet to begin building a legal career.

The Law Office of Louis J. Goodman – Albany, CA’s Premiere Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are wrapped up in criminal charges in the Albany, CA, area, don’t panic. Swift intervention from an effective criminal defense lawyer can make a huge difference in the course of your case and its eventual outcome. Contact the Law Office of Louis J. Goodman today to set up a confidential, pressure-free consultation and learn more about how we can help. When your freedom is at stake, every moment counts. Don’t wait another day to get help.