San Francisco Criminal Defense Attorneys

Frequently Asked Questions in San Francisco, California

Why hire a San Francisco criminal defense attorney?
Anytime a person finds themselves under investigation by law enforcement for a criminal act it is imperative to hire an attorney. A San Francisco criminal defense attorney will understand the legal rights that a person has and exactly what steps must be taken in an effort to protect their freedom. By hiring an experienced attorney a person accused of a crime may also be able to have charges lowered, obtain alternative sentencing or under certain circumstances have charges dismissed completely for various legal reasons. All of which are often unattainable without the aid of an attorney.

What is a misdemeanor?
A misdemeanor offense is a lower offense and may only result in a sentence up to 1 year in jail. It is often associated with crimes involving petty theft, simple drug possession, DUI, and simple assault.

What is a felony?
A felony is a serious criminal offense. If convicted a person may be sentenced up to a lifetime behind bars or even the death penalty. Common crimes committed that will result in a felony charge are murder along with many sex crimes, drug crimes and other violent crimes.

Can I have my criminal record destroyed?
A person may be able to have their criminal record destroyed through the legal process known as expungement. However, very specific qualifications must first be met that include never actually having been convicted of a criminal offense. To learn more about expungement and to find out if you may qualify you should contact an experienced San Francisco criminal defense lawyer at our firm today.

What is alternative sentencing?
Alternative sentencing is often handed down by the courts for many types of criminal offenses including drug crimes, juvenile crimes, white collar crimes and DUI. A qualified San Francisco criminal defense lawyer at our firm can look over the facts of your case and determine whether or not you may qualify for alternative sentencing. If you do qualify you may be able to attend counseling, rehabilitation or some other alternative program instead of being incarcerated into jail or the state and federal prison system.

If my child is accused of a crime, what should I do?
If your child is a minor accused of a juvenile crime you should contact us right away. In many cases a child can be charged as an adult, leading to a possible lifetime sentence behind bars along with other serious penalties.

Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Francisco, California

What should I do if I am arrested?
Anytime someone is arrested and their freedom is in question the first step that should be taken is to contact an experienced San Francisco criminal defense attorney. An attorney may be able to negotiate your release and have charges dropped or lowered altogether.

If you believe that you or a family member is in serious trouble with the law, please contact a San Francisco criminal defense lawyer at our firm today. We can meet with you during a case consultation and determine what legal direction should be taken to safeguard your future.

Accused of a crime in San Francisco? Contact us today!