Stockton Criminal Defense Lawyer

Stockton Criminal Defense Attorney

Being accused of a crime can be an incredibly isolating and disheartening experience to undergo. Different legal protocols, terminology, and procedures may leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed. Fortunately, with the help of a Stockton criminal defense lawyer, you can get the representation you need to pursue your desired outcomes, letting your lawyer guide you through the process as they advocate for you, your rights, and your future.

An Overview of Criminal Activity in California

Before you go looking for a Stockton criminal defense lawyer, you may benefit from learning more about what is considered a crime in the state of California, the way said crimes are categorized, and how hiring the right lawyer for your case could be the difference between walking free and serving time.

Even though crime covers such a broad range of charges and circumstances, it can be boiled down to one simple criterion: The action was committed with the intention and/or the actual breaking of the law. Since this umbrella description includes a wide range of crimes, most states have broken illegal activity into two main categories: violent crime and property crime.

A crime may be classified as violent if it threatens or causes physical harm to another individual. Overall, California is currently ranked sixth in the country for the highest level of violent crime. In 2024, California had roughly 486 incidences of violent crime per 100,000 residents, meaning that the state had 35% more violent crime than the US average. Here are some specific examples of what may be considered violent crime in the Golden State:

• Assault. There are several different kinds of assault that a person can be charged with, including aggravated, sexual, domestic, and simple assault. The use of a weapon or the intent to cause serious physical harm can impact the kind and severity of your assault charges. In 2024, 67% of violent crime incidents in the state of California were aggravated assault cases.
• Robbery. It is fairly common for robbery cases to involve either threats or acts of violence, which is why it is categorized as violent crimes instead of property crimes. Robbery made up the second-largest percentage of violent crime in California in 2024, totaling 24.5% overall.
• Rape. It is estimated that, in 2024, rape made up 7.5% of all violent criminal activity in the Golden State. It is important to note that rape and other sexual crimes are often underreported due to the sensitive and occasionally hard-to-prove nature of the crime. In all likelihood, the number is probably higher than what has been reported.
• Murder. Murder made up the smallest percentage of violent crime in California in 2024, falling at 0.93%. While that number may seem small, California law takes murder charges very seriously, and it is important to get the representation you need in order to move forward successfully.

The next main category of crime is property crime. These kinds of incidents tend to occur when there is the illegal theft and/or damage of property that does not belong to the crime’s alleged perpetrator. In 2024, California ranked seventh in the nation for the highest number of property crimes, with a whopping 2,078 reported incidents per 100,000 people. Property crime was highest in nearby New Mexico.

Here are some examples of what is considered property crime in California:

• Larceny. Larceny/theft is typically the most common variety of property crime, as was the case in California in 2024, when it made up 64.7% of all reported crimes in this category.
• Motor vehicle theft. The number of motor vehicle thefts tends to vary state by state, but in California, it was the second-highest contributor to property crime in 2024, contributing 20.6% overall.
• Burglary. While burglaries can quickly escalate to violence, the initial act itself is categorized as a property crime. In 2024, 14.7% of property crime in the state of California was composed of burglary incidents. Some of these cases involved additional charges for the acts committed after breaking and entering, but some remain standard property crime cases.

Why Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Stockton, California?

There are many ways that choosing to hire a criminal defense lawyer can help both you and your case. Firstly, your lawyer can help you protect your rights. In the United States, everyone has the right to legal representation and a fair trial.

While the prosecution and law enforcement may mean well, sometimes the rights of those charged with criminal activity can be violated through improper procedures and unlawful collection of evidence. Your lawyer can help defend your rights, increasing the likelihood of a fair trial.

Since most criminal cases go to trial, it is likely that you will be spending time at the San Joaquin County Superior Court – Stockton Courthouse, where your lawyer can deliver your case, as well as guide you through the various steps your trial may undergo. You can avoid unnecessary stress and confusion with their help, as they can explain the more complex aspects of your case.

FAQs

Q: Should I Tell My Criminal Defense Lawyer Everything About My Case in California?

A: As uncomfortable and disadvantageous as it may seem, telling your criminal defense lawyers everything is one of the most important and beneficial things you can do when preparing your case for court. At The Ward Firm, we believe in listening to our clients’ stories with compassion, as well as using them as a way to prepare our case for any holes the prosecution may try to poke in them.

Q: What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Lawyer and a Criminal Defense Lawyer in California?

A: While they may seem interchangeable, there is a big difference between criminal lawyers and criminal defense lawyers.

A criminal lawyer can be someone who works for either side of criminal law, including the prosecution, whereas criminal defense lawyers typically are responsible for defending individuals accused of committing crimes. This means that, while they are both a member of the criminal court process, criminal lawyers and defense lawyers may not always be on the same side.

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

A: The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer tends to vary case by case in California, as each situation is often uniquely influenced by a wide variety of variables. Some examples of said variables include who you hire to represent you, the overall complexity of your case, and the time your case requires to resolve. The severity of your charges may also play a role in your final cost.

Q: What Kind of Evidence Can Be Used in a Criminal Case in California?

A: In the state of California, the kind of evidence used in a criminal case may vary based on the alleged crime, but as long as it is both relevant and obtained legally, it will usually be permitted in court. Evidence can take many forms, including pictures, videos, phone recordings, witness testimonials, professional insight, medical documents, personal statements, police reports, and physical objects.

Why Should I Choose The Ward Firm to Represent Me in My Stockton Criminal Defense Case?

As a former prosecutor and now a defense attorney, Justin L. Ward has a strong understanding of both sides of the law, giving him and his clients a true advantage. With dedication and client-personalized care, Justin and his legal team have served their community, treating clients like family as they help you pursue your desired outcomes and the future you are hoping for.

Contact The Ward Firm today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you build a strong defense.