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Mission Valley Criminal Defense Attorney

Are you facing criminal charges in Mission Valley? Criminal defense attorney Vikas Bajaj has spent the better part of the last two decades helping defend clients like you against accusations of criminal behavior. He has helped thousands of clients in the greater San Diego area both inside and outside of the courtroom.

Not only has Mr. Bajaj established a proven track record of success in negotiations, but he has also successfully litigated over 55 jury trials. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor assault charge or a felony theft charge, Mr. Bajaj can help. Contact the Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC today for an initial consultation. When you call we will review your case, explain your legal rights, and determine possible lines of defense.

Crime in Mission Valley, California

Mission Valley, a neighborhood of San Diego, is home to more than 53,000 Californians. The neighborhood is a popular destination for shopping and entertainment. With at least three shopping malls, several commercial developments, auto malls, and other shopping plazas in the city limits, Mission Valley is an attractive target for criminal activity. In 2016, reports indicate that 128 violent crimes and 1,653 property crimes were committed in Mission Valley. Commonly reported crimes included assault, of which there were 62 reports, burglary, of which there were 134 reports, and theft, for which there were 1,352 reports. If you or someone you know has been accused of a crime in Mission Valley, California, you should not hesitate to exercise your Constitutional right to an attorney.

man behind the wheel

It’s Just a Misdemeanor – Why Should I Bother Hiring An Attorney?

Regardless of the severity of the charge(s) against you, it is wise to (at the very least) contact an attorney. The fact that every person who is accused of a crime has the right to an attorney emphasizes just how important an attorney can be.

The prosecutors who are assigned to your case will be highly specialized attorneys with an in-depth understanding of the law. They will know how to approach your case and the best ways to prove the elements of the crime you are accused of committing. While you may be able to conduct some research into the crime(s) you are accused of, it is in your best interest to hire a professional who has experience litigating these types of cases.

Hiring an attorney will put you on a level playing ground with the prosecution. An attorney will ensure that you do not agree to a plea agreement when the prosecution has little to no evidence to support their case against you. Hiring an attorney will increase your chances of a successful outcome.

What Will An Attorney Do To Help Me?

Most of our beliefs about what a criminal defense attorney does comes from portrayals in the media. We see defense attorneys on tv negotiating settlements in darkened interrogation rooms. We see defense attorneys in movies standing up in court and shouting objections as prosecutors grill witnesses. While these are things that a criminal defense attorney may do, there is certainly much more to the job. In reality, a lot of what a criminal defense attorney does includes investigating and researching your case.

Mission Valley criminal defense attorney Vikas Bajaj understands just how important an investigation into an alleged crime can be. The information and facts uncovered during an investigation act as the foundation for a persuasive defense. The more information your defense attorney has, the greater your chances of achieving a successful outcome. A successful outcome could mean getting the prosecution to agree to reduce the charges against you or drop the case altogether. Steps that an experienced criminal defense attorney may take during the beginning stages of your defense include:

  • Reviewing and analyzing police reports;
  • Reviewing and analyzing photographs of the scene;
  • Reviewing and analyzing evidence;
  • Finding and interviewing witnesses;
  • Consulting experts (i.e., medical professionals, ballistic experts, forensics experts, lab technicians, crime scene recreationists, psychiatrists, etc.);
  • Tracking down alibis;
  • Determining other potentially involved or responsible parties; and
  • Collecting information cast doubt on your guilt.

Your attorney will also research relevant laws and cases that may provide some insight into the best way to approach a defense. Similar cases can point to (1) how other attorneys defended their clients against similar charges in similar situations, (2) how prosecutors used the evidence available to them to make their cases, and (3) how courts explained their decisions. A skilled attorney will take all of the information collected and create a compelling and persuasive defense.

Criminal Defense Practice Areas in Mission Valley, California

Mission Valley criminal defense attorney Vikas Bajaj has defended thousands of San Diego-area clients against a wide range of criminal offenses. Cases that Mr. Bajaj has defended include charges for:

  • Assault and Battery
  • Burglary
  • Criminal Threats
  • Criminal Vandalism
  • Drug Crimes
  • Home Invasion
  • Robbery
  • Theft Crimes, and more.

A full list of Mission Valley practice areas can be found here.

Defenses to Criminal Charges

It is important to invoke your right to remain silent after you have been arrested for a crime in California. Just because you have been arrested does not mean that the prosecution will have the evidence and proof required to convict you. Hiring a criminal defense attorney will increase your chances of achieving a successful outcome.

An experienced attorney will fight to exclude evidence against you and uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. An important aspect of creating your defense can include pointing to legal defenses for your actions. Defenses to crimes in California may include infringement of Constitutional rights, lack of a required intent, intoxication, self-defense, or duress. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to determine which defense(s) may be appropriate for your case.

Experienced Mission Valley Criminal Defense Attorney

A criminal record can severely impact your ability to go about your day-to-day activities. In some cases, a criminal record can prevent you from finding employment, getting a new apartment, or getting approved for a loan. If you have been arrested for a crime you should contact an experienced Mission Valley criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The sooner an attorney gets involved, the greater your chances of achieving a successful outcome. An attorney can help to reduce the possibility of being saddled with a criminal record.

Mission Valley criminal defense attorney Vikas Bajaj has defended thousands of clients like you against accusations of criminal behavior. To learn about how he may be able to help you, contact the Mission Valley office today. When you call for your initial consultation we will review your case, explain your legal rights, and determine the best course of action. Do not hesitate to contact us today – your future could depend on it!