Criminal Defense Lawyers in Santa Cruz, California

The United States Constitution grants important rights to any person accused of a crime including due process, the right to a fair and speedy trial, the right to representation by counsel, the right to remain silent and to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures.

When choosing a criminal defense attorney in California, consider the lawyer's training, experience, ratings and reviews. Attorneys that practice within the criminal justice system tend to focus on certain types of cases in either state or federal court.

Most criminal defense attorneys provide a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case and defenses that might apply. Before you decide on which attorney to hire, meet with several different attorneys in their office to discuss the case and the attorney fees required for representation.

Once you decide which attorney to hire, make sure you and the attorney sign a written fee agreement or contract that describes the attorney fees required at each stage of the case including during pre-trial negotiations, motion hearings and a bench or jury trial.

A criminal defense lawyer in California should fight to protect the rights of his or her client in a criminal case against felony or misdemeanor charges... Read more »