Oakland Criminal Defense Attorney
In many places around the country including California, courts have been closed or delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. While this may lull you into thinking that you don’t have to worry about an upcoming criminal case, the fact is it’s important to keep yourself prepared. Being unprepared can lead to disaster in court, so make sure you have all of your ducks in a row. If you are able, retain the services of an attorney as soon as possible. If not, then there are still steps you can take to stay on top of your defense.
With offices near Santa Rita Jail and right across the street from Glenn Dyer Jail, Lamano Law Office is a premier criminal defense law firm serving Oakland, California. Our attorneys are experienced in all areas of criminal defense, from DUI and drug charges to violent crimes and sex offenses. We understand that facing a criminal charge can be daunting, and we will do everything in our power to help you fight for your rights and your future.
Document Everything
Do not rely on your memory. The human brain is notorious for tricking us into thinking we remembered something accurately, when in fact we did not. Write everything down about the events that led up to your arrest in as much detail as possible. You need to include all of the context surrounding what happened, including the location, the lead up to it, and who may have witnessed it. All of this will help when you eventually do have an attorney who can research more and craft your defense.
Evidence Gathering
You can also take the time to gather any evidence that might support your defense. Take photographs of the scene, or of any injuries you may have suffered. Damaged property must also be documented. This will help to craft a narrative.
Compile a list of anyone who was there and might be able to act as a witness. This can be friends, but also people who live in nearby homes or work in the neighborhood. If a witness is known to you and you can trust that they will be friendly, talk to them yourself. Ask if you can record what they will say and get their answer in writing.
Social media posts, phone calls, text messages, and other communications might also be evidence. Do not delete anything from your devices, and take screenshots of anything that might get deleted by someone else. It’s even better if the screenshots display the date and time. Your phone company might not keep text message records for a long period of time, so contact them right away if you need some of those records.
Work on Yourself
Even though you deserve to have the best possible defense, you should also take responsibility for any of your actions that led to the situation. Reflect on your behavior and consider professional help as well. By showing remorse and taking steps to change, the prosecution and the court may be more likely to show leniency. Not only that, but making big changes may also help you avoid being in difficult situations in the future.
Hire An Attorney
Hire a lawyer as soon as possible. You may think you can defend yourself, but that is almost always a bad idea. You want to leave your freedom in the hands of an experienced professional. An Oakland criminal defense attorney from Lamano Law Office can mount a vigorous defense with an effective strategy that will give you your best chance at a favorable result. An attorney is much more likely to negotiate a beneficial agreement with the prosecution on your behalf.
