Riccardo L. Ippolito Felonies Law Blog on Lawyers.com

San Jose Criminal Attorneys: VIB

What to do if you are arrested for breaking the law in California...

Whether it be for drug possession in San Jose or juvenile crimes in San Jose, Valencia, Ippolito & Bowman can help.  If you are arrested in California or in most other states, you have constitutional rights.  You have the right to remain silent.  Whatever you may say can be held against you as evidence in court.  You have the right to seek an attorney.  When seeking an attorney, look for one experienced in the crime you are accused of committing.  You have the right to seek bail. 

Bail is money provided to the court in exchange for your release from jail.  Bail laws vary from county to county so check with a criminal defense attorney for bail laws.

If you’re arrested for breaking the law in CA, you should ask what crime you’re being charged with.  If you’re being charged with a misdemeanor, you can have your attorney appear in court on your behalf.  If you are found guilty, you may be issued probation, fines, or a year in prison.

For felony charges, expect many appearances in court.  Once the charges are filed against you, there will be an arraignment where the charges are formally told to you, and you may plead not guilty.  After the arraignment, there will be a conference between your criminal defense attorney and the prosecutor’s office, when your attorney may try to negotiate your case for you. 

If the case isn’t resolved, a preliminary hearing will be held within 60 days.  At the preliminary hearing, the court will decide if it has enough evidence to believe you committed the crime.  If the charges stand, you will be issued an arraignment date within 15 days in Superior Court, where you will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.  A trial date will then be set.  In California, a felony case trial must occur within 60 days of your arraignment unless you give up your right to a speedy trial.

If you plead guilty, you are sentenced within 20 days.  At your sentencing, you will have an opportunity to present information that may provide leniency.  The judge will decide what your sentence is.

Whether you need sex crime attorneys in San Jose, sexual assault lawyers in San Jose, domestic violence lawyers in San Jose, or DUI attorneys in San Jose, call experienced attorneys Valencia, Ippolito & Bowman - at 877-7NOJAIL for a free consultation.

Valencia, Ippolito & Bowman
991 W. Hedding, Suite 202
San Jose, CA 95126
Phone: 408-920-9720