Folsom Criminal Defense Lawyer

Folsom Criminal Defense Attorney

When you are facing criminal charges, it can be a complicated and confusing time. Instead of trying to represent yourself in court, you should seek out the assistance of a reputable Folsom criminal defense lawyer at The Ward Firm to help. Trying to handle everything on your own can be overwhelming, and it can hurt your case.

Instead of trying to navigate the law by yourself, a knowledgeable legal representative can answer all of your questions and guide you through the legal strategies available for your case.

How The Ward Firm Can Help

Justin L. Ward, founder of The Ward Firm, can help you navigate complex criminal defense laws in Folsom and provide possible solutions for your criminal defense case. Our law firm has earned many accolades, such as Super Lawyers and Clients’ Choice Awards, and Mr. Ward has experience as a former prosecutor. He can anticipate the steps the prosecution will take and strategically plan a suitable defense to fight for your future.

Criminal law is complicated. When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, you do not want just any Folsom criminal defense attorney. Instead, you want someone familiar with the local laws and justice system. In Folsom, the crime rate is 23% lower than the national average, and it has an average of 3.63 crimes daily. If you are facing charges, a strategic criminal defense is needed. Let our legal team help you.

What Is Criminal Defense?

In California, criminal defense involves legal representation for individuals accused of crimes, focusing on protecting their rights, challenging prosecution evidence, negotiating plea deals, and advocating for fair outcomes in court. When you work with an experienced Folsom criminal defense lawyer, they can analyze evidence and develop strategies such as self-defense or alibis, aiming to reduce charges.

In Folsom, criminal defense cases are generally handled at the Sacramento County Superior Court, as Folsom is part of Sacramento County. Our firm is well-versed with procedures there and can be with you every step of the way should your case proceed to court.

Common Criminal Law Defenses

When you work with an attorney, they can use the resources available to them to create a solid defense for you. Depending on the individual circumstances of your case, common criminal law defenses include:

• Self-defense. Using reasonable force against an imminent threat
• Alibi. Proving the defendant was elsewhere
• Mistake of fact/necessity. The circumstances negate criminal intent
• Constitutional violations. Illegal searches or coerced confessions occurred

These are just a few defenses your attorney can use to protect your rights and your freedom. Your Folsom criminal defense lawyer can investigate the charges, the evidence, and build a suitable defense for your case.

Excellent Criminal Law Client Services

At The Ward Firm, you can have access to highly-qualified legal counsel who has extensive local knowledge and local understanding. Our firm offers excellent client services, including bilingual services in English and Spanish, as well as a consultation to discuss the details of your case. We handle a wide range of criminal charges, including:

• Felonies
• Misdemeanors
• Juvenile defense
• DUIs
• Drug charges
• Domestic violence
• Assault/battery
• Sex crimes
• Firearms/weapons
• Restraining orders
• Traffic offenses
• Probation violations
• White-collar crime
• Kidnapping
• Robbery/burglary

Regardless of the kind of criminal defense case you have, we can discuss the details, determine the appropriate direction to take, and build a solid case that protects your freedom and future.

FAQs

Q: Do I Have to Go to the Police Station?

A: Under California criminal defense laws, police cannot make an arrest without probable cause and a warrant in most cases. If the police ask you to go to the police station and you refuse to go, they cannot force you to go without an arrest warrant or a reason to legally detain you. If you do go to the police station, you are not obligated to answer questions and should request the assistance of an attorney.

Q: If the Police Did Not Read My Rights, Is My Arrest Legal?

A: Even if the police did not read your rights, your arrest may still be legal, depending on the circumstances of the situation. Federal law requires that police recite your rights, known as the Miranda Warning, before you are questioned, but an arrest can still be valid with probable cause, even if some evidence is found inadmissible due to the failure to read the Miranda rights.

Q: Is It Worth It to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A: Yes, hiring a criminal defense lawyer is almost always worth it, as they can protect your rights, skillfully navigate the complex legal systems, handle crucial paperwork, and guide your case to a significantly better outcome than it would result in without one. When you hire a Folsom criminal defense attorney at The Ward Firm, you will have the personal attention of a seasoned professional aggressively advocating for you.

Q: What Does It Mean to Be Indicted?

A: To be indicted means you are formally accused of a crime by a prosecutor, typically after a grand jury finds that there is enough evidence (probable cause) for a trial. An indictment is a formal charge, and not a conviction of guilt. It is the official start of a criminal case where the process involves a prosecutor presenting evidence to a group of citizens who then decide if the case should proceed to trial.

Q: What Does an Attorney Do if Their Client Is Guilty?

A: An attorney who is representing a client who is guilty will still represent them and develop a strong defense, just like they would with any other client. Anything the client tells the attorney is protected by client-attorney confidentiality, so anything discussed will be private. Defense attorneys are dedicated to providing a fair, strategic defense for clients, no matter what the circumstances are.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Finding the right Folsom criminal defense lawyer to work on your criminal defense case is not an easy decision, but The Ward Firm has the years of legal experience necessary to develop a solid strategy for the most favorable outcome possible. You do not have to do this alone. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.