Criminal Defense in Sonoma County, Mendocino, Napa and All North Bay

Understanding the criminal law process

The main purpose of criminal law is to define what is considered a criminal offense—a violation of the rules set down by government for the behavior of society.  Criminal laws also specify your rights if you are accused of a crime and govern the steps that occur when the laws are enforced:

Our approach to criminal defense

We begin by sitting down with you to find out exactly what happened, explain the law, and advise you on your options in the situation. Our preferred goal is to get your case dismissed or to have you acquitted.  If this is not possible, then we use all available legal means to minimize the consequences for you.

When a plea agreement would best serve your circumstances, we evaluate the full impact—including sentencing options and effect on your record—and advise you accordingly.  But if we believe it is in your best interests, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.

How we can help you

There are many ways we can put our experience and our knowledge of the law and of the courts to work for you.  Depending on your particular circumstances, we may take one or more of the following actions to improve your position in the case:

• Work to get the charges against you dropped or reduced
• Interview police and other parties involved in the criminal situation to uncover inconsistencies or exaggerations
• Independently investigate the circumstances of the crime
• Search for and engage witnesses to the crime who may testify on your behalf
• Determine if any of the evidence against you was obtained illegally
• Bring in private investigators to uncover evidence in your favor
• Hire expert witnesses to strengthen defense arguments
• Negotiate with prosecutors to minimize the charges and consequences

Somona, Mendocino and Napa Criminal Defense Lawyers

This criminal process can be complex and confusing.  Often, criminal cases are won or lost on the basis of technical procedural requirements.  Your likelihood of criminal conviction and how the severity of penalties imposed also varies depending upon the courts and judges before whom you are called to appear.  That is why it is vital to be represented by a Napa or Mendocino criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with the courts and judges in those areas. 

When you are accused of committing a crime, the best action you can take is to contact a criminal defense attorney who has a thorough understanding of the laws, comprehensive experience with the whole criminal process, and familarity with the personalities that come into play in local, state and federal district courts.  If you are charged with a crime in Napa or Mendocino, having a criminal defense attorney with these qualifications on your side can mean the difference between a prison sentence and reduced or dismissed charges.

If you need a criminal defense lawyer to represent you in Napa, Mendocino or North Bay

For our clients' convenience our office is located in downtown Santa Rosa, California, just minutes from the Sonoma County Courthouse and Jail facilities. We are also accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

If you believe you are about to be charged with a criminal offense, do not hesitate to call the Law Office of Evan E. Zelig at (888) 522-0846.