Kings County Felony Defense Lawyer

Kings County Felony Defense Attorney

Facing felony charges in California can be extremely overwhelming, especially with the awareness of what life-altering consequences could result from the process. These can include time spent in prison, large fines, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. Serious offenses such as these require quality legal representation to protect your rights. A Kings County felony defense lawyer can do just that to achieve the most favorable outcome.

At Carlos Navarrete Law Firm, we feel the gravity of the stakes in these felony cases. We can help our clients explore every option to protect their future and freedom. All our years of handling a wide range of felony cases qualify us to be your advocate, both in and out of the courtroom. From negotiating a reduced charge to taking cases to trial when necessary, we can provide you with a results-driven criminal defense.

What Qualifies as a Felony in California?

Felonies in California are some of the most serious criminal offense classifications. The repercussions can be serious, impacting someone’s ability to secure employment and housing in the future.

Some common examples of these charges include:

• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Burglary
• Grand theft
• Drug trafficking
• Large-scale possession of illegal substances
• Domestic violence resulting in serious injury
• Homicide
• Attempted murder
• Sexual assault
• Offenses involving minors

California’s violent crime rate increased by 1.7% from 2022 to 2023. This reflects the state’s tough stance on prosecuting these types of crimes. However, not every felony accusation ended in a conviction. This is why it’s so important to secure experienced legal counsel. They can review your case, stand up for your rights, and prevent you from facing the legal system without a knowledgeable advocate.

The Felony Court Process in Kings County, CA

If you have been accused of committing a felony in Kings County, there are a number of legal steps your case will move through. Understanding each one can help you prepare for what is to come.

Some of these key steps include:

• Arraignment. This is your first court appearance, wherein you will enter a plea.
• Preliminary hearing. The judge will determine if there is enough evidence to push your case along.
• Pre-trial motions. Your defense attorney will have the opportunity here to challenge any weak evidence against you or file motions to have the case dismissed.
• Trial. If no plea has been reached, the case may go to a jury trial.
• Sentencing. If convicted, the court will impose penalties based on California sentencing laws.

It’s important to remember that only the state, through the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, can formally charge individuals with a felony crime. This means the sooner your defense attorney can engage with the DA’s office, the better chance they have to influence the prosecutor’s decisions. They can also present mitigating evidence and negotiate alternative resolutions before any formal charges are filed.

Accessing Law Enforcement Reports and Evidence

Your defense team can review all available reports and evidence to build your case. If you need access to certain records from law enforcement, it’s helpful to know your rights and the proper procedure for doing so.

Some details to know:

• Requests for law enforcement reports can be made in person, by email, or over the phone in Kings County.
• Fees may apply, depending on the scope of your request.
• Any information to be released will be in accordance with federal, state, and local law.
• Your lawyer will often handle these requests to make sure all relevant materials are included in your defense.

This is a really important step when challenging the prosecution’s case or trying to identify procedural errors that could benefit your defense.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in California?

A: The total cost to hire a defense lawyer to represent your case will vary widely, depending on how long it takes to resolve and how experienced your attorney is. How an attorney is paid also differs. Some prefer to charge a flat fee for certain stages of the case, while others will bill hourly for their services. Felony cases typically cost more than misdemeanors because they involve more court appearances, investigations, and time to prepare.

Q: Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Defend the Guilty?

A: Yes, criminal defense lawyers represent anyone who has been accused of a crime. While everyone is presumed innocent until proven otherwise, a defendant may sometimes want to exchange their admission of guilt for a lighter punishment. If this is the case, the individual planning to submit a guilty plea still has the constitutional right to a fair trial and legal representation. This helps make sure the legal system remains balanced and fair for all.

Q: What Happens If I’m Arrested but Not Charged?

A: If you have been arrested but the District Attorney in Kings County has not filed charges, you may be released without a formal case moving forward. However, this doesn’t mean that your record is clear in every instance. There could still be a public record of your arrest. In these scenarios, an experienced defense lawyer can explain your options for clearing your record and how to protect your reputation moving forward.

Q: Can I Talk to the Police Without a Lawyer Present?

A: Everyone has the right to remain silent and request an attorney. Both of these rights are critical for protecting yourself during a criminal investigation. While the police may encourage you to speak, it is rarely in your interest to do so without being supervised by a defense lawyer. Anything you choose to share could be used against you later in court, which might inadvertently fuel the prosecution’s argument that you are guilty.

Contact Carlos Navarrete Law Firm Today

If you have recently been accused of a crime in Kings County and are looking to secure a quality legal defense lawyer, contact our firm today. We are standing by, ready to learn more about your case. Then, we can determine how to ideally defend you.