There are many risks associated with criminal defense, some of which are well-known, such as the impact of having a criminal record on one's life. It can be particularly challenging to move forward with a criminal record, as employers often review it during the job application process. People will be evaluating whether you are a good fit for the job.

Additionally, for other aspects such as obtaining a professional license and securing housing, there are risks associated with having a criminal record. If you end up with a conviction, others can access your criminal record, which puts you in a difficult position moving forward. 

So, that's one consideration we always have when defending a criminal case: achieving the best possible outcome, trying to set things up if possible, so that we can eventually expunge the record and allow you to move forward in a positive direction.

People should realize that there's no such thing as a true expungement in California.  They no longer refer to it as an expungement.  So, suppose somebody gets convicted of a crime. In that case, whether it be a misdemeanor or a felony, you're never going to be able to get rid of that conviction ultimately unless you come up with something other than an expungement. 

All the expungement does is dismiss the case, meaning somebody looks it up, and they'll find the dismissal on your criminal record. So, the first risk is that you may end up with a criminal record that you can't get rid of, so obviously, you want to ensure you obtain the lowest possible criminal record. 

Try to get something if you're charged with a felony that can be reduced to a misdemeanor, and then do whatever is possible to get that case dismissed and leave your record in the best state you possibly can so you can move forward in a powerful positive direction where you're able to get the best result you can.

Avoiding Time in Jail

The reality is, if you've got a crime, there's a good chance that you may not be able to get it wiped off your record completely, so you'll want to do damage control.  Another considerable risk that somebody faces when charged with a crime is that they end up in custody.

Like the fear of speaking, people have a horrible fear of going to jail or prison.  Another huge thing you need to consider when you're charged with a criminal offense is that you could end up in custody.  That's one thing I'm trying to prevent when handling these criminal cases — figuring out a way to keep people out of custody, out of prison, and out of county jail.

Legal Defense Strategies

Legal Defense Strategies: Your Shield in the Legal Battle several different strategies can be utilized in your defense.  If you've never been to prison before, you have a good chance of staying out.  If you have been to jail before and are incarcerated again for a new offense or crime, you have a significantly higher chance of being returned to custody.  So, custody, prison, and county jail are enormous considerations for people. We're thinking about how we approach these criminal cases and what we can do to help you avoid custody and maintain a clean record.

However, the reality is that if you're charged with a crime, one of the potential consequences is being taken into custody.  This is something we discuss right away.  We start making moves right away that make sense in terms of keeping you out of custody and making the right moves at the right time.

Probation and Right to Bear Arms

Probation and Right to Bear Arms: Understanding the Full Picture the next consideration when you're charged with a criminal offense is being placed on probation. What does that mean to you moving forward, whether it be your job or your home? Often, people are put on probation, and as a result, the probation department can enter their homes to conduct searches. They can make their lives miserable because they may live with other people and don't want to be searched or subject to search conditions.

Other rights are another reality and risk in a criminal case, meaning your rights can be taken away.  For example, your right to bear arms, your right to vote, travel outside of the United States, and your right to travel from state to state.  If any of these considerations are on your mind or you have other concerns related to your criminal case, please give me a call.  Let's sit down and review everything, and we'll determine the best strategy moving forward.

Your Concerns Matter: Let's Work Together for the Best Result some people may be concerned about specific things, while others worry about different things.  So, the reality is that you have to determine what's most important to you and what we can do to achieve the best result for you.