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Rancho Bernardo Criminal Defense Attorney

Are you facing criminal charges in Rancho Bernardo, CA? Contact the Rancho Bernardo criminal defense attorney Vikas Bajaj to learn about how he can help to minimize the consequences of your arrest.

The attorneys at the Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC have nearly two decades of legal experience. During this time, we have successfully defended clients against a variety criminal charges, including sex crimes, drug crimes, theft crimes, and violent crimes. We know that your future is on the line and will fight to minimize the criminal consequences you face. The prosecution will begin to build a case against you the moment you are arrested, so it is important to call us as soon as you can.

Crime in Rancho Bernardo, CA

Rancho Bernardo is a generally safe San Diego community but does have its fair share of criminal activity. In 2016, there were 32 reported violent crimes and 500 reported property crimes in Rancho Bernardo. Violent crimes included rape (7), armed robbery (4), and aggravated assault (15). Property crimes included burglary (132), larceny (298), and motor vehicle theft (70).

Recent reports indicate that Rancho Bernardo saw a slight decline in criminal activity in the first part of 17. However, the crime rate has slowly risen over recent months. Police have stepped up efforts to arrest individuals suspected of criminal activity. If you have been arrested for a crime in Rancho Bernardo do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC for immediate assistance.

Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Rancho Bernardo

Rancho Bernardo Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Consequences

When you are convicted of a crime in Rancho Bernardo the state will determine an appropriate penalty for your offense. This penalty will generally be based on the seriousness of your crime, whether victims suffered a bodily harm and your prior criminal record. The penalty will also depend on whether you are convicted of a misdemeanor offense or a felony offense. Potential criminal penalties for a conviction in Rancho Bernardo include:

  • Detention in San Diego County jail for up to a year;
  • Imprisonment in a California state penitentiary for multiple years;
  • Fines;
  • Probation; and/or
  • Supervision.

Collateral Consequences

A criminal conviction in Rancho Bernardo will also have collateral consequences. These are penalties and repercussions that occur simply because you have a criminal record. Collateral consequences can make it very difficult to live a normal life once you have completed your state-imposed criminal punishment(s). Potential collateral consequences of a criminal conviction in Rancho Bernardo include:

  • Inability to find gainful employment;
  • Difficulty renting an apartment or buying a home;
  • Difficulty securing financial loans;
  • Loss of certain privileges, including the right to operate a vehicle or own a firearm;
  • Loss of child custody and/or visitation;
  • Loss of professional licenses;
  • Inability to participate in government welfare programs; and/or
  • Deportation.

Why Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Your criminal case will be tried by a team of legal professionals. The prosecutors handling your case will have extensive legal training and a thorough understanding of the law. If you do not hire an attorney, they will be able to manipulate a stressful situation and will likely get you to agree to a plea bargain that is not in your best interest. Hiring an attorney will level the playing field, ensure that your rights are not violated, and increase the likelihood of achieving a positive outcome.

Over the past 19 years, criminal defense attorney Vikas Bajaj has successfully handled thousands of criminal cases. Mr. Bajaj uses an aggressive pre-investigative process that allows him to limit the consequences of your arrest.

Many times, he is able to get the charges against his clients reduced or dropped before the prosecution has the time or ability to build a strong case.

If a case does proceed to trial, Mr. Bajaj can defend you in the courtroom. He is an accomplished trial attorney, having successfully litigated over 55 jury trials. Contact his San Diego office today to find out how Vikas Bajaj can help you fight the criminal charges you face.

What Will a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

Most people think that a criminal defense attorney’s job is limited to the courtroom. Primetime television dramas often show defense attorneys striding back and forth in court making passionate arguments on their client’s behalf. In reality, most criminal cases never proceed to trial.

Instead, criminal defense attorneys work incredibly hard to get the charges against their clients reduced to manageable offense or thrown out altogether. This requires intensive investigation, legal research, and negotiations with the state. When you hire Vikas Bajaj to handle your defense you can be confident in knowing that he will work tirelessly to minimize the consequences of your arrest.

Consultation: During your initial consultation our legal team will ask you a series of questions about the incident that led to your arrest. It is important that your answers are as honest and detailed as possible.

Investigation: Using the information you have provided and the details of the criminal charges you face, we will conduct a thorough investigation into your alleged crime. This may involve reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts.

Legal Analysis: We will research relevant case law and statutes to determine the best legal strategy for your case. The results of our investigation and legal analysis will be merged to create a persuasive legal argument for your defense.

Negotiation: Using the results of our investigation and analysis we will determine the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We will approach the prosecution and leverage them into reducing the charges or dismissing them altogether. If we are not satisfied with the prosecution’s plea offers we will not hesitate to take your case to trial.

Trial: Vikas Bajaj has successfully litigated more than 55 jury trials. He understands how to explain complex legal issues in a way that is both relatable and understandable to the jury. If your criminal case proceeds to trial you can know that your defense is in great hands.

Defenses to Criminal Charges in Rancho Bernardo

Just because you have been arrested and/or charged with a crime in Rancho Bernardo does not automatically mean that you will be convicted. You have the right to assert any defense that may explain or excuse your alleged behavior. The defense(s) that will be applicable in your specific case will depend on the exact charges you face. However, commonly asserted defenses to crimes in Rancho Bernardo include:

  • Lack of required intent;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Mistake of law;
  • Self-defense;
  • Self-defense of a third person;
  • Force;
  • Duress;
  • False accusation; and
  • Violation of your Constitutional rights.

Experienced Rancho Bernardo Criminal Defense Attorney

At the Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC, our experienced Rancho Bernardo criminal defense attorney has nearly two decades of legal experience. During this time, we have successfully defended clients against a wide range of criminal charges, including:

Contact our San Diego office today to learn about how we can help to limit the consequences of the charges you face. During your initial consultation, we will review your case, determine possible lines of defense, and answer the questions you have. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can get to work on your legal defense.

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