Riverside Criminal Defense Attorney

After an arrest or police interrogation, you still have critical rights. As your criminal defense attorney, I make sure every one of them is protected. You have the right to remain silent, the right to legal representation, and the right to refuse searches or questioning without your lawyer present.

Once you contact my office, I step in to stop further interrogation, communicate directly with law enforcement, and ensure no statements or evidence are used unfairly against you. I carefully review how the arrest was conducted, whether your constitutional rights were violated, and begin building a strategy to prevent or minimize charges. The hours and days immediately after an arrest are some of the most important in your case, and with an experienced lawyer on your side, you don’t have to face them alone.

Yes. Speaking with a criminal defense attorney before charges are filed can make a decisive difference. Early intervention in a case allows your lawyer to communicate with investigators, challenge unlawful procedures, and sometimes prevent charges altogether. Acting quickly protects your rights and can shape the entire direction of your case.

The criminal process in California involves several stages, and as your defense attorney, I’m by your side every step of the way, ensuring that your rights are protected and that we’re building the best defense possible:

• Arrest: I’ll review whether your rights were violated during the arrest and if the evidence was lawfully obtained.
• Arraignment: During the arraignment, I’ll ensure you understand the charges and help you decide the best plea.
• Preliminary hearing: I’ll challenge the evidence to determine if there’s enough for the case to proceed to trial.
• Discovery: I’ll carefully review all the prosecution’s evidence and witness statements to identify weaknesses.
• Pretrial motions: I’ll file motions to suppress evidence or seek dismissal if there’s a legal basis.
• Trial: I’ll aggressively defend you, presenting a strong defense and challenging the prosecution’s case.
• Verdict: If convicted, I’ll fight for leniency or discuss appeal options. If acquitted, I’ll ensure your record is cleared.
• Sentencing: I’ll present mitigating factors to minimize penalties and ensure you receive the most favorable sentence possible.

Throughout each step, I am committed to providing a personalized defense, looking for every opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your future. Each stage of the process requires careful planning, and I’m here to ensure that every decision works to your advantage.

According to criminal law, penalties in California can vary greatly depending on the type and severity of the crime committed. The Penal Code categorizes crimes into misdemeanors and felonies, each with its own set of penalties.

Misdemeanors:

These offenses generally carry lighter penalties, including:

• Up to 1 year in county jail (Penal Code Section 19).
• Fines up to $1,000 or more depending on the offense.‍
• Probation or mandatory community service.

Felonies:

Felony charges are more serious and carry longer sentences. Penalties include:

• Imprisonment in state prison for more than 1 year (up to life for severe felonies like first-degree murder).
• Fines that may exceed $10,000.
• Probation (often granted in place of prison for some felonies, though with strict conditions).

Aggravating factors like prior convictions, use of a weapon, or violence during the crime can increase penalties. California also has laws such as the Three Strikes Law (Penal Code Section 667), which significantly increases penalties for repeat offenders.

In California, you are generally responsible for paying for your criminal defense lawyer. However, if you cannot afford one, the court will appoint a public defender. Public defenders are skilled but often have large caseloads, which can limit the attention given to your case.

As your defense attorney, my fees are paid by you, and I offer flexible payment plans. With me, you’ll receive personalized, one-on-one attention and a defense strategy tailored to your needs, ensuring the best possible outcome for your case.

Yes, absolutely. Full honesty with your lawyer is essential, even if you have committed the crime. The attorney-client privilege ensures that whatever you share with me is confidential and cannot be used against you in court. Here’s why it’s crucial for your defense:

• Better defense strategy: With all the facts, I can tailor a strategy that’s built around your situation.
• Ethical duty to defend you: While I can’t advise you to commit a crime, my job is to represent you zealously and ethically, regardless of guilt.
• Confidentiality: Under California Evidence Code Section 954, everything you tell me is confidential. This means you can speak freely, knowing it won’t be shared with anyone else, and I can focus on what matters — defending your rights.

Telling the truth allows me to build the strongest defense possible. The more I know, the better equipped I am to protect you and ensure your rights are upheld throughout the legal process.