El Cajon Criminal Defense Lawyer
El Cajon Criminal Defense Attorney
Being charged with a criminal offense in El Cajon, CA, is a dangerous situation that requires experienced legal representation and support. An El Cajon criminal defense lawyer could be the trusted resource you need.
Lee Law Group is your El Cajon criminal defense law firm with years of experience in representing clients in difficult positions, especially those who are facing challenging legal battles and are looking for guidance, support, and answers to their questions.
Our driven lawyers will aggressively fight for the most optimal resolution possible. We have studied various tactics of the prosecution which allows us to build a favorable defense for you.
Our experience across different facets of the legal profession along with our grit and dedication ensures excellent results in your El Cajon criminal defense case.
We will be with you during every part of your case. Our committed team will handle anything from investigation to sourcing of witnesses. We will develop a wealth of evidence that will prove your innocence.
The California criminal defense attorneys at Lee Law Group are dedicated to protecting your freedom and fighting for your right to swift justice.
Call Lee Law Group at (619) 349-1588 for a Free Consultation!
What Are Crimes?
It is a crime to do something that breaks the rules set by the federal, state, or local government. Crimes are also known as acts against society as a whole. Crimes in the United States can be divided into two main groups: felonies and misdemeanors.
Felonies are the worst crimes and can lead to substantial time in prison. Misdemeanors, on the other hand, are less serious crimes and will lead to less time in jail or fines. People can be charged with crimes for many things, such as assault, damage to property, theft, or fraud.
When someone is suspected of a crime, the government takes legal action against them through a lawyer. This person is called the defendant. They could get jail time, fines, community service, probation, or other punishments if they are found guilty. However, just because someone is accused of a crime doesn’t mean they are guilty. The legal system is based on the concept that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and each defendant has the right to a fair hearing.
Some Examples of Crimes
Criminal charges range in terms of nature and severity. The repercussions of being convicted of a crime will vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of crime committed. Some of the most common types of crimes include:
- Violent crimes. These crimes include the violent use of force or the fear of force against other people. Since these acts hurt or could hurt other people, they usually come with harsh punishments. Some examples are assault, battery, robbery, homicide, and murder.
- Property crimes. In property crimes, someone else’s belongings are stolen, damaged, or used without permission. Some examples are theft, larceny, burglary, and vandalism.
- White-collar crimes. White-collar crimes usually involve dishonesty or theft in order to make money. The crimes in question are generally not violent, but the punishments can be harsh. Some examples are embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering.
- Drug crimes. Drug-related crimes include illegally possessing controlled substances, selling them, manufacturing them, or trafficking them. The punishments can vary depending on the amount and type of substances involved.For example, possession of a controlled substance means having illegal drugs on you for your own use. Drug trafficking is when drugs are sold or given away illegally across state or national lines. Trafficking will typically bring harsher punishments than possession as these crimes affect additional people and typically include the presence of significantly larger amounts of drugs than possession.
- DUI and other traffic violations. This group includes crimes like driving while impaired (DUI) by drugs or alcohol, driving carelessly, and hit-and-run accidents. Some traffic crimes are misdemeanors, but DUIs or vehicular manslaughter are very serious and can lead to felony charges.
Defenses to Criminal Charges
Just because someone is charged with a crime doesn’t mean they will be found guilty. Based on the details of the case, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can look into different arguments that suit your specific situation. Some common ways to fight against criminal charges include:
- Lack of intent (mens rea). Many crimes need proof of intent, which means the person accused must have done the act on purpose. The defense lawyer may get the charges dropped or reduced if they can prove the offender did not have the “mens rea” to commit the crime.
- Self-defense. When someone is charged with a serious crime like assault, they may argue they were acting in self-defense or to protect someone else.
- Alibi. An individual may not be found guilty if they can prove through bystanders, security footage, or other evidence that they were not at the scene of the crime when it happened.
- Force. This is a defense that can be used when someone commits a crime because they were forced to by someone else. For instance, if someone is told they will be hurt if they don’t steal something, they may use this as a legal defense. It can be hard to prove sometimes, but it can be a very strong defense.
What To Do When Arrested in El Cajon
Being arrested in El Cajon can change your life in a blink of an eye. How you handle yourself in the situation can significantly affect the severity of your legal issues which will affect your ability to get your life back.
First, keep calm and quiet. It is tough to stop yourself from explaining your side, especially if you want to prove your innocence. You are not required to share information to the police officer other than your name. The officers will attempt to gather as much information from you as they can.
Your Miranda rights will protect you from being forced to disclose information that may put you in a dangerous situation. Any information gathered may be used against you during your criminal trial.
After hearing you have been read your Miranda rights, politely tell the police officers that you wish to invoke your right to remain silent. Clearly state that you would like to speak with your attorney. It is important that you say it exactly this way to prevent further charges like resisting arrest or obstruction.
Remember, the police officers can legally lie to you. They can apply various strategies, such as misleading you into talking or performing a search of your property. Do not consent to any search. This will prevent them from gaining access to your home without the appropriate warrant.
Reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney in El Cajon right away. Keep asking to speak to your attorney until they allow you to contact Lee Law Group at (619) 349-1588 for smart advice and an aggressive legal defense.
El Cajon Criminal Defense Process
Processes in the court system can be overwhelming and confusing especially if you are not familiar with it. Here at Lee Law Group, we will take you through each step and what to expect. We will ensure that you are prepared. Knowing each process ensures that you know how to protect yourself.
Each step is important as your life can change in the blink of an eye. Being well-prepared with a strong legal team behind you ensures that you are given the justice that you deserve.
Investigation: This involves gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events surrounding the crime. You may be questioned and have your property searched. Even at this early stage, you will benefit from the support of an experienced attorney. A legal professional can help you prepare, learn how to conduct yourself, understand which questions to answer, and know your rights during the investigation.
Arrests and Charges: If the investigation points to your guilt, then you may be arrested. At this point, the police can conduct a search without a warrant. However, they need a probable cause to charge you with the crime.
Arraignment: This is your first chance to appear in court. You will be read your charges, and your rights will be explained. You can enter a plea of either guilty, not guilty or no contest. It is important to consult with your defense lawyer to understand the pros and cons of each plea before making a decision.
Bail: Bail may be addressed during your arraignment or on a separate hearing. The judge may release you without bail, set bail, or deny bail.
Pretrial: During this step, your defense attorney and the prosecution will build their respective cases. They may file motions to address various legal issues, including any of your rights that were violated during the search or investigation. Your lawyer may also challenge any evidence brought against you.
Trial: Each side will present relevant evidence, testimony, and arguments to a judge or a jury. The prosecutor should prove your guilt beyond any reasonable doubt. You should be backed by an experienced legal team to give you a fighting chance.
Sentencing: This happens in a separate hearing where the judge will hear recommendations from the prosecution and your defense lawyer about the appropriate sentence.
Appeals: When found guilty, you still have the right to appeal the verdict. At this step, you will need the support of an aggressive defense attorney to fight for you. You can either appeal due to errors during the process or the lack of evidence to support the verdict.
Having the support of a skilled and experienced attorney in El Cajon can greatly affect your ability to obtain a favorable resolution. The dedicated criminal defense trial lawyers at Lee Law Group provide experienced legal support during the whole process.
Whether you have been arrested in El Cajon for a DUI crime, drug trafficking, drug paraphernalia, or other drug charges, white collar crimes, domestic battery, assault and battery, sex crimes or sexual assault, theft charges, child abuse or other felony offenses, our aggressive El Cajon criminal attorneys are ready to fight for you.
You Need a Dedicated El Cajon Criminal Defense Attorney
Lee Law Group is your comprehensive El Cajon criminal defense law firm that which can provide you with legal support. With decades of proven results, satisfied clients, and unwavering dedication, there is no better option for you. Do not trust the half-priced lawyers you see on billboards – go with our Super Lawyers for the Best Defense!
DUI charges, violent crime charges, juvenile crimes, sex-related crimes, white collar crimes, theft, and other felony charges are no big tasks for the El Cajon criminal defense lawyers at Lee Law Group. Our experience, drive, and commitment will get the best possible results for you. Get in touch with our dedicated criminal defense law firm today to get your life back on track.
FAQs
Q: How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in California?
A: Criminal lawyers in California can charge different amounts depending on how complicated the case is, how experienced the lawyer is, and where the case is being heard. Felony cases will likely cost more than misdemeanors. Some lawyers may charge a flat fee, and some may charge by the hour. There may be other costs connected to the case as well, like court fees.
Q: How Many Criminal Defense Attorneys Are in California?
A: The huge population and legal demand in California are reflected in the significant number of criminal defense attorneys practicing in the state. Public defender offices and private practices both employ attorneys with this specialty. As more people become lawyers and more people retire or switch specializations, the number changes over time. When the legal market is robust, people have a variety of defense attorneys to choose from.
Q: What Is the Difference Between a Lawyer and an Attorney in California?
A: Although the terms “attorney” and “lawyer” are frequently used synonymously in California, there is a small distinction. A person who has completed law school and obtained a legal degree is known as a lawyer, even though they are not always authorized to practice law. An individual who has completed law school, obtained a license to practice law, and represents clients in court is known as an attorney.
Q: Is an Attorney More Powerful Than a Lawyer?
A: An attorney is not inherently more “powerful” than a lawyer, but an attorney is licensed to practice law and represent clients in court, whereas an unlicensed lawyer cannot do so. In this respect, an attorney has greater legal authority than someone who has a law degree but has not been admitted to the bar. In legal terms, power is defined by professional qualifications and responsibilities rather than status.
As your dedicated El Cajon criminal defense attorneys, Lee Law Group provides comprehensive legal support. We will support you through each step of the process. Our legal team can provide support, advice, aggressive negotiation, and courtroom skills if your case advances to court. Lee Law Group gets you the justice you deserve!
Lee Law Group gets you the justice you deserve!
Let’s Talk Now- Free Consultation
Call Lee Law Group today at (619) 349-1588 or contact us online for your Free Consultation with an El Cajon Criminal Defense Lawyer!
