You can get immediate help building a legal defense if you are charged with a criminal act. Criminal charges can have severe consequences for the rest of your life, so it is important that you reach out to a Santa Barbara criminal defense lawyer right away.
The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group can offer you the legal advice that you need. Let our team go over your case today. We may be able to
- Let our team go over your case today. We may be able to:
- Help you with your bail hearing
- Go over any plea bargains you are offered
- Block evidence against you
- Get your charges dismissed
- Defend you in court
Start getting the legal help you need now by contacting us.
Types of Criminal Charges in Santa Barbara
Individuals in Santa Barbara can be arrested for a number of criminal acts. Depending on your situation, you could be accused of committing a:
- Theft crime
- Drug crime
- White collar crime
- Sex crime
- Property crime
- Violent crime
You could even be arrested for a DUI or another traffic violation. You can get help dealing with traffic violation charges by contacting a DUI lawyer in Santa Barbara. A criminal defense lawyer can help you face other criminal charges.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
What to Expect After an Arrest in Santa Barbara
The court system can treat criminal charges as infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies. Regardless of the exact charge you are facing, you will likely be brought back to a police station, where police officers and prosecutors will want to question you.
You should not speak with law enforcement officers or prosecutors on your own. You have the right to legal counsel and you should exercise this right by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Santa Barbara. Your lawyer can help protect you during questioning, so it is important that you get professional help right away.
You may face a number of additional legal challenges after an arrest. Depending on your situation, you may:
Be Offered a Bail Hearing
Bail hearings are used to determine the amount of money – bail – that you need to pay to remain free before your criminal trial. A Santa Barbara criminal defense attorney can argue to reduce your bail payment, making it easier for you to retain your freedom.
Be Offered a Plea Bargain
Prosecutors offer some individuals plea bargains after they are charged with a criminal act. You may accept a plea bargain to reduce the charges you are facing. Note that plea bargains require you to plead guilty. For this reason, you should not accept a plea bargain unless a criminal defense lawyer has already looked it over.
Santa Barbara Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Penalties for Criminal Convictions in Santa Barbara
The state of California uses a number of different penalties to prosecute criminal cases in Santa Barbara. The exact penalties will depend on the type of charges you are facing. You can consider some examples of possible penalties here:
Penalties for Infractions
Infractions are usually punished with fines. These acts are not considered criminal offenses.
Penalties for Misdemeanors and Felonies
Misdemeanors and felonies are more severe charges. A conviction can lead to:
- Fines
- Jail time
- Prison time
- Probation
You may also have your license suspended or revoked in some cases. Additionally, sex crime charges may force you to join California’s sex offender registry.
Click to contact our Criminal Defense Lawyer today
Collateral Consequences
The collateral consequences of a criminal conviction in Santa Barbara County are often devastating. These are not the same as criminal penalties. Instead, they haunt you forever and can influence virtually every element of your life for years to come. Some examples of collateral consequences you could be facing include:
- Child visitation or custody issues
- Deportation or other immigration issues as a foreign national
- Loss of professional licenses
- Loss of firearm rights
- Loss of voting rights
- Your reputation may be destroyed
- Loss of federal student aid eligibility
These are just a few ways your life could be changed by a criminal conviction. The best way to avoid these penalties is by taking steps to clear your name of the allegations against you.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Build Your Defense with a Legal Professional
Individuals are more likely to beat criminal charges if they have professional legal support. You can get help constructing a defense by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Each Simmrin criminal defense attorney in Santa Barbara can focus on your unique legal needs.
Legal professionals can investigate your case and monitor the actions of police officers to ensure that they do not violate your rights. Depending on your situation, your lawyer may be able to block evidence against you. In some cases, we might even be able to get your case dismissed. Let us go over any plea bargains you are offered by the prosecution.
Many plea bargains will not work in your favor, so you should not accept them without allowing a criminal defense lawyer to go over them carefully. The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group can also fight for you if your case goes to court. Let us offer you a solid defense right now.
A Santa Barbara Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You
Attempting to handle criminal charges on your own can increase the odds that you will be convicted. Get professional help building a defense today by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. You can speak with our criminal defense lawyers in Santa Barbara now by calling our office or filling out our online contact form.
Get professional legal advice with a free initial case evaluation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form