Emeryville Criminal Defense Lawyer

Emeryville Criminal Defense Attorney

A criminal conviction is a serious matter that can have long-lasting consequences, including prison time, fines, probation, and other penalties. If you or someone you know has been charged with a criminal offense in Emeryville, understanding the laws and your rights is essential. The first step is to consult a qualified Emeryville criminal defense lawyer.

The Law Office of Louis J. Goodman is here to protect your rights and interests. Louis Goodman is a veteran criminal defense lawyer and former Alameda County Deputy District Attorney, so he has experience you can rely on.

Knowing Your Rights

Being charged with a criminal offense is stressful. Whether it is your first time being arrested or you have a record of past convictions, knowing your rights can help you protect yourself during the legal process. Everyone deserves certain protections under the law to receive fair treatment and the opportunity to prove their innocence.

For example, arresting officers are required to read the Miranda Warnings, which advise you of certain rights when you are arrested. If they don’t read these warnings, everything you say could be excluded from evidence at trial.

The Right to Remain Silent

When someone is arrested in California, the first and possibly most important right is to remain silent while being questioned in the arrest process and even during interrogation. It may be tempting to explain yourself to law enforcement, but remaining silent until you speak with a lawyer can prevent you from accidentally incriminating yourself.

The Right to an Attorney

You also have the right to have a lawyer represent you, even if you can’t afford to hire one. Law enforcement’s job is to gather evidence for a trial, and your lawyer’s job is to make sure your rights are preserved. Having skillful legal representation is critical to ensure your rights are preserved and to set you up for a successful outcome.

Practice Areas We Handle

• Criminal Defense
• Domestic Violence
• DUI
• Federal Criminal Defense
• Insurance Fraud
• White Collar Crimes

The Right to Be Free From Unreasonable Searches and Seizures

Law enforcement officers in California must have either a search warrant or your consent to search your private home, car, or body or to take your belongings. In most cases, law enforcement officials need sufficient belief that evidence of a crime exists in order to get a search warrant. By law, you do not have to consent to a search. However, there are some exceptions to these rights regarding searches, such as when someone is being arrested.

The Right to Bail

You also have the right to request bail. After an arrest, money or property can be taken as collateral to release you from jail while you await trial. Although you can request bail, the amount is often set high, especially for violent crimes, because the court may think there’s a high risk of you offending again or leaving the jurisdiction to escape trial. A lawyer may be able to make legal arguments for releasing you on bail.

The Right to a Speedy Trial

Police in California can’t hold a suspect in jail for an indefinite period. California has a state law that provides time frames for steps along the legal process. Generally, a trial must be scheduled within 60 days of a person being charged. However, sometimes there are reasons for delaying a trial. For example, your lawyer may need more time to prepare your legal defense.

The Right to Due Process

Due process means that people accused of a crime must receive fair treatment from law enforcement officers and officers of the court. This includes not receiving improper punishment and getting the opportunity for a fair trial to present evidence in your defense in front of a judge or jury and challenge any evidence against you.

What to Do If You Are Arrested for a Crime

If you are arrested for a crime in California, try to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement officers’ instructions. Use your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney. Do not speak to law enforcement officers without your attorney present. When you meet with your attorney, discuss the charges, evidence, and options and share details of the situation that led to the arrest. Include interactions with law enforcement.

A Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

A criminal defense attorney in Emeryville, CA, can provide accurate advice about legal options for your specific circumstances. Their job is to represent you and protect your legal rights. Their goal is to increase your chance of a positive outcome. An experienced lawyer can provide guidance you can trust.

FAQs

What Are the Most Common Arguments of a Defense Attorney?

Creating a criminal defense strategy for a defendant is a very individualized process that depends on many factors. However, there are several common strategies a criminal defense attorney might employ, such as self-defense or defense of another, false allegations, credible alibi, and coercion or duress. The specific defense that may be used in your case depends on the circumstances.

Should You Tell Your Defense Attorney the Truth?

You should always tell your defense attorney the truth. Your lawyer can’t defend you as fiercely if they don’t know all the facts. Remember that a lawyer’s job is to defend your rights and make sure you get a fair trial, not to judge you. Equipping your lawyer with the truth gives you the greatest chance of success.

Do Lawyers Choose Their Clients?

Yes, lawyers generally choose their clients and can decide to take a case or not. This is often based on professional ethical guidelines on many considerations like the nature of the charges, the lawyer’s experience, their availability, and whether the client or the case would create a conflict of interest with other clients or the lawyer’s own personal interests.

How Much Does an Emeryville Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?

An Emeryville criminal defense lawyer can vary in costs depending on the complexity and severity of the case. Additionally, the lawyer’s fee structure will influence the costs. Some lawyers may charge an hourly fee, and some may charge a flat fee for their services. It’s important to discuss the fee structure during the initial consultation.

Your Emeryville Criminal Defense Lawyer

At the Law Office of Louis J. Goodman, we know how important a strong criminal defense is. Our legal team can answer questions about your rights and your case and work with you to create a legal defense and get charges against you reduced or dismissed. Contact our office today to set up an initial consultation to discuss your legal options.