Oakland Criminal Defense Attorney

Summit Defense is Oakland’s oldest and most experienced team of criminal lawyers. We have handpicked not only the most experienced team of criminal lawyers, but we have made sure that each of our attorneys is dedicated to the sacred values of the United States Constitution and the pillar of our society: the need to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Facing criminal charges in Oakland is always a stressful experience, but it is not one that you have to face alone. At Summit Defense, we have 120 years of combined criminal defense experience throughout Oakland, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Northern California.

We know that the California criminal justice system can be confusing, but our experienced criminal defense attorney is here to fight for your rights and defend your freedom. Learn more about facing criminal charges in Oakland. Then, contact us online or call our law offices at 1-866-852-0507 to schedule your free consultation with our Oakland criminal attorneys today. We will take it from there.

OUR OAKLAND CRIMINAL ATTORNEY HANDLES ALL TYPES OF CASES

Navigating the various issues and consequences of a criminal conviction is complex and confusing. It’s always a very stressful situation when you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, and you will need expert criminal defense lawyers to take on your case, no matter what your criminal record entails. Our Oakland criminal lawyers always put your needs first.

The work involved in defending a criminal accusation runs along two parallel tracks. An experienced attorney will try to isolate proof issues and point these out to the prosecutor. At the same time, a defense attorney will mitigate the offense by presenting his or her client in the best light. This is done either by providing context to the offense or by presenting the totality of the client’s circumstances, including any remedial measures taken after the alleged offense.

Our law firm can support you no matter what criminal offense you’ve been charged with. Some of the most common crimes we defend include the following:

• Domestic violence cases;
• Assaults;
• Assaults with a deadly weapon;
• Animal abuse;
• Battery that causes serious bodily injury;
• The battery of a law enforcement officer;
• Child molestation/pornography;
• DUI/DWI cases;
• Drug crimes;
• Embezzlement;
• Expungement;
• Grand theft;
• Federal cases;
• Indecent exposure;
• Hit and run;
• Sex offenses;
• Marijuana law;
• Shoplifting and petty theft;
• Probation violation;
• Professional and small business licensing;
• Rape;
• Prostitution and massage parlors;
• Sex offender registration;
• Solicitation;
• Statutory rape; and
• And more.

When you are facing criminal charges, the stakes are high, and you need the strongest defense possible. You need an experienced legal team with your best interests at heart. Criminal law is vast, and our attorneys would be honored to review your criminal defense case.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER?

We understand that you have options if you are looking for a criminal defense lawyer in the local area. A few key points you should consider to ensure you hire the right team include:

• Look at Prior Case Results and Reviews. Always take a look at a lawyer or law firm’s track record before deciding who to go with. Your attorney’s priority should be to settle your case as efficiently as possible, so you must check out their case results and reviews before finalizing any decision. The best result for you is a dismissal or not guilty verdict, so take a look at what the law firm has done in the past.
• Responsiveness. Time is critical in all criminal cases, so you’ll need an attorney-client relationship that puts your case first and ensures swift legal action. There are many reasons why prompt responses from your criminal defense firm are critical.
• Cost. It’s essential to work with criminal defense lawyers who value transparency with their cost of services. We are always transparent about our fees, so simply reach out to us and ask if you have questions.
• Legal Specialization. Ensuring that your defense attorney is qualified to handle your case is essential because there are many specialized areas of interest within defense law. Many Oakland criminal defense lawyers may not be experienced with all of them. Criminal charges like DUI/DWI may require a DUI defense lawyer, and domestic violence may require specific types of criminal lawyers.
• Personal Characteristics. You should find a lawyer who aggressively defends your rights, communicates well, is compassionate and knows the details of the legal system. Lawyers should use every resource to do what’s best for their clients.
• Experience. An experienced attorney will always benefit you and your criminal defense charges because this portion of the law requires many years of courtroom knowledge. They have strong relationships throughout the local criminal justice systm that they can use to advocate for your rights.

