Cathedral City Criminal Defense Lawyer

What Is the Role of a Defense Lawyer in a Criminal Case?

Generally, a criminal defense lawyer’s role is to advocate for their client who is accused of a crime and to protect their constitutional rights. How a defense lawyer does this will vary from case to case, depending upon the client’s interests, the crime charged, the evidence, and more. Upon meeting with your criminal defense lawyer, you will work together to develop a strategic defense.

Three Specific Ways a Cathedral City Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

If you are charged with a crime, your attorney will provide overarching guidance and advice but, more importantly, can help you in three specific ways.

Keep You Out of Jail

Many minor charges, even for first offenders, carry potential jail time. Perhaps a criminal defense attorney’s top priority is keeping their clients out of jail. Depending on the circumstances, your lawyer can do this by negotiating a favorable plea deal, or seeking an acquittal or not guilty verdict at trial.

Minimize Fines or Restitution

Both traffic and criminal violations can be punished with sizable fines or restitution payments. Your lawyer will help you minimize fines, fees, or restitution payments by negotiating with the prosecutor, asking for alternative punishment (e.g., community service), providing evidence of financial hardship, and more. 

Set or Lower Bail

Sometimes, accused individuals are held in jail and not initially provided with an option for bail. Other times, bail is simply set too high for the accused to meet. Either way, your attorney will advocate for your release on bail pending trial and for lowering any previously set high bail amount.

Types of Cases We Defend

At Comings Law, we have experience handling all criminal  cases, including: 

• Assault and battery,
• Domestic violence,
• Drug Tafficking charges,
• Felony DUI,
• Weapon/Gun offenses,
• Sex offenses,
• 1st Degree Burglary,
• Violent crimes,
• Murder, and
• Embezzlement.

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer with knowledge of the law and experience in the courtroom is the key to a successful defense. 

Some Helpful Resources to Know in Cathedral City, CA

While we strongly encourage anyone accused of a crime in Cathedral City to consult with a criminal defense attorney immediately, there are some helpful local resources you can turn to.

Superior Court of California, County of Riverside

If you face criminal charges in Cathedral City, your case will be tried in Riverside County. There are several criminal court locations, including Riverside, Banning, Indio, Murrieta and Blythe. If you are charged with a crime in Riverside County proceedings willtake place in these locations. You can visit the court’s website for more information, including procedures, dress code, and parking.  

Riverside County Corrections

Similarly, Riverside County has several correctional facilities, including Blythe Jail, Larry D, Smith Correctional Facility, Southwest Detention Center and Robert Presley Detention Center. If you are a relative or friend and want to locate an inmate to send money, post bail, or hire a criminal defense attorney, you can look them up on the Riverside County Inmate Information website.

Riverside County Substance Use Program

Many Cathedral City crimes are related to drugs or alcohol. There is a Riverside County Substance Use Program and DUI/Drinking Driver Programs that offer counseling, substance abuse education, and outpatient services.

Cathedral City Criminal Defense Attorney

At Comings Law, we have over 21 years of experience and handled thousands of felony cases as a defense Attorney. We have the knowledge, resources, and reputation necessary for a strong defense. Contact us today for a confidential, free consultation, and let us put our team to work for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are Possible Defenses in a Criminal Case? 

There is no one-size-fits-all defense when it comes to criminal charges. A defense that may work in one situation may not apply in another. Some common types of defenses that may be appropriate in your case include: 

• Self-defense,
• Defense of others,
• Alibi,
• Mistaken identity,
• Insanity, or
• Duress.

Multiple defenses can be raised, but the jury or judge will ultimately decide whether they are persuasive enough to render an acquittal. 

Why Is It Important to Have a Good Defense Attorney?

It is vital to have a sharp defense lawyer to protect your rights under the law. Remember, the government has close to unlimited resources to prosecute you. You need a just as aggressive defense lawyer to fight for you.