FAQ: Criminal Defense - Page 6

If you’ve been arrested for a crime in Alameda County, you may be wondering what happens at an arraignment hearing in a criminal case. If so, you’re not alone. Many of those accused of misdemeanors and felonies don’t truly understand the purpose of an arraignment hearing, the timing regarding when the hearing will take place, …

If you’ve been arrested, you may be wondering, “Should I represent myself in a criminal case?” To cut to the chase, the answer is a definite, “No!” However, it’s a reasonable question – and one that deserves a reasoned response. Here’s what you need to know about self-representation in a criminal case. You Have the …

If you or someone you love has been charged with a felony, you may wonder about the class of felony and the potential penalties involved. You may have heard about different classes of felonies and are curious about, for example, Class 4 felonies in California. After all, criminal law in California is anything but straightforward. …

If you’ve been caught red-handed and have been charged with a crime, you may wonder, “If I plan on pleading guilty, do I still need a criminal lawyer?” Most of the time, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Infractions in California There are three classifications of crimes in California: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Traffic tickets …

If you’ve been arrested for a crime in California, then you may be at a loss about what comes next. It’s natural to ask, “What is the process after criminal charges are filed in court?” For the purpose of answering this question, let’s say that Jeremy and Linda were arrested near a bank on a …

As your case wends through the criminal justice system, it’s natural to ask yourself, “If I am convicted of a crime, how is the sentencing determined?” You may have heard of “hanging judges,” a nickname for those who dole out extremely harsh penalties for even minor crimes. You may wonder if there are rules governing …

If you’ve been arrested for domestic violence, your first question may be, “Is spousal abuse a felony in California?” The straightforward answer is “sometimes,” but it’s important to take a deeper dive into California law to understand the circumstances under which spousal abuse is considered a felony.“Spousal” Abuse Covers More than Husbands and Wives If …

If you’ve been arrested in California, the thought of spending even one night in jail can be daunting. The thought of an extended stay in jail – until and through your trial – can make you feel hopeless. It’s no wonder that your first question may be, “What is bail and how does it work?” …

If you’ve been arrested for or charged with a crime in Alameda County, Contra Costa County, or anywhere else in the Bay Area, you know that you need a criminal lawyer. Still, you might be asking, “What does a criminal lawyer do?” That’s a reasonable question, especially since most people’s familiarity with criminal law comes …

If you have a felony conviction, you understand the devastating impact that a criminal record has on virtually every aspect of your life. A felony conviction can prevent you from getting a job or a loan. It can affect where you live and whether or not you can rent an apartment or buy a house. …