Castro Valley Criminal Defense Lawyer

Castro Valley Criminal Defense Attorney

Anyone who faces criminal charges will likely feel the weight of these accusations. The potential consequences if one were to be found guilty could impact their freedom, career, and reputation. Everyone has the right to presumed innocence and to defend themselves in court before a final verdict is issued. If you have recently been charged, an experienced Castro Valley criminal defense lawyer can help.

At the Law Office of Louis J. Goodman, we are dedicated to providing our clients with quality legal representation that makes a difference in the outcome of their cases. We have seen how the stress and anxiety of these accusations can make dealing with the legal challenges even more unbearable. We are happy to step in and take on the bulk of the legal work to give you less to worry about so you can feel confident your case is in capable hands.

What Are the Most Common Criminal Defense Tactics?

After being charged with criminal activity, it’s important to understand the different strategies available that can help defend your interests. The type of defense position you choose is critical, as some strategies will work better than others to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.

Some of the most common defenses include:

• Domestic Violence
• DUIs
• White Collar Crimes
• Insurance Fraud

Directly Challenging the Evidence

One of the more common defense tactics used is to question how valid and reliable the evidence being presented by the prosecution truly is. To employ these tactics, your attorney will first spend time analyzing if the evidence was legally collected. If they find any proof that law enforcement conducted an illegal search and seizure on your property, they could file a motion to dismiss all evidence that was collected.

In addition to challenging how evidence is collected, a seasoned defense attorney may also question the credibility of witnesses, forensic methods, or how evidence was passed down the chain of custody. Any procedural missteps or areas where they can raise doubt in the minds of the judge and jury all have the power to potentially reduce or dismiss the changes for their client entirely.

Asserting Constitutional Violations

The U.S. Constitution was designed to provide numerous protections for individuals who have been accused of committing criminal activity. This is another area a defense attorney will look into for errors made by opposing counsel. They can cite a constitutional right if they find any evidence that suggests their client’s rights have been violated during the investigation or arrest process.

For example, the Fifth Amendment protects individuals from self-incrimination. If a law enforcement officer denied someone the right to an attorney while they were questioning the alleged criminal, this can be used against the prosecution. This also violates the Sixth Amendment, which is the right to legal counsel and a fair trial. Citing these amendments could dismiss specific evidence from the case entirely.

Establishing an Alibi

If you are able to provide evidence that proves you were not at the scene of the crime, this can be an extremely powerful tactic in your defense case. An alibi can come in many forms, like a witness explaining that you were with them during the incident or by presenting surveillance footage that shows your whereabouts. Time-stamped materials like receipts or GPS-location devices can also help show you were unable to commit the crime based on your location.

Claiming Self-Defense

If you have been accused of a violent crime, self-defense is a common tactic to use. For it to be successful, you will need to work with your defense lawyer and demonstrate how your actions were necessary to protect yourself or someone else from being hurt. You must show how the level of force you used was necessary under the circumstances and was proportionate to the threat you and others faced.

FAQs

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in California?

The total cost of a criminal defense lawyer in California will depend on specific details of your case, like how long it takes to resolve and how experienced your attorney is. It’s true that, in most instances, the least expensive cases are the quickest to solve. The less time your defense lawyer needs to work on your case, the less they can charge for it. However, it’s important not to let legal fees deter you from investing in a chance to protect your future.

What Is a Retainer Fee for a Criminal Lawyer, and How Much Can They Be?

A retainer fee is an upfront payment that some attorneys will require to secure their services. Some defense lawyers require these payments to ensure they have the necessary funds to begin working on a case. Depending on how your attorney may prefer to be paid, they will deduct their hourly rate or flat fees from this retainer, in addition to other expenses like collecting evidence and paying for expert witnesses if necessary. The total cost will vary per defense lawyer.

What Should I Look for in A Criminal Defense Lawyer?

When you are looking to hire a defense lawyer, you want to look into their experience, resources, results, and reputation in the community. If you can find a lawyer who has years of experience representing clients who face the same allegations you do, their representation can be much more valuable than someone with general experience. Ensure you feel comfortable with their communication style and ask about prices to feel comfortable that you can afford their services.

Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Guarantee a Win?

There is no criminal defense lawyer who can guarantee a win in any case. If you come across someone who promises they will win for you, this should be considered a red flag. The legal system is very complicated, and the outcome will depend on many different factors that will influence the final verdict. While there is no guarantee, having a skilled criminal defense lawyer to support your case can boost your chances of securing the outcome you are looking for.

Contact The Law Office of Louis J. Goodman Today

If you have recently been charged with criminal activity in Castro Valley and are looking for legal support, contact our firm today. We understand what you are going through and would be happy to take some of the legal burdens off your plate. It is crucial to reach out to a trusted firm to defend your case and help you move forward with peace and confidence.