Moreno Valley Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of or arrested for a crime, you may be feeling numerous emotions, from uncertainty to shame and fear, that will make planning your next steps immensely difficult. Fortunately, there is one action you can take that can set you up for success as you navigate this complicated process: contacting a Moreno Valley criminal defense attorney.
If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime, an experienced criminal defense attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At My SoCal Lawyers, our team focuses on the Inland Empire and is ready to protect the rights of those facing criminal charges in our community. With decades of combined experience, we can help you approach your criminal case with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Potential Outcomes in a Criminal Case
There are a number of potential outcomes in criminal cases. Understanding when each applies can help you create the most effective defense strategy with a defense attorney. Some of the potential outcomes include:
- Dismissal
The prosecutor has the option to drop the charges that were brought against you. This is generally considered the most positive outcome if you have been arrested and charged with a crime. The prosecutor may choose to dismiss charges for a number of reasons, including a lack of evidence, unlikeliness of a conviction, or relative unimportance of the violation. If dismissed, the defendant is usually free from the charges. - Plea Agreement
A prosecutor may choose to offer a plea agreement that involves the defendant pleading guilty to a lesser crime for reduced penalties in place of a trial. A defense attorney can also propose a plea agreement to the prosecutor, especially if they have found reasonable doubt that could discredit the prosecution’s case. A plea agreement can be offered and accepted at any point during a trial.
- Acquittal
Another positive outcome in a criminal case is an acquittal. If your case progresses to a trial, a judge or jury will hear the evidence and decide if the prosecution has managed to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the judge or jury believes they have not met this burden, you may be acquitted of the charges and cleared of all accusations, charges, and criminal responsibility. - Conviction
The worst potential outcome from a criminal trial, a conviction means the judge or jury believes beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of the crime you were accused of committing. Once the conviction determination has been reached, the court will proceed to sentence the defendant. It is possible to appeal a conviction, although it is the final judgment of the case.
A skilled defense attorney can examine your case and evaluate all the potential outcomes. They may also find routes that make more favorable outcomes much more likely to occur. For example, a defense attorney may be able to show a lack of evidence that results in a dismissal of the charges before the case goes to trial. They may also be able to argue for reduced charges in a plea agreement, eliminating the need for a potentially drawn-out trial.
Finding the Right Defense Attorney
In Moreno Valley, California, there will be a long list of criminal defense attorneys to choose from when you search for potential options. Narrowing down the list should not be left to chance, as your relationship with your attorney can significantly affect how you feel throughout your case, as well as its outcome. Some factors to consider when choosing your attorney include:
- Communication Style
Some attorneys may have a communication style that will not align with yours. While you are speaking with a potential attorney, it is important that you are able to understand what they are explaining. This will help ensure you feel more confident about how the case is progressing and the future steps that will occur once you are working with that attorney on your case. It is also important that your preferred communication types are compatible. For example, if an attorney prefers to speak through email, but your preference is for phone conversations, that may not be a relationship that will support your peace of mind during a criminal case. - References and Reviews
One way to find a quality defense attorney is to speak with people you know and trust for recommendations. They may have experience with a local attorney that will impact your decision to consider working with that attorney. If you do not have personal recommendations, online reviews are also another valuable resource for finding a trustworthy Moreno Valley criminal defense lawyer. - Experience
Though most defense attorneys will have experience defending clients, you’ll want to search for an attorney who has experience defending clients who have been charged similarly to you. This prior exposure gives the attorney an advantage in the planning phase, as they have already put time into evaluating a case similar to yours. - Fee Structure
When hiring a defense attorney, a consideration that will factor into the choice is the overall cost. It should not be the only factor considered when comparing attorneys, but you should gather information on the fees each attorney will charge while doing research. Doing so could help you find an attorney within your budget.
Ultimately, you should feel comfortable enough with your attorney to be completely honest and forthcoming about your case. Finding an attorney with whom you feel compatible and who also has a strong reputation in your community is an excellent way to reduce your fears about the charges you face.
Contact a Moreno Valley Criminal Lawyer
A quality defense attorney understands how traumatic it can be to face criminal charges and the potential penalties from a conviction. Even if law enforcement has reached out only to ask you questions, it is likely worth your time to contact a defense attorney. Creating such a relationship can be invaluable if you are arrested in the future.
The My SoCal Lawyers team is ready to support you through this complicated process, supplying dedicated legal representation to our Moreno Valley community. If you decide you are in need of a defense attorney, contact our office today.
