If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime, you’re likely worried about facing a judge, whether you’ll go to jail, or what your friends and family may think of you. A criminal defense lawyer in Catalina, California, can be a critical ally during this challenging time, advocating for you and devising strategies tailored to your unique situation.

The Role of a Criminal Defense Attorney in Catalina

The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees anyone accused of a crime to have representation by legal counsel. Your criminal defense lawyer can stand up for you throughout the criminal court process. They represent your interests and protect your rights.

The legal system can be intimidating and overwhelming. A Catalina criminal defense attorney can make it less so by:

Listening to your story
Outlining the potential consequences of a conviction
Protecting your interests during police questioning, including advising you when to remain silent
Gathering evidence to support your defense
Filing all necessary motions for your case
Interviewing witnesses to the alleged crime
Preparing you for testimony in court
Negotiating a plea deal, if appropriate
Representing you at trial, if necessary

Your legal protection can start from the moment of your arrest. Once you’re charged with a crime, you do not have to answer police questions. Instead, you may ask for a lawyer. You have the right to remain silent. Let your lawyer handle all communications with police and prosecutors instead.

Types of Criminal Cases

The Law Office of Justin E. Sterling handles a broad range of criminal cases, including:

Theft or Petty Theft, Shoplifting, and Grand Larceny: We defend against all types of theft charges, from minor shoplifting to major grand larceny, aiming to protect your record and future.
Homicide, Manslaughter, or Murder: Our firm provides aggressive defense for serious charges like homicide, manslaughter, and murder, working diligently to uncover every detail that could lead to acquittal or reduced charges.
Assault and Aggravated Assault: We offer robust legal representation for assault and aggravated assault cases, leveraging our thorough understanding of self-defense laws.
Battery or Aggravated Battery: Defending clients charged with battery or aggravated battery, we work to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and secure the best outcome.
White-Collar Crimes like Embezzlement or Fraud: Specializing in white-collar crime defense, we handle cases involving embezzlement, fraud, and other financial crimes, protecting your career and reputation.
Forgery: Our legal team defends against forgery charges, focusing on challenging the evidence and mitigating penalties.
Child Abuse: We provide compassionate and assertive defense for those accused of child abuse, ensuring that your side of the story is heard.
Kidnapping: For kidnapping charges, we employ extensive investigative techniques to build a strong defense and challenge the prosecution’s case.
Arson and Other Property Crimes: Our firm defends against arson and other property crime charges, striving to achieve favorable outcomes through strategic legal approaches.
DUI/DWI: We handle DUI and DWI cases with a focus on minimizing penalties and keeping your driving record intact.
Drug Crimes: From possession to trafficking, we offer comprehensive defense strategies for a wide range of drug-related charges.
Firearm Crimes: Our knowledgeable attorneys navigate complex firearm laws to build strong defenses for clients facing gun-related charges.
Sex Crimes, Including Sexual Assault, Prostitution, or Solicitation: We provide vigorous and compassionate defense for sex crime allegations, ensuring your rights are protected and fighting for justice.

We handle both misdemeanor and felony charges, fighting hard for the best possible outcome for your case.

Legal Rights of Defendants in California

All criminal defendants in California are afforded the same protections guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment. These include:

The right to a speedy and public trial, with an impartial jury, in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred
The right to know the charges against them
The right to a defense attorney
The right to face accusers or witnesses against them
The right to obtain witnesses in their favor

Other legal protections for the criminally accused include:

Protection from cruel and unusual punishment
The right to remain silent during police questioning
The right to decline to answer questions that could incriminate you

An experienced criminal defense lawyer will ensure your rights are upheld at every stage of the legal process.

How Our Catalina, California Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

You don’t have to defend yourself alone. Contact us today for a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney in Catalina, CA. Let the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling provide the expertise and support you need to face your charges with confidence and pursue the best possible outcome. Your future is too important to leave to chance—reach out now and take the first step toward a strong defense.