Criminal Defense Lawyer in Modesto

What Happens in a Criminal Case?

If you have been arrested or are under investigation, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. You may not know your rights, and you may not know what to expect when navigating the criminal justice system. 

We can help. 

At the Law Offices of Richard A. Meyer, we can explain what will happen if you are charged and what you can expect if you are convicted. We can tell you about the different types of defenses that may be available in your case. We can also tell you about the possible penalties you face and help you explore the possibilities for plea bargaining.

The following is a brief overview of how an arrest may happen, your rights, and what to expect from the legal process: 

• The police can stop and detain you if they have reasonable suspicion that you are involved in a crime. They can pat you down and search your belongings if they have probable cause to believe you are in possession of a weapon or illegal drugs. However, the police cannot search your possessions or property without your consent if they do not have a signed warrant. 
• If you are arrested, you must be read your Miranda rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one for you. We strongly urge you to remain silent—do not try to explain or defend yourself, and do not answer any questions other than identifying yourself to the arresting officer(s) without first speaking to an attorney. 
• If you are stopped on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), you are required to comply with a breathalyzer or other form of chemical testing. Under the state’s implied consent laws, you are not legally permitted to refuse a chemical test. However, if you do refuse a breathalyzer and/or other chemical testing, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended, but the prosecution will not have physical evidence that you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (unless they obtain a valid search warrant). 
• You have the right to a trial by jury, no matter the type of crime you are charged with or the nature of the alleged offense. You also have the right to be treated fairly under the law, including the right to receive a speedy trial. 
• The penalties you face depend on the type of crime you are charged with, as well as the presence of any aggravating factors. In general, if you are charged with a misdemeanor, you can face up to six months or more in jail. If you are charged with a felony, you can face up to four years or more in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. 
• Once you have hired or been appointed an attorney, your attorney will work to develop a defense on your behalf. Depending on the circumstances of your case, your attorney may seek to have your charges dropped, or they may seek reduced charges and/or penalties. Your attorney may work to challenge or suppress evidence, examine the prosecution’s case for holes, and use all available resources to build a powerful defense on your behalf. 

You may be required to appear in court; however, at the Law Offices of Richard A. Meyer, we strive to appear in court on behalf of our clients whenever possible to minimize disruption to their lives. The criminal justice system can be complex and overwhelming, but our Modesto criminal defense lawyer can help you understand what to expect every step of the way.