Temecula Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Attorney in Temecula, CA

Being accused of a crime can be a distressing experience. You may feel trapped or like no one is on your side, and your life can change drastically. It’s crucial to hire a Temecula criminal defense lawyer to help you understand your rights, to ensure you have a proper defense, and to support you each step of the way if your case goes to trial.

Criminal charges can stem from misunderstandings, mistaken identity, and mistakes. If you did make a mistake and commit a crime, hiring a criminal defense attorney with the depth of experience needed to negotiate for lighter charges is imperative. At Najera Law Group, APC, E. Steve Najera has served as the lead attorney on hundreds of criminal cases. He was also the Public Defender in both Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

Criminal Charges

Criminal cases are handled in California’s Superior Court. Our team has successfully defended clients at trial, including at Riverside County Superior Court, located at 4100 Main Street in Riverside, and Southwest Justice Center, located at 30755-D Auld Road in Murietta.

There are three kinds of criminal charges in Temecula: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies.

The Penal Code of California lists each category of charge and its sentencing guidelines:

• Infraction. This is the least serious type of crime. Infractions cannot result in jail time. An example of an infraction is a speeding ticket.
• Misdemeanor. If convicted, one could spend up to six months in jail and may also incur a fine of up to $1,000.
• Felonies. This is the most serious type of charge. Convictions can result in life in prison as well as substantial fines, and even, in some cases, death.

Despite crime rates being lower in 2024, the arrest rate in California was higher by 2.4%. Any type of criminal conviction can damage your reputation, make finding employment more difficult, and result in unaffordable fines. Hiring a Temecula criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights, ensure the arresting officers follow proper procedures, and interview potential witnesses.

Hire a Temecula Criminal Defense Lawyer

The Najera Law Group, APC, offers skilled and compassionate defense counsel in Temecula, California, and surrounding towns like Murietta. Our team’s hallmarks are thoroughness and a client-based attitude.

An adept Temecula criminal defense lawyer has the resources to challenge evidence collected by the prosecution, negotiate with prosecutors for dismissal or lesser charges, and hire professional witnesses to testify. If you live in one of the over 15% of Temecula households that speak Spanish, a Spanish-speaking lawyer may also be beneficial for you. At the Najera Law Group, APC, we can communicate effectively, explain your charges, and outline your options

At the Najera Law Group, APC, we have provided counsel on a wide range of cases, including:

• Domestic violence accusations: In 2023, California received about 18 reports of domestic violence per hour. Unfortunately, some claimants use false domestic violence claims as leverage in custody cases, or even against their own domestic violence victims.
• Driving under the influence (DUI): A charge of DUI can result in fines, license suspension or revocation, and jail time, depending on whether this is a first offense and the circumstances of the charge. Hiring a Temecula criminal defense lawyer is critical, especially if you refused a breathalyzer (which can result in a one-year suspension).
• Drug-related offenses: California’s recent Prop 36 law changed both drug-related and theft offenses to create harsher penalties for repeat offenders while emphasizing treatment for certain drug offenses.

Hiring a Temecula criminal defense attorney can give you the personal support you need to defend against criminal charges or seek a lower sentence.

FAQs

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Criminal Charges in California?

The statute of limitations on criminal charges in California varies depending on the severity of the crime. In general, misdemeanors have a statute of limitations of one year. However, some crimes that involve children or harm others may extend the limitation. For felonies, most non-violent crimes have a maximum three-year statute of limitations. Felonies that carry a higher penalty may have longer statutes of limitations.

What’s the Difference Between a Lawyer and a Criminal Defense Attorney?

A lawyer is a professional who has taken several steps to become an attorney. They can provide support and legal counsel. A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer who focuses on defending against criminal charges. A Temecula criminal defense attorney from Najera Law Group, APC, has experience in the courtroom, is skilled at negotiation, and can provide compassionate legal representation if you go to trial.

What Are the Four Types of Defenses?

The four types of defenses are innocence, constitutional violations, self-defense, and insanity. A plea of innocence argues that the defendant did not commit the crime in question. A criminal attorney must create a reasonable level of doubt. Constitutional violations argue that the prosecution violated the defendant’s constitutional rights. Self-defense claims aim to prove that a defendant acted in fear for their life. Insanity pleas must not only prove the defendant did not know right from wrong, but also admit guilt.

Is It Worth Paying for a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Temecula, CA?

When you are charged with a crime in Temecula, CA, it is worth paying for a criminal defense lawyer to make sure you get the greatest level of defense as soon as possible. A criminal conviction can change your life forever. With a dedicated Temecula criminal defense lawyer, you could potentially have your charges dismissed or gain a reduced sentence through plea bargains, diversion programs, probation, or rehabilitation.

The Najera Law Group, APC: Your Local Criminal Defense Attorneys

The Najera Law Group, APC, firmly believes in the rights of our clients. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty, and, as your local Temecula criminal defense attorneys, it’s our job to prevent them from doing so.

We have extensive experience with criminal cases. Hiring a criminal attorney early is invaluable. It gives our team time to gather witness data, proof of any procedural mistakes, and a list of options for your criminal case.

Even for clients who cannot avoid jail time, we are seasoned attorneys who have successfully negotiated plea bargains and alternate sentences for our clients, minimizing penalties as much as possible.

If you have been charged with a crime, contact us today for a free consultation.