3 REASONS TO CHOOSE SUMMIT DEFENSE AS YOUR AGGRESSIVE OAKLAND CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Although there are many reasons why you should choose Summit Defense as your Oakland criminal defense lawyer, the following three reasons are essential to keep in mind:

• We’ve Earned Countless Victories In Oakland, CA Courts. Our attorneys have an incredible track record of success within Northern California courts, and we’ve won some incredibly tough cases against hard-nosed district attorneys. Check out our case results page for more information about our past success.
• Responsiveness and Communication Matter. The defense attorneys at Summit Defense are always here to answer any questions you might have. So, when you hire us, you can expect that you will have all the information you need to make the best decision for your case.
• We Can Help You Manage a Stressful Situation. There’s no denying that the legal process can be confusing after you’ve been arrested for a crime, so having a legal expert support you through these moments will put you and your criminal record in the best position for a favorable outcome.

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US

Our client testimonials will provide a good glimpse into some of the many benefits of working with us, and some of the more common benefits that you should know about include:

• A History Of Good Criminal Case Results. We’re a successful criminal defense firm with countless successful results we’ve earned for our clients. Our aggressive approach has fostered our reputation for proven defense victories.
• Reputation For Excellence. Our law office is known throughout Oakland, CA, for successfully serving our clients with the highest levels of responsiveness and integrity.
• We’re Trusted Throughout The Community. Our legal team includes former public defenders, super lawyers, and former district attorneys. We also have good working relationships with law enforcement offices throughout Oakland and the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Our Team Has Three Former Prosecutors. We have over 120 years of cumulative criminal defense experience on both sides of the table, so we have the talent and insight to handle all kinds of criminal cases.
• We’re A Multicultural Team. In Northern California, there are countless situations in which defense attorneys need to speak Spanish. Our Spanish-speaking lawyers and staff members will be able to serve people who primarily speak Spanish.

What Happens After an Arrest in Oakland?

Following an arrest in Oakland, legal proceedings move forward. They start with the immediate processing of the defendant. Remember, the sooner you contact us, the easier it will be for us to manage this process for you. Some of the steps in this process include:

Booking and Processing

After the arrest, the first step is booking and processing. During this stage, the arrestee’s details are recorded, fingerprints are taken, and photographs (mug shots) are captured. Their personal belongings are cataloged and stored for safekeeping. The individual may also undergo a brief health evaluation.

Initial Appearance Before a Judge

Typically, within 48 hours of the arrest, the accused is brought before a judge. This initial appearance involves reading the charges, informing the arrestee of their rights, and possibly setting bail. Factors like community ties, severity of the alleged crime, and flight risk are considered. The accused can either pay the bail or remain in custody until trial. The judge may decide on detainment or release based on factors like the nature of the crime and prior criminal history.

During this time, formal charges are presented against the accused. The individual can enter a plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Legal representation is essential during this stage to ensure the accused understands the charges and potential consequences. The trial date may also be set during this phase

Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury Proceedings

Depending on the case’s seriousness, there might be a preliminary hearing where the judge evaluates if there’s enough evidence to proceed to trial. Sometimes, a grand jury might be convened to decide on the indictment. Witnesses might be called, and evidence presented. This step is crucial to determine the trajectory of the case.

Pre-Trial Motions and Plea Bargaining

In the period leading up to the trial, both the defense and prosecution can file pre-trial motions to determine what evidence can be presented in court. This phase often involves negotiation between the defense and prosecution, which might lead to plea bargains. A plea bargain can lead to lowered charges or punishments in exchange for a guilty plea. Legal counsel is vital in guiding the accused through this complex phase.

Trial

If no plea agreement is reached, the case moves forward to trial. Here, both sides present their evidence, witnesses are called, and arguments are made before a judge or jury. We will do everything we can to cast reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury to push for a not guilty verdict.

