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Point Loma Criminal Defense Attorney

Are you facing criminal charges in Point Loma? Contact Point Loma criminal defense attorney Vikas Bajaj for immediate assistance with your criminal case. A conviction can have serious consequences for you and your family. If you are convicted you will you face potential time behind bars and will be forced to live with the burden of a criminal record. When you have a criminal record it is tough to live a normal life. You have the power to decide that you want to fight your Point Loma criminal charges, and the Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC can help. Call us today to set up an initial consultation to find out more.

Crime in Point Loma

Property crimes are much more common in Point Loma than violent crimes. In 2016, there were 405 reported property crimes in the San Diego neighborhood. Residential burglarygrand theft, and motor vehicle theft were among the most commonly reported property crimes. That same year, there were 36 reported violent crimes in Point Loma, including murder, rapearmed robbery, and aggravated assault.

What Happens If I am Convicted of a Crime in Point Loma?

If you do not hire an attorney to handle your legal defense you are more likely to be convicted of a crime. A conviction for any criminal offense – including seemingly minor misdemeanors – carry potentially devastating and life-changing consequences.

Point Loma Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Penalties

When you are convicted of a crime in Point Loma the court will determine and impose a penalty. You will be required to complete this penalty to repay society for your criminal activity. Many criminal penalties are also imposed with the intent to rehabilitate criminal offenders. This is particularly true for first-time offenders. The criminal sentence that is imposed will be determined by reviewing mitigating (helpful) and aggravating (harmful) factors that are relevant to your case. These factors may include the seriousness of your crime, whether you used or displayed a firearm, or if your crime was related to gang activity. Potential criminal sentences may include:

  • Detention in a San Diego County jail;
  • Imprisonment in a California state prison;
  • Expensive fines;
  • Restitution;
  • Probation; and/or
  • Community service.

Collateral Consequences

A conviction will automatically result in a criminal record. This record will generally stay with you for the rest of your life. In some cases, you may be able to expunge or seal your record. However, this can be a costly and time-consuming process. For many, including almost all convicted felons, a life with the burden of a criminal record will be a harsh reality. Having a criminal record will cause you to suffer collateral consequences, which are penalties that are not directly related to your crime. Instead, these penalties exist because you have a criminal record. The collateral consequences of a conviction in Point Loma can include:

  • Loss of child custody and/or visitation;
  • Inability to participate in government welfare programs;
  • Loss of gun ownership rights;
  • Difficulty securing employment and housing;
  • Revocation of professional licenses;
  • Deportation, and more.

You have the ability to limit the chances of a conviction by hiring an attorney to handle your defense. Our experienced Point Loma criminal defense attorneys are ready to help you find your way to a brighter future. Call us today to set up your initial consultation at (619) 525-7005.

What Will a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

We know that early intervention is the best way to achieve a positive result, so we will begin to work on your defense the moment you hire the Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC to handle your criminal case. Our work will involve investigating, researching, negotiating, and (if necessary) litigating your case. Over the past 19 years, we have successfully handled thousands of criminal cases. Our aggressive approach often results in the reduction or dismissal of charges for our clients. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect to happen once you have hired us to defend you.

Consultation

When you first meet with our Point Loma criminal defense team we will listen to your side of the story. It is important to be as detailed as possible when you explain what happened in your case. The information you provide here will help us build a solid defense.

Investigation

An investigation into your alleged crime is essential to a strong defense. We will never rely on the state’s notes, instead opting to use our own skilled investigators to conduct an independent investigation. This may involve:

  • Reviewing police reports, photographs, and evidence;
  • Confirming and establishing alibis;
  • Finding and interviewing witnesses;
  • Consulting with expert witnesses;
  • Legal research; and more.

Negotiation

Most criminal matters never make it to court. Instead, prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys reach a mutual agreement in pre-trial negotiations. During negotiations, we will use the information we uncovered in our investigation to leverage the prosecution into reducing or dismissing the charges against you. We will highlight weaknesses in their case and argue that they will never be able to prove that you are guilty of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. You will have the opportunity to review every offer that is presented by the state. We will help you to decide if you want to accept a reduction in charges or take your chances in court.

Litigation

If we are not satisfied with the offer(s) you have received, or if we are confident that we can get a better result in court, we will prepare your case for litigation. Our office has successfully litigated more than 55 jury trials and established ourselves as powerful legal advocates in the community. We know how to create a legal argument that resonates with the jury. Passionate and logical arguments help us to get you the best possible outcome at trial. Do not hesitate to call us today to learn more.

Point Loma Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Over the past 19 years, the criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Vikas Bajaj have handled thousands of complex criminal matters. During this time, we have successfully defended clients who have faced criminal charges for:

No criminal matter is too small – call our Point Loma criminal defense attorneys today for more information and a complete list of our practice areas.

Defenses in Point Loma Criminal Matters

Common Defenses

If you are facing criminal charges in Point Loma it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. You are legally entitled to argue defenses to explain and/or excuse your alleged criminal behavior. As experienced criminal defense attorneys, we know how to maximize the effectiveness of these defenses. We will argue any defense that may legitimately cast doubt on your guilt, including:

  • Self-defense;
  • Defense of another person;
  • Lack of intent;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • False accusation;
  • Mistaken identity;
  • Force or duress;
  • Intoxication; and more.

Violations of Your Rights

If your Constitutional rights have been violated any evidence that is related to that violation must be thrown out. We will not hesitate to petition the court and make sure that any illegally-obtained evidence is not admissible. When the prosecution is unable to use the evidence it has it may be forced to negotiate or dismiss the charges in your case. Examples of Constitutional violations include:

  • Unlawful search and seizure;
  • Illegal arrest;
  • Miranda violations; and
  • Violation of the right to counsel.

Experienced Point Loma Criminal Defense Attorney

Have you been arrested and/or charged with a crime in Point Loma? Do not hesitate to contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC. A conviction can have potentially life-changing consequences for you and your family. You have the ability to limit the consequences you face, and we can help.

Our Point Loma criminal defense attorney has the experience, knowledge, and passion necessary to help you fight the criminal charges you face. In some cases, the prosecution will begin to build its case before you are ever arrested, so it is important to act quickly. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can get to work on building a solid defense. Call us today to schedule your initial consultation. We will review the charges in your case, explain your legal rights, and answer the questions you have.

Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC
2150 1st Avenue, Suite 200,
San Diego, CA 92101