If you live in the beautiful lakeside city of Lake Elsinore, or in a nearby area like La Cresta or Canyon Lake, criminal charges probably aren’t the first worry that comes to mind. Criminal charges can happen to anyone, though, and when they do, the first thing you need to do is hire a Lake Elsinore criminal defense lawyer.
Criminal charges in California include infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Any of those charges can feel like you’re stuck at the mercy of the courts, especially if you’ve been charged for a crime you didn’t commit, but that’s not the case. Every person accused of or charged with a crime has a right to a comprehensive defense and is innocent until proven guilty.
A Lake Elsinore criminal defense lawyer can protect those rights and ensure that proper procedures are followed in your case. Even new methods for gathering evidence can be faulty.
At the Najera Law Group, APC, we have extensive experience defending against criminal allegations. We’re also highly skilled negotiators, obtaining plea bargains and lower sentences in some cases where a sentence is unavoidable.
Meet Our Team
Built on Courtroom Experience, Driven by Purpose.
Our attorneys have collectively tried more than 250 jury trials and thousands of non-jury trials, contested hearings, and courtroom proceedings in Family Law, Probate, Civil Litigation, Tax, and Criminal Law. That experience shapes how we evaluate cases, counsel our clients, and fight for results.
Our Corona Attorneys Have Been Awarded the Highest Legal Honors
Hire a Lake Elsinore Criminal Defense Lawyer
All criminal charges can change your life. A Lake Elsinore criminal defense lawyer can work to reduce or dismiss charges through plea deals, diversion programs, probation, and treatment programs. A criminal defense case takes precision, skill, and experience. Criminal defense attorneys spend time gathering facts, interviewing the client and any witnesses, and arriving at a list of options for the client.
While violent crimes do happen in and around Lake Elsinore, most crimes are property and theft crimes by far. If you’ve been charged with a property or theft crime, it may feel like there’s no way out of a guilty plea. That is a misconception that could cost you.
The onus is on the prosecution to prove you have committed a crime. Our laws consider you innocent until proven guilty. That means your first action when arrested is to remain silent.
Remaining silent does not mean you are guilty. It simply means you are exercising your rights. The prosecution’s case against you relies on evidence. By remaining silent, you don’t give them any.
Your second action should be to ask to call a reputable local Lake Elsinore criminal defense attorney. A Lake Elsinore criminal defense attorney is familiar with the County of Riverside Superior Court of California, and specifically the Southwest Justice Center in Murietta.
At the Najera Law Group, APC, our Lake Elsinore criminal defense lawyers are well-respected in all area courts, and our founding attorney worked as a public defender in both Orange County and Los Angeles County.
He understands the intricacies of criminal law and the resources available to clients to fight criminal charges. Hiring a criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between heading to jail or sleeping in your own bed.
If you’re navigating the legal system, we can fight to protect your interests. Call (951) 821-4647 to schedule a free consultation. Se habla español.
FAQs
Can You Talk to a Criminal Lawyer for Free in Lake Elsinore, CA?
In Lake Elsinore, CA, you can have a free consultation with a criminal lawyer at the Najera Law Group, APC. Our first consultation is free. We can work together to determine if you have a case for trial or if other options are available to you. Our team presents all options so you can make an informed decision on the direction of your case.
What Is the Hardest Thing to Prove in Court?
The hardest defenses to prove in court involve mental states, such as an insanity defense. Often, these cases also require an admission of guilt as well as proof that the defendant did not understand the difference between right and wrong. For the prosecution, they have a high burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. A skilled Lake Elsinore criminal lawyer can cast doubt on circumstantial proof, question material evidence, and highlight evidence collection procedures.
Which Is Worse, Felony 1 or Felony 5?
California does not use a numbered felony system, so there is no felony one or felony 5. Instead, California uses both a degree system (i.e., first degree) and a complicated triad system that is used for more than 71% of felony convictions. There are more than 1400 individual felony charges in California law. An adept Lake Elsinore criminal defense attorney can help navigate the complexities and understand your charges and options.
What Can a Defense Attorney Not Do?
A criminal defense attorney cannot violate the State Bar Act by knowingly assisting or inducing the commission of a crime; willingly commit a crime; engage in deceitful, reckless, dishonest, or fraudulent conduct; engage in conduct prejudicial to the administration of the law; indicate an ability to influence a government official; or knowingly solicit or induce a judge or other official to violate the judicial code of ethics. Violation of these rules is considered professional misconduct.
Talk With an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Today
The Najera Law Group, APC, focuses on criminal defense. Our Lake Elsinore criminal defense attorneys work with compassion and analytical attention to detail. Our criminal defense attorneys believe every client deserves a thorough, strategic defense, whether it’s to focus on dismissal of your charges, or, in certain cases, plea agreements or alternative sentencing.
Having the resources to challenge the prosecutor’s evidence or collection methods and uncover exculpatory evidence to support your defense can make or break a criminal defense case. With a criminal defense attorney at your side, you’ll have the counsel you need to support you during this challenging set of circumstances.
Our client testimonials show how highly we are recommended by our clients. Some of the terms used to describe us are confident, professional, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. Our founding attorney, E. Steve Najera, also speaks fluent Spanish.
If you need qualified, understanding legal representation for your criminal defense, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Client Reviews
Skilled, Well-Experienced Lawyer.
“I also should mention that he has a great team behind his back with a service app that you can send any questions to if you get any and they respond right away even if they are closed at the time of asking the question they always made sure to get back to”
- Abanoub H.
Highly Recommend.
“Not only did I feel prioritized I also felt heard. I struggled finding a lawyer to help with my case and while other lawyers told me to “just give up” Najera Law Group encouraged me to keep going with my case and has gotten me the results neede”
- Alyssa H.
Extremely Nice & Professional.
“He reassured me through the whole process and I honestly was at ease because he truly cared about me and keeping my kids with me. Everyone in his office is pleasant to talk too and super nice.”
- Brittany R.
Highly Recommend Him.
“He was able to explain the divorce process to the client, in an easy and professional manner. We set up the consultation for the next day. Steve is knowledgeable and confident in his practice to serve his clients.”
- Carolina S.
Very Prompt, Candid, & Confident.
“I was in need of a lawyer in a last minute situation and I was very well taken care of and reassured every step of the way. Their confidence and knowledge alone put me at ease during a highly stressful time.”
- Hog S.
Amazing & Got the Job Done.
“Steve was amazing and got the Job done, My ex husband got temp custody of my 3 yr old son Noah, without hesitation my sister found Najeralawgroup, we quickly hired steve, without a fight he got the job done.”
- Theresa G.
Awesome & Very Confident.
“Steve and his team are awesome. Very confident, I’m glad I choose Steve to win my case.”
- Jackie R.
Really Appreciated the Help.
“You guys helped me a lot and really recomend you guys thank you for everything.”
- Cesar A.
Te Dan Mucha Confianza.
“Me pareció un excelente grupo de abogados te dan mucha confianza.”
E. Steve NajeraCEO & Chief Trial Attorney
Israel ClaustroChief Legal Officer & Managing Attorney
Quinton SwansonSenior Trial Attorney
Virginia AlvarezExecutive Director of Operations
Estefania BuenrrostroSenior Litigation Paralegal / Admin Supervisor
Ruth MaganaDirector of Business Operations and Analytics
Celina MancillaSenior Litigation Paralegal / Supervisor
Erika LopezLitigation Paralegal
Johana FloresLegal Assistant
Tito NavarroLegal Assistant / Marketing
Yessenia VazquezLegal Assistant
