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Hillcrest Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are arrested for a crime in Hillcrest, California you should immediately exercise two of your Constitutional rights. First, you should remain silent and refuse to respond to any questions you may be asked. When police say that “anything can be used against you” they mean it. Even a seemingly innocent statement can be misconstrued and help to develop a case against you. Second, you should tell the police that you would like to speak to your attorney. Fighting the criminal charges against you will be much easier with the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Vikas Bajaj has spent the past 15 years defending thousands of clients who have been accused of crimes throughout the greater San Diego area. Regardless of whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, Mr. Bajaj will advocate for your rights and help to achieve the best outcome possible. Contact the Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC today for an initial consultation to learn about your legal rights.

police writing a ticket

Crime in Hillcrest, California

Hillcrest, an affluent neighborhood in San Diego, is home to nearly 32,000 Californians. As the neighborhood continues to thrive as a location known for its LGBTQ friendliness, crime poses a small but substantial threat to the safety of area residents. In 2014, 551 property crimes and 121 violent crimes were reported between January and November in Hillcrest. Data for the past year (2016-2017) indicates an uptick in crime in Hillcrest. Reported crimes in Hillcrest so far this year (through early June) include 246 thefts, 196 assaults, and 150 burglaries. 220 individuals have been arrested for a crime in Hillcrest so far this year. If you have been arrested and/or charged with a crime in Hillcrest you should not hesitate to contact an attorney.

An investigation is Key to a Successful Defense

Why should you hire an attorney instead of fighting the charges against you on your own? The answer is simple: attorneys have specialized knowledge, experience, and contacts that allow them to successfully advocate for their clients. Our perceptions about what a defense attorney does often come from works of fiction.

However, defending a client is much more involved than simply negotiating with the prosecution and arguing in court before a judge. Most of the work a criminal defense attorney will do happens behind the scenes. The hard work that is put into investigating an alleged crime is what makes a defense successful. When investigating an alleged crime an attorney should:

  • Analyze the police report and photographs of the scene;
  • Find and interview witnesses;
  • Determine whether your rights were violated during an arrest or search;
  • Speak with the police;
  • Contact expert witnesses to discuss the details of the alleged crime;
  • Research similar cases to see how other attorneys, prosecutors, and courts have approached similar scenarios;
  • Negotiate with the prosecution; and
  • Explain the process and offer advice.

The stronger the investigation, the better the chances of crafting a persuasive defense to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed. If your case makes it to trial you will want to have an experienced and skilled trial attorney on your side. Vikas Bajaj has successfully litigated more than 55 jury trials and is ready to help you today. Contact our Hillcrest office for an initial consultation.

Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Whether you have been arrested for a violent offense or a property crime, Hillcrest criminal defense attorney Vikas Bajaj is here to help you fight the criminal charges against you. Our Hillcrest office helps clients who face charges for:

Click here for a complete list of practice areas.

The sooner you contact the Hillcrest office, the sooner we can begin our investigation into your arrest and the alleged crime you are accused of committing.

Defenses to Criminal Charges

Just because you have been arrested for a crime in Hillcrest, California does not mean that you will be charged or convicted. Contacting an experienced California criminal defense attorney is the best way to reduce the potential for excessive and/or baseless criminal charges after an arrest.

The state will aggressively pursue your case, so it is important to have a skilled attorney on your side. Through a thorough investigation, your attorney will be able to determine which defense(s) may be appropriate for your case. Possible defenses to crimes in Hillcrest may include:

  • Lack of intent;
  • Mistaken identity;
  • Self-defense or defense of another person;
  • Duress;
  • Insanity;
  • Lack of probable cause;
  • Intoxication;
  • Improper search and seizure;
  • Unlawful arrest; or
  • Infringement of another Constitutional right.

Crimes, as defined by California law, are generally broken down into “elements.” When prosecutors pursue criminal charges against you, they are required to prove every element of a crime. In many cases, it may be difficult to prove each element.

An experienced criminal defense attorney will highlight the weaknesses in a prosecutor’s case, making it more difficult for them to convict you. A prosecutor may offer a reduced plea bargain if they believe it may be difficult for them to prove a certain element of a crime. Contacting the Hillcrest Law Office of Vikas Bajaj will help to ensure that you have a criminal defense attorney who knows what details to look for and how to use them to your benefit.

Representing High Profile & Professional Athletes in Criminal Defense

A lawyer representing professional athletes & high-profile clients will have to answer confidently while facing the media during the court proceedings. Maintaining the privacy and integrity of the client’s defense is of prime importance as the celebrity cases whether in Hillcrest or any San Diego city would have media eyes right from start to end. Contact the best in California when you need a celebrity & professional athletes criminal defense lawyer representing your case. A lawyer with the required experience, skills, and knowledge would be an excellent match to take up the criminal case to defend any of San Diego’s football players, athletes, or media stars. Call 619-525-7005 and schedule an initial consultation today with the Law Office of Vikas Bajaj.

Helping Clients in Hillcrest, California Fight Criminal Charges Successfully

If you have been arrested and/or charged with a crime in Hillcrest, California you should not hesitate to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. The sooner you call an attorney, the sooner they can begin to build a persuasive defense. The more information your attorney has, the greater the chances of having charges against you reduced or dropped.

Vikas Bajaj has defended thousands of San Diego-area clients for more than 15 years and is regularly featured in the news as a legal expert. Mr. Bajaj is well-respected in the legal community and is proud to serve the residents of the greater San Diego area. Contact his Hillcrest office for an initial, no-commitment consultation to learn about how Mr. Bajaj can help you today.