Frequently Asked Questions
Lancaster Criminal Defense Lawyer
- What should I do after being arrested for a criminal charge? - Your first action should be to contact a Palmdale/Lancaster criminal defense lawyer who can effectively represent you against the charges you have been accused of. At the Law Offices of David M. Wallin, our primary advice to you is NOT to speak with law enforcement in any way. They are not there to help you, although they may tell you differently. Anything you tell them may be misconstrued and result in incriminating your further.
- Can I use a public defender? - If you qualify for a public defender due to financial difficulty in retaining a private attorney, you are definitely entitled to use one. However, we caution individuals on this, as many public defenders are fairly new attorneys and are also extremely overwhelmed with cases. They can therefore provide you with little personal attention and may fail to provide a compelling defense on your behalf. When your future and freedom are at stake, is it worth the risk?
- Is there a big difference between a misdemeanor charge and a felony charge in California? - Yes, there are. The biggest difference is in the amount of jail time you can spend when charged with either one. A misdemeanor is normally charged for less serious crimes and first time charges and will generally result in less than one year in a county jail as the top penalty. A felony is usually a much more serious offense, such as assault, rape, and drug trafficking and carries penalties involving state prison time of over one year, as opposed to serving a sentence in a county jail.
- Why choose your firm? - If you are being accused of any crime, you should call a highly qualified attorney who specializes in criminal law. As a former Deputy District Attorney with 50 years experience and a Certified Criminal Law Specialist, we strive to give you the information you need to avoid prosecution and conviction. We offer free consultations so you have nothing to lose when contacting us and much to gain with our extensive experience.