Sacramento Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal defense covers a wide range of legal practice areas, ranging from DUI to theft to violent crimes. Finding a Sacramento criminal defense lawyer who can defend your rights, no matter what crimes you’re charged with, and treat you as innocent until proven guilty is not an easy task.

If you’re in search of a defense attorney to represent you in your criminal case, Attorney David Anguiano is equipped to provide you with the criminal defense you need, whether you’re facing misdemeanor charges or a felony. Our legal team is well-qualified for your case. We are prepared to provide support whenever necessary, negotiate on your behalf, and litigate if you require a trial attorney.

What Is Criminal Defense?

Criminal defense is a vast area of law that consists of a number of varied practice areas. The state can press charges for any of the following crimes:

• DUI
• Drug crimes
• Sex crimes
• Burglary
• Assault and battery
• Robbery
• Child abuse
• Arson
• Domestic violence
• Firearms and other weapons offenses
• White-collar crimes
• Murder
• Vehicular homicide
• Manslaughter
• Drug trafficking, terrorism, and other federal crimes
• Probation violation

The Role of a Criminal Defense Attorney

The main role of a criminal defense attorney is to defend their clients against criminal charges imposed by the state. In many cases, a criminal defense attorney can help their clients avoid jail. A good defense attorney can also find alternative penalties to jail. When jail time cannot be avoided, a defense attorney can do everything in their power to minimize the time that their client spends in jail.

One important role of a good criminal defense attorney is to put their clients’ minds at ease. Most people who get arrested are extremely anxious about their case because they don’t know what to expect or what will happen next. A good defense attorney can help their clients understand their criminal case on a personal level.

Knowing what you’re facing, the potential outcomes and the options that you might have can reduce the fear and anxiety of the unknown surrounding your case.

Finding a Valid Criminal Defense Strategy

A key task for any defense attorney is to find an opportunity for defense. By scouring over the details of a case, an attorney can uncover things that would have otherwise gone unknown. In many cases, these buried or hidden details of a case are the very details that get the charges minimized or the case thrown out entirely. The most successful Sacramento criminal defense lawyer knows that no two cases are alike and each is unique from another.

Additionally, a good defense attorney is one who gets to know their clients on a personal level and understands where they are coming from. This can help the lawyer find an angle in the case while establishing trust between themselves and their client, which is an essential component to successful criminal defense.

Criminal Penalties

Depending on the severity of the crime, criminal penalties can range from fines to jail time, but it is important to know that there are alternatives to jail in many cases. Hiring a private attorney affords defendants the optimal chance of getting sentenced with alternative penalties that can keep them out of jail. For instance, some common alternatives to jail time may include one or more of the following:

• Probation
• House arrest
• Community service
• Fines
• Loss of driving privileges
• Enrollment in a class or diversion program

There are some crimes for which jail time cannot be avoided, and they range from restraining order violations to murder. In some instances, prior conviction history can also dictate whether a defendant will have to spend time in jail. In these cases, the defendant may be better off taking a plea deal, which a well-versed attorney can arrange. Once you hire an attorney, in most cases, they can negotiate a plea deal on your behalf and optimize the terms in your favor.

Defending Your Rights

Above all, a criminal defense lawyer works to protect the rights of their clients. In doing so, they also act as a watchdog over law enforcement, ensuring that they perform their jobs constitutionally. By defending their clients’ rights, they make sure that the police don’t get away with violating those rights.

What Would Be the Opposite of a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Literally, the opposing side in a criminal case is the prosecution. Just like a criminal defense attorney represents the defendant, a prosecutor represents the victim. Both have an important part in maintaining a fair justice system. Because prosecutors are very good at their jobs, it is to the advantage of the defense to have a qualified and aggressive criminal defense attorney to maintain balance and ensure that each case is carried out under the law.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in California?

Most criminal defense lawyers in California require that a retainer be paid upfront to secure legal services. This fee covers the majority of the hours that will be spent on the case. In extenuating circumstances, there may be an additional payment needed to continue the legal process, but many lawyers just charge the retainer no matter how many hours the case requires.

When Should I Call a Criminal Defense Attorney?

When someone is arrested with criminal charges, it’s never too early to call a criminal defense attorney. In fact, call an attorney as soon as possible. If you’re facing charges and you haven’t at least talked with a criminal law attorney, call now. A lawyer can only help your case, even if it’s just offering advice or explaining the law to you. The law is always the same, but it can be difficult to know how it may apply to your case.

When you’re unsure, an attorney can fill in the answers and let you know the details of the charges that you’re facing from the prosecution.

Hiring a Sacramento Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Sacramento, the worst thing you can do is not consult with an attorney. Speaking with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer can give you a new perspective on your case. It never hurts to seek professional legal advice. Our legal team can potentially help you obtain a better outcome for your case and provide you with a better outlook on the process to come. Contact Anguiano Law today for skilled legal help.