San Diego Violent Crime Attorney

The Criminal Defense Process In San Diego, CA

Processes in the court system can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if you are not familiar with them. Here at Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys, we will take you through each step and what to expect. We will ensure that you are prepared. Knowing each process ensures that you know how to protect yourself.

Each step is important as your life can change in the blink of an eye. Being well-prepared with a strong legal team behind you ensures that you are given the justice that you deserve.

The key stages in a typical San Diego criminal case include:

• Investigation stage overview involves collecting crime scene and related evidence and interviewing key witnesses to piece together the events surrounding the possible crime. You may be questioned and even subject to a search of your property. Even at this early stage, you will benefit from the support of an experienced attorney who can help you prepare, explain how to conduct yourself, identify which questions to answer, and protect your rights during the investigation.
• Arrests and charges occur if the investigation points to your guilt, and you may be arrested. At this point, the police can sometimes conduct a search without a warrant, but they still need probable cause to charge you with the crime.
• Arraignment and plea is your first chance to appear in court, where you will be read your charges and have your rights explained. You will enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest, and it is important to consult with your defense lawyer to understand the pros and cons of each plea before making any decisions.
• Bail hearings may be addressed during your arraignment or at a separate hearing, where the judge may release you without bail, set bail, or deny bail based on the facts of the case and your history.
• Pretrial preparation is the stage where your defense attorney and the prosecution build their respective cases, file motions to address legal issues such as violations of your rights during the search or investigation, and challenge any evidence against you when appropriate.
• Trial proceedings involve each side presenting relevant evidence, testimony, and arguments to a judge or a jury, and the prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt while you are backed by an experienced legal team to give you a fighting chance.
• Sentencing decisions happen at a separate hearing where the judge will hear recommendations from the prosecution and your defense lawyer about the appropriate sentence if there is a conviction or negotiated plea.

Having the support of a skilled, experienced attorney in San Diego can greatly affect your ability to obtain a favorable resolution. The dedicated criminal defense trial lawyers at Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys provide strong legal support during the whole process.

Whether you have been arrested in San Diego for a DUI crime, drug trafficking, drug paraphernalia, or other drug charges, white collar crimes, domestic battery, assault and battery, sex crimes or sexual assault, theft charges, child abuse, or other felony offenses, our aggressive San Diego criminal attorneys are ready to fight for you.

As your case moves through these stages, we also help you with the practical issues that come up, such as arranging visits with loved ones at local facilities like the San Diego Central Jail or George Bailey Detention Facility and coordinating with employers or schools when repeated court dates are required. We explain what is likely to happen at each hearing in the San Diego County courthouse where your matter is pending, so you know how to dress, when to arrive, and what questions you may be asked. By walking you step by step through the process, a violent crime lawyer can reduce the anxiety that comes with facing serious charges and help you make thoughtful choices rather than rushed decisions under pressure.

How A Violent Crime Lawyer Builds Your Defense

When you face a serious allegation of violence, you may wonder what your lawyer is actually doing behind the scenes to protect you. Building a strong defense in a San Diego violent crime case often starts with a detailed review of the arrest, the charges filed by the San Diego County District Attorney, and the evidence that law enforcement has gathered. We look closely at how the stop, search, or interrogation was conducted to determine whether your constitutional rights were violated and whether any statements or physical evidence can be challenged before a judge.

From there, we work with you to understand your background, relationships, and the events leading up to the incident so that we can present your story in a way that judges or juries at the San Diego Superior Court can understand. We may consult with medical professionals, mental health providers, or forensic experts where appropriate, and we evaluate options such as negotiating for reduced charges, seeking diversion programs when available, or preparing the case for trial. As your violent crime lawyer in San Diego, our role is to identify every realistic avenue to protect your record and freedom while giving you honest guidance about the risks and benefits of each path.

Call Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys at (619) 975-2033 to schedule your consultation today, or get in touch with us online using our easy-to-use online contact form.