Stockton Criminal Defense Lawyer

Stockton Criminal Defense Attorney

If you find yourself facing criminal charges in Stockton, CA, you should quickly get in touch with a Stockton criminal defense lawyer who knows the local court systems, who is not daunted by the complexity of California criminal codes, and who is firmly committed to protecting your rights and your future. At The Ward Firm, our peerless legal team provides aggressive, strategic representation to clients accused of crimes in the Stockton area.

The Ward Firm’s reputation for success is built on our ability to understand the unique aspects of each case and our tireless work building the strongest possible defenses for our clients, no matter what odds they are up against. Our founding attorney, Justin L. Ward, worked as a prosecutor earlier in his career, so you can rest assured we understand the tactics employed by the government in California criminal cases.

Understanding Common Types of Criminal Charges in Stockton, CA

The criminal codes in California are expansive and carry the possibility of severe penalties for offenders, ranging from fines and probation to years-long prison sentences. For this reason, being charged with a crime in California can be an overwhelming ordeal. It’s crucial to understand the charges brought against you if you wish to fight them effectively.

The proper defense for your case will depend on the type of charges you are facing, as well as the unique factors specific to your situation. “Criminal charges” is an extremely broad umbrella covering many different types and levels of criminal behavior. Some of the most commonplace criminal charges in Stockton and elsewhere in the state include:

• DUI – With many Californians being totally dependent on car infrastructure to get around Stockton and other cities, drunk and drugged driving continues to plague the roadways. When authorities become overzealous in combating this problem, however, many motorists can catch consequential charges over simple misunderstandings.
• Drug Crimes – Even within this category, there is a wide range of possible charges, from simple possession to felony-level drug distribution and manufacturing conspiracies with multiple defendants. As with other types of criminal cases, the ideal defense will be dictated by the specific situation you are facing.
• Violent Crimes – Assault, battery, domestic violence, and similar acts of aggression are considered serious criminal matters in every state. When violent crime includes the use of a firearm or rises to the level of murder, the potential consequences become exponentially more severe.
• Theft – From simple shoplifting to home invasion burglaries or sophisticated organized operations that steal funds from unsuspecting seniors, theft takes many different forms in California, and each one requires a unique type of criminal defense.
• Weapons Violations – Whether a gun was used in the commission of a crime or the defendant was simply caught carrying a concealed pistol in the wrong place, California has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. These crimes call for the intervention of a law firm with a history of success dealing with weapons charges.
• White Collar Crimes – So-called “white collar” crimes that usually occur in corporate and finance settings also call for a swift and powerful defense. In some cases, your corporate employer’s well-funded legal team might try to place blame on you to hide other criminality occurring within the operation.
• Juvenile Crimes – The parallel legal system for underage defendants is ostensibly designed to rehabilitate rather than punish. However, the unfortunate reality is that even children can face life-long consequences for being involved in criminal activity in California unless assisted by a fierce legal advocate like The Ward Firm.
• Probation Violations – Some advocates believe that the criminal justice system is designed to trap offenders in a cycle of legal ordeals. With so many criminal proceedings related to probation for previous charges, it is easy to see where this argument comes from.

Defending Against Criminal Charges in California

A highly skilled Stockton criminal defense lawyer will be able to fully analyze your case to identify possible defense strategies. Some different types of defenses in criminal proceedings can include:

• Challenging Evidence – If the prosecution’s evidence is incomplete, insufficient, or flawed in some way, your lawyer can use that angle in your defense. In criminal cases, it falls upon the prosecution to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Unlawful Search, Seizure, or Arrest – If evidence was obtained illegally, or if the law was broken by the arresting officers when you were initially taken in, your attorney may be able to argue that the case should be thrown out or reevaluated in light of these procedural breaches. This includes things like entrapment, where a law enforcement officer attempts to induce someone into committing a crime so that they can arrest them.
• Mistaken Identity – Eyewitness misidentifications or bad surveillance footage can sometimes lead to wrongful arrests. Your attorney can work to prove that you were not the person who committed the crime.
• Alibis – If you were not present at the crime scene, your lawyer will ensure that you gather all of the necessary evidence and testimony to support your alibi.
• Justifiable Use of Force – In certain situations, such as a self-defense scenario, a violent or forceful action that might otherwise be considered criminal can be legally justified.

The Ward Firm – Highly Effective Legal Help for Criminal Defendants in Stockton, CA

At The Ward Firm, we are committed to providing assertive and high-quality legal representation, no matter how complicated or challenging your situation might be. Our team can thoroughly investigate the details of your case, build an airtight legal case to defend against your charges, and offer helpful legal guidance at every step of the process. Depending on the nature of your case, we are prepared to effectively negotiate with prosecutors or meet them head-on in trial.

To get the process started, please reach out to our offices at your earliest convenience. Criminal charges in the State of California are a serious matter, but you don’t have to face them alone. The high-powered criminal defense team at The Ward Firm is standing by to assist.