Riverside Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Attorney in Riverside, CA

Criminal charges of any kind can be life-changing, even charges for seemingly minor offenses. If you have recently been arrested in the Riverside, CA, area, it’s vital to know your rights and legal options in this challenging situation. If you have been charged with a crime you did not commit, it can easily feel as though the entire system is working against you and that no one has any desire to help you. On the other hand, if you made a mistake and broke the law, it’s natural to wonder what punishments you may face. Whatever your situation entails, it is crucial to speak with a Riverside criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest for the best chance of avoiding the worst possible outcomes.

Criminal Defense Representation for Riverside, CA, Clients

The Najera Law Group, APC, offers compassionate and responsive defense counsel to clients in Riverside, including nearby neighborhoods such as Arlington, La Sierra, Woodcrest, Canyon Crest, and Orangecrest, as well as surrounding areas like Moreno Valley, Jurupa Valley, and Corona. Over the years of our team’s operation, we have successfully defended clients facing a wide range of criminal charges, from misdemeanors and property crimes to felonies and violent offenses.

Our attorneys are familiar with local courts, including the Riverside Hall of Justice located on Main Street, and the Riverside County Superior Court, which plays a key role in handling both felony and misdemeanor matters. We can provide the defense representation you need, whether you must prove your innocence or negotiate a lighter penalty.

Why You Need Defense Counsel

Everyone accused of a crime has the right to legal representation when accused of a crime.

An experienced Riverside criminal defense lawyer can help their client uncover avenues of defense they may have overlooked on their own. In addition, they will have the professional resources needed to challenge the prosecutor’s evidence and the skill to secure any exculpatory evidence that may help their client. Ultimately, any defendant has the best chance of securing a case dismissal or reduced penalties when they have experienced defense counsel advising them throughout their case.

Criminal Cases We Handle in Riverside, CA

When you need representation in a criminal case, choosing a Riverside criminal defense attorney with experience handling cases like yours is vital. At the Najera Law Group, APC, we provide comprehensive and client-focused representation for cases involving a wide range of charges, including:

• Driving under the influence (DUI): California enforces strict DUI laws. Any driver arrested for DUI faces fines, jail time, loss of their driving privileges, and other personal and professional consequences. Penalties for DUI increase with multiple convictions or if any aggravating factors are present in the case, such as injury to others.
• Domestic violence accusations: Every year, thousands of people across the US experience various forms of domestic violence. Unfortunately, some people levy false domestic violence accusations against others out of spite or to gain the upper hand in a divorce or custody battle. Our firm provides personalized defense representation to individuals accused of domestic violence, and we know how to navigate these challenging cases when material evidence is often minimal.
• Expungements and pardons: A criminal conviction’s penalties can extend far beyond those assigned by the court and affect the defendant’s life in many ways for years following completion of their sentence. We can guide eligible clients through the expungement process to have their criminal records removed. Our firm also has experience with pardons issued directly by the governor. Though rarely granted, a defendant who has completed their sentence and can show proof of rehabilitation may qualify to petition for a governor’s pardon.
• Theft offenses: “Theft” refers to the unlawful taking of another party’s property to deprive the rightful owner of the property. California legislators recently changed how the state prosecutes many minor offenses, changes which some claim have effectively not only decriminalized but incentivized retail theft and other forms of petty theft throughout the state. The penalties for conviction of theft depend on the value stolen, how the property in question was stolen, and the defendant’s criminal record.
• Drug charges: Drug-related offenses are some of the most commonly prosecuted crimes in the country. California acknowledges the Schedule system that assigns different 63+ classifications to illegal substances based on their risks and ease of abuse. Schedule I drug offenses lead to the most severe penalties, while Schedule IV and V drug offense penalties are relatively mild. Defendants convicted of drug possession, drug trafficking, or other drug-related crimes in Riverside can face fines, jail time, and compulsory attendance in a substance abuse treatment program.

FAQs

What Should I Do If I’m Arrested in Riverside, CA?

If you’re arrested in Riverside, remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer questions or provide statements to law enforcement without a criminal defense attorney present. Contact a qualified Riverside criminal lawyer immediately to protect your rights and begin building your defense.

What Types of Criminal Cases Does a Riverside Criminal Lawyer Handle?

A Riverside criminal defense attorney typically handles a wide range of cases, including DUI, drug charges, theft, assault, domestic violence, white-collar crimes, and felony offenses. They can also represent clients in pre-trial negotiations, arraignments, bail hearings, and trials in local courts such as the Riverside Hall of Justice.

Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me Avoid Jail Time?

Yes. An experienced Riverside criminal lawyer can often help reduce or dismiss charges through plea bargains, diversion programs, or alternative sentencing such as probation or rehabilitation. The outcome depends on the specifics of your case, prior criminal history, and the strength of the evidence against you.

Contact Our Riverside Criminal Defense Attorneys Today

The Najera Law Group, APC, has extensive professional experience handling these and other types of criminal cases. Whenever anyone is charged with a crime, the prosecution must use compelling evidence and testimony to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It is the defense attorney’s job to prevent this from happening, which can be accomplished in various ways depending on the unique details of the case. However, a conviction may be unavoidable for some defendants, but the right attorney can still be invaluable in minimizing penalties. In addition, experienced defense lawyers may be able to secure plea deals for their clients, streamlining court proceedings and minimizing penalties as much as possible.

Ultimately, every criminal case is unique, and you need a Riverside criminal defense lawyer to guide you to the best possible outcome. If you are ready to discuss your case with the Najera Law Group, APC, contact us today and schedule your consultation with our team.