paulgrecolaw

FIVE REASONS TO HIRE A CRIMINAL LAWYER

Danica@econcept.biz (Danica A) — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 19:15:06 GMT

Being accused of a crime is a serious situation. Depending on the specific crime, you could end up facing huge penalties or jail time. Whether you are innocent or not, hiring a criminal lawyer in Santa Maria, California will be necessary for getting a better outcome of your case. If you are unsure if hiring an attorney is the right choice for you, below are some benefits to consider.

WHAT IS A CRIMINAL LAWYER?

Criminal defense lawyers help defend entities, organizations and individuals that have been charged with crimes. The scope of their practice can include trials, DUIs, assaults, homicides, and other serious crimes. When they take on a client, they will investigate the case, interview any witnesses, research laws regarding the crime and build a strong case strategy.

1. EXPERTISE AND KNOWLEDGE

The greatest benefit you will get from hiring a criminal lawyer is the experience and knowledge they have. Qualified criminal lawyers have been professionally educated and know the ins and outs of the criminal legal system. They will be able to build you a strong case. Reputable and trustworthy attorneys will be able to advise you on the possible outcome of your case. They will offer you guidance based on what they feel is in your best interest. They will review your case information and let you know if you should battle the charges in court or accept the plea deal from the prosecution

2. PROTECTION AGAINST HEAVY PENALTIES

Another reason you need to hire a criminal lawyer is so they may protect your rights. Because qualified attorneys know the laws regarding your case, they can make sure you do not get taken advantage of by the court system and prosecution. Criminal attorneys with extensive experience in cases that relate to the criminal charges you are being faced with can offer you the best outcome for your case.

3. SAVE TIME AND MONEY

When you hire the help of a criminal defense attorney, you will ensure your case gets handled as quickly as possible. Experienced criminal attorneys can take immediate action on your case and mitigate the risks and consequences associated with it. Oftentimes, people charged with a crime think that hiring a criminal lawyer will be more expensive than handling the case alone. However, spending money on a good lawyer will be worth it in the long run because they can help get you the best possible sentencing for your particular case. This can ensure you get to keep your job and not lose any of your professional licenses.

4. DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF CRIMINAL LAW SYSTEM

Criminal defense attorneys understand how the criminal justice system works. For most people, the legal system can be very confusing and complex. Experienced lawyers understand the intricate workings of the court system and will be able to guide you efficiently through the process based on your specific case.

5. THEY HAVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH PROSECUTORS

When you hire a reputable criminal lawyer, they will often have developed many relationships with prosecuting attorneys. Hiring an attorney that has experience and familiarity with the other side can help get you a better outcome of your case. A relationship can allow your attorney to negotiate a better plea deal or a more affordable bond.

After a Felony Conviction, What Rights Do You Lose?

Danica@econcept.biz (Danica A) — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 18:46:05 GMT

As an American citizen, you have certain rights that you may assume you’ll never lose. Sadly, that may not be true. After a felony conviction, you will lose incredibly important rights. This kind of loss can leave your life in shambles.

Losing Your Rights

As with all other states, convicted felons lose certain rights in California. This is true even after they have served their sentence and been released from prison. Considering that the purpose of prison is partially to reform criminals and aid them in becoming productive members of society, the fact that felons lose any rights following their release is deplorable. There is good news, however. Advocacy groups are fighting to give felons their rights back. In fact, in California, felons now have the right to vote, even while in prison. Considering that felony sentences could last several years, the previous status quo meant that many felons were barred from voting in several elections, both on the state and federal level.

The work is not finished, however, since felons still lose several other rights upon being convicted.

International Travel

Felons are legally allowed to possess a passport, so you may assume that they would be able to travel internationally as well, given that is the point of a passport. That is not the case. Many countries require a visa in order to visit, and felons who apply for one are often denied. While there may be some countries that allow you to enter, there will be many more that bar you from crossing their borders.

Gun Ownership

Under the Second Amendment, all U.S. citizens are promised the right to own firearms. However, being convicted of a felony in California results in a lifetime ban from owning or using a gun. This is true even if you were convicted of a felony in another state and moved to California following your release from prison. Any felony conviction means that your Second Amendment rights are stripped from you.

Employment

You are not denied the right to employment as a felon. However, getting hired with a felony on your record can be incredibly difficult. It is legal for employers to deny you employment based on your criminal record, and many employers will run background checks before offering you a position.

On top of that, there are certain jobs that a felon cannot hold. Many government-based jobs, such as police officer and solider, require a clear criminal history. Jobs that require a professional license, such as doctor and childcare agent, will also deny felons, as felons are not allowed the hold the required licenses.

Assistance Programs

Considering how difficult it may be for you to find a job, you may turn to assistance programs in order to make ends meet. California, as well as the federal government, has many such programs to help the homeless and unemployed. But as a felon, you may be denied access to these programs, leaving you unable to benefit from food stamps or subsidized housing.

Custody

One of the worst rights you may lose if you are a parent is the right to raise your child. First, you cannot raise a child from prison. In order to make sure your child is given the care and attention he or she needs while you are serving your sentence, the court may give custody to another party. This may be your spouse, your child’s other parent, or another relative if your co-parent is deemed unfit to raise your child.

Second, felons are often considered poor influences for children, and the court may be afraid that you will hurt your child, especially if you were convicted of a violent offense. Once you are released, you may not be able to get custody of your child returned to you. You may even be denied visitation if your child’s guardian feels that allowing you to see the child is dangerous.

Fighting Felony Charges

Our society sends people to prison with the hope that their time behind bars will lead them to become reformed. However, even when felons have done their time, they are still punished for the crime. That is why, if you are facing a felony charge in Santa Maria Area, you need to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can fight for you in court. Paul Greco can build you a strong defense, and work to make sure that you get the best possible outcome. To speak with a member of our team, call us at (805)864-2611 .

Four Tips on What to Do If You Are Arrested

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 22:44:38 GMT

Four Tips on What to Do If You Are Arrested

It happened. You find yourself unexpectedly either behind bars in a local jail or being cited into a local court in either Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Lompoc or San Luis Obispo. Attorney Paul Greco has traveled up and down the Central Coast visiting various courthouses and has some immediate tips to help you.

California Wage and Hour Law

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 22:31:36 GMT

California Wage and Hour Law

Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are bound by applicable California and Federal Fair Labor Standards Act regarding wage and hour laws. These laws can often be confusing to employees of both small, medium and large businesses in that they are subject to changing every year along with California case law coming from the courts. California has placed a strong emphasis of ensuring that employers do not have employees working under substandard or unlawful conditions and that employers provide employees with fair compensation for the work done. California courts have long recognized the public policy in favor of full and prompt payment of wages due to an employee.

If you have not been paid appropriately the amount of time you have worked, denied rest or meal breaks, then you should contact an attorney immediately. Likewise, if you have been denied mileage, overtime, expenses, or had your employer deduct your paycheck for overpayments then you may have a claim for back pay and penalties.