Riverside Criminal Defense Attorney
Suppose you or a family member is under a criminal investigation or already arrested and charged with a crime in Riverside, CA. In that case, the relief and reassurance that comes with having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side can significantly improve your chances of resolving the case favorably.
Riverside Hall of Justice is located at 4100 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501. Phone: (951) 777-3147. Our law firm handles all types of common California misdemeanor or felony charges, including domestic violence, DUI, internet crimes, drug crimes, sex crimes, theft crimes, white-collar crimes, and federal crimes.
The possibility of going to jail on a serious criminal charge can overwhelm you and your family. If you have been accused of committing a crime, you will need legal representation in your corner.
A defense lawyer will not only defend your case in court but also guide you through the legal process, advise you on your rights, and negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf.
The choice you make in selecting a defense lawyer can be crucial to the outcome of your case. The California Penal Codes, Vehicle Codes, and Health and Safety Codes are clear about the penalties for different types of crimes after a conviction.
A felony is the most serious charge you can face, and you must clearly understand your legal rights. Our law firm will explain what you face after an arrest and booking, as well as the criminal case process and the Riverside criminal justice system.
Empower yourself by understanding that early intervention in your case is essential. It opens up the possibility of negotiation with the prosecution, potentially leading to a more favorable outcome.
In many criminal cases, we negotiate with the prosecution to secure plea bargains or settlements. This might involve reducing charges, obtaining lighter sentences, or identifying alternative resolutions that mitigate the consequences of your case. These negotiations require experience and a knowledge of the local legal landscape.
If you go to trial, we will present your case skillfully, cross-examine witnesses, and deliver compelling legal arguments. If you are convicted, our work continues during the sentencing phase. We can present mitigating factors such as lack of criminal history, character references from family and friends, and compelling arguments to influence the judge's sentencing decision.
When necessary, we can file appeals to challenge legal errors that may have occurred during the trial or sentencing. These appeals can explore legal avenues for post-conviction relief, such as ineffective assistance of counsel, newly discovered evidence, or constitutional violations.
Type of Cases We Defend
A criminal conviction can impact your career and family. It would be best if you had a legal professional on your side when charged with a crime. Our Riverside criminal defense law firm handles all types of cases, including the following:
- Drug crimes charges will always depend on different factors, such as the type of drug, quantity possessed, and whether the drugs were for simple possession or with the intent to sell them. The most common controlled substances include heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, hallucinogens, and often lead to significant jail time and fines if you are convicted.
- Domestic violence is the most common charge in the states of California and Riverside. Penal Code 243(e)(1) PC domestic battery cases, a misdemeanor offense, is the statute prosecutors use in a domestic-related incident. These cases are often complex as they normally involve restraining orders or protective orders prohibiting a defendant from contacting the victim. A conviction for domestic violence can be life-altering, and you will need a lawyer who knows how to negotiate with the prosecutor.
- Sex-related offenses are some of the most serious crimes that can impact your future. Just an allegation that you may have been involved in a sexual-related crime can ruin your reputation. Common sex crimes include sexual battery, lewd acts with a minor, and internet sex crimes. The penalties for a conviction are severe and include jail time, large fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
- Theft crimes regularly occur and include burglary, robbery, grand theft, petty theft, identity theft, receiving stolen property, insurance fraud, and shoplifting. The penalties for a conviction often depend on the amount of loss suffered by a victim, details of the offense, and the defendant's past criminal history.
- Driving under the influence charges under Vehicle Code 23152 VC is another one of the most common crimes. The DUI penalties will depend on many factors, such as prior DUI convictions and whether someone was injured in an accident, among others. In most cases, DUI offenses will lead to fines, mandatory drug and alcohol counseling, and driver's license suspension.
- Violent crimes such as assault with a deadly weapon, attempted murder, kidnapping, murder, gang crimes, and assault. In California, violent crimes often carry the most severe penalties, especially for a defendant with prior convictions for a violent felony offense. The three strikes law can significantly increase a sentence.
What is the Criminal Court Process in Riverside, CA?
After someone is arrested for a crime, they will normally have an opportunity to post bail or get released on their recognizance. The exception is if the charges are a violent felony, the defendant threatens public safety, or the defendant is a flight risk.
The Riverside District Attorney's Office will decide to file charges formally based on the evidence. After charges have been filed, defendants must appear at their initial court arraignment, where the judge will inform them of the charges they are facing and ask them to enter a plea.
In a misdemeanor case, a defendant can have a criminal defense lawyer appear on their behalf. If a defendant fails to appear in court when required, the judge will issue a bench warrant for their arrest, which means they could be arrested at any time when they come into contact with law enforcement.
After a defendant has been formally charged with a crime, the next step often involves negotiation between the defense lawyer and the prosecutor for reduced charges or a case dismissal.
If a negotiated plea bargain can't be reached, the case will proceed to a trial court to determine guilt or innocence. If found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence, including only probation, with certain conditions.
Riverside Courthouses and Jail
If you are arrested and charged with a crime in Riverside, California, then your case will normally proceed to the Riverside Hall of Justice - 4100 Main St., Riverside, CA 92501. Other courthouses where the case could be handled include the Blythe Courthouse, Banning Justice Center, Larson Justice Center, and Southwest Justice Center.
- Banning Justice Center, 311 E. Ramsey Street, Banning, CA 92220. Phone: (951) 777-3147.
- Blythe Courthouse, 265 N. Broadway, Blythe, CA 92225. Phone: (760) 393-2617.
- Larson Justice Center, 46-200 Oasis Street, Indio, CA 92201. Phone: (760) 393-2617.
- Southwest Justice Center, 30755-D Auld Road, Murrieta, CA 92563. Phone: (951) 777-3147.
The Riverside Police Department normally arrests and books defendants at the Riverside County Jail, which is Robert Presley Detention Center, 4000 Orange Street, Riverside, CA 92501.
If you or a family member is under investigation or has already been arrested and charged with a crime, you must act quickly and contact a lawyer to protect your rights.
Through prefiling intervention, we may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to avoid the formal filing of charges before the court. Eisner Gorin LLP is located in Los Angeles County. Call our law firm for an initial consultation.
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