Sentencing

If found guilty, the next step is sentencing, where the judge issues a punishment based on the crime’s nature and other relevant factors. The accused has the right to appeal the verdict or the severity of the sentence. If you face sentencing, we will present as many mitigating factors as we can to minimize any consequences.

OAKLAND CRIMINAL DEFENSE FAQS

The following are some frequently asked questions oriented around criminal defense law:

SHOULD I HIRE AN ATTORNEY BEFORE BEING ARRESTED IF I SUSPECT THAT I MAY BE ARRESTED?

In many situations, it is a good idea to obtain legal representation when you suspect that you’ll be arrested, and this type of legal service is referred to as “pre-charge representation.” If we get involved early enough, we might be able to make your case during the investigation and prevent charges from being filed at all.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE FIRST 72 HOURS AFTER I’M ARRESTED ON A CRIMINAL CHARGE?

You’ll be taken to jail and placed in a holding cell when arrested. You’ll then be booked and fingerprinted. During your initial appearance, see what charges are filed against you and whether or not you’ll be released from custody. During this initial appearance, you’ll have an opportunity to reach out to a bail bond agent once your bail has been established.

You must reach out to our attorneys so we can represent you during these initial court hearings and hold the Oakland, CA, court system fully accountable. We can smooth the process for you and ensure your rights are protected.

IS IT EVER POSSIBLE TO HAVE VIOLENT CRIME CHARGES REDUCED?

Yes, and there are many unique ways to reduce violent crime charges. Negotiation is a smart strategy for lowering criminal charges, and felony charges will entail a Preliminary Hearing in which a judge will determine whether or not the District Attorney has probable cause to charge you with your crimes.

Our legal team has close relationships with District Attorneys throughout California and the entire San Francisco Bay Area, which supports your efforts to reduce these types of serious charges.

DOES EXPUNGEMENT APPLY TO CHARGES ONLY, OR DOES IT COVER CONVICTIONS AS WELL?

Expungement are directly related to convictions. If you were acquitted of a crime, an expungement wouldn’t be necessary. However, you may be eligible to seal your arrest record if the case is dismissed.

DO MOST CRIMINAL CASES GO TO TRIAL, OR DO THEY SETTLE?

Most criminal cases will result in a negotiation with the District Attorney. They won’t necessarily go to trial, and there are many scenarios in which it’s in a client’s best interest to weigh other options besides going to trial.

Negotiating a charge reduction, early probation termination, or dismissal after a year has passed can often be a better route for an individual facing criminal charges instead of going to trial.

There are several ways a matter can be dismissed through negotiations:

1. Pre Plea Diversion: Under this agreement, the District Attorney will agree to dismiss charges prior to the entry of a guilty plea. This assumes the client is willing to adhere to certain conditions and remain crime-free.

2. Post Plea Diversion: Similar to an agreement of Pre Plea Diversion, this option requires an initial plea, though the District Attorney would, nevertheless, agree to dismiss charges prior to sentencing.  This will ensure that no conviction is entered by the Department of Justice.

3. Formal Diversion Program: Under new statutes, this avenue would formally send the case to a diversion court, which will monitor the matter for a period of time.

4. Mental Health Diversion: This is available to clients who can show that mental health issues were a predominant cause of their behavior and that treatment would be helpful in reducing the risk of future offenses.

When the right circumstances apply, the Summit Defense team will be prepared and ready to take your case to trial and provide you with the strongest possible defense. If we think it is in your best interests to accept an agreement with the District Attorney, we can handle this negotiation for you as well.

CONTACT OUR OAKLAND CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY TO GET A FREE CONSULTATION

When you or a loved one has been arrested on criminal charges, hiring a criminal defense lawyer is critical to help you better understand your legal rights and represent you within every appropriate scenario.

The Oakland criminal defense attorneys at Summit Defense have supported countless individuals going through serious legal troubles. Our team will be there for you through these complex and stressful procedures. We understand how legal representation can make or break your freedom and your long-term future, and we take these responsibilities very seriously.

Contact us today for a case consultation!