If you were charged with a crime in Palo Alto, CA, you already know your future is at risk. A criminal conviction can result in significant prison time, financial penalties, and a lasting criminal record that will haunt your future. An experienced Palo Alto criminal defense lawyer at Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you build the strong legal defense you deserve.
Our Palo Alto criminal defense lawyers have over 30 years of combined experience in criminal law. We’re here to help give you the advantage you need to have your charges reduced or your case dismissed if possible.
To give yourself the best possible chance for a positive outcome, call (650) 299-0500 or contact our law offices in Palo Alto, California, to schedule a free consultation.
How Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help If You’re Facing Criminal Charges in Palo Alto, CA?
Getting arrested can be incredibly traumatic. It still doesn’t mean you’ll ultimately be convicted of a crime. Hiring an experienced Palo Alto criminal defense lawyer who knows the ropes sets you up for the best possible outcome.
Our team at Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys has been recognized by many prestigious law rating services, including Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and California Attorneys for Criminal Justice.
When you hire us, you’ll be armed with a legal team who will:
- Launch an investigation to locate exculpatory evidence
- Review the prosecution’s evidence to identify weaknesses
- Move to have improper or unreliable evidence excluded
- Explain your legal options at every turn
- Explain the terms of any plea bargain
- Negotiate with the prosecuting attorney to have the charges reduced if possible
- Move to have your case dismissed if possible
- Relentlessly fight to secure a favorable verdict if your case goes to trial
Your future is too important to risk. We offer a free consultation, so call our Palo Alto criminal defense attorneys today.
We Handle Many Different Types of Criminal Defense Cases in Palo Alto, California
Our attorneys have over three decades of legal experience between them. As such, our team is fully equipped to handle all types of criminal cases in Palo Alto.
We represent individuals who have been charged with:
Assault
Assault is a violent crime. Conviction can carry serious consequences, depending on the nature of the charge. In California, you can be charged with assault, battery, assault and battery, or aggravated versions of these offenses. If you were charged with assault, reach out to our experienced defense attorneys to get the legal assistance you need today.
DUI
California courts take driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs very seriously. If convicted, you could face jail time, probation, financial penalties, and a loss of your driving privileges. Hiring an experienced defense attorney is critical to reaching the best possible outcome in your case. If you were arrested, contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a crime that is based on the relationship between two parties. Many different types of criminal offenses count as domestic violence in California. Domestic violence offenses can carry enhanced penalties. If you have been accused of domestic violence, call our law firm in Palo Alto to discuss your legal options today.
Drug Crimes
Crimes involving controlled substances can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies. Regardless of the severity of the charge, a conviction can seriously disrupt your life and jeopardize your future. Whether you’re charged with simple marijuana possession or a more serious drug distribution charge, our attorneys in Palo Alto can help. We’re ready to start building the strong defense you deserve today.
Sex Crimes
A sex crime conviction can fundamentally change your life. As an initial matter, you may be facing a lengthy prison sentence. The damage to your reputation can kick in before you’ve even had a chance to tell your story at trial. If convicted, you could be subject to lifetime sex offender registration requirements.
If you were accused of a sex crime, it’s critical to hire an experienced defense attorney immediately. The sooner we start working on your defense strategy, the better your chances of beating the charges.
Theft Crimes
Theft crimes can range in severity. In today’s world, many different types of theft crimes exist. If you were accused of a crime involving theft, calling for legal advice is the best thing you can do to protect yourself.
Additional Examples of Our Practice Areas
Our lawyers in Palo Alto also handle cases involving:
- Juvenile crimes
- Conspiracy
- Expungements
- Restraining orders
- Probation or parole violations
- Violation of stay-at-home orders
- Child abuse
- Resisting arrest
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Violent crimes
- Weapons charges
- White collar crimes
- Homicide
Criminal charges are always serious matters. Regardless of the nature of the charges, our Palo Alto criminal defense attorneys are here to fight for the best possible outcome.
What Should I Do if I Have Been Arrested for a Criminal Offense in Palo Alto?
In all cases, remaining calm is extremely important. Resisting arrest is a serious offense in itself. You should be polite to the arresting police officer, but also exercise your right to remain silent. You don’t have to answer law enforcement questions without an attorney.
Many people think that remaining silent makes them look guilty. That’s not really the case. It only shows police that you understand your legal rights and would prefer to have a lawyer advise you. Making statements before speaking to a lawyer increases the chances that you’ll say something that can be used against you.
Contact an experienced defense lawyer as soon as you can. Even if you’re only under investigation, a lawyer can advise you at every turn. If you’ve already been arrested, they can seek bail and begin protecting you from the outset.
Do I Need a Lawyer if I Know That I’m Innocent?
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime, you need a lawyer by your side. Even if you’ve only been arrested, but not yet charged, it’s important to seek legal advice. Navigating the criminal justice system can be incredibly challenging. A lawyer can start working immediately to ensure you aren’t charged or to have any charges dismissed.
Even if you’re innocent, California prosecutors convict suspects based on circumstantial evidence all the time. Proving a charge “beyond a reasonable doubt” is a high burden. It’s still no guarantee that you won’t be convicted of a crime even if you’re innocent.
Once you hire a lawyer, they’ll immediately start investigating on your behalf. Providing exculpatory evidence can be the key to proving your innocence.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I Was Charged With a Crime in Palo Alto?
The defense strategy that will be effective in your case really depends on the nature of the charges. Every situation is different. You deserve a lawyer who will carefully evaluate your unique position and develop a strategy that’s custom-tailored for you.
Some common examples of defense options that our team will explore include:
- You lacked the required intent to commit a crime
- Witnesses called to testify are biased or otherwise not credible
- You were falsely accused of a crime
- You were deprived of your right to an attorney, so any statements should be excluded
- Police committed an illegal search and seizure
- Problems exist with the way the evidence in your case was handled
- Mistaken identity
- You had an alibi that makes it impossible for you to have committed the crime
- The prosecution failed to prove all elements of the crime
- Police bias
Each criminal offense in California has its own set of elements. Prosecutors are required to prove each and every element. They don’t always have the strong evidence they need to meet their high burden of proof.
In other cases, evidence that was obtained illegally can be excluded. Our lawyers will examine every piece of evidence and look for weaknesses. We’ll file a motion immediately to have any illegally obtained evidence excluded from consideration.
How Much Will it Cost to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in California?
This is a common question. The cost of an attorney can vary significantly depending on the charges and the attorney’s fee structures. Many lawyers charge a flat fee for simple misdemeanor offenses. When serious felonies are involved, most lawyers charge by the hour.
The fees will always depend on the complexity of the case and how long it will take to resolve the matter.
Contact an Experienced Palo Alto Criminal Defense Lawyer for Legal Help Today
If you were charged with a crime, give yourself the advantage you deserve by calling an experienced Palo Alto criminal defense lawyer immediately. Our lawyers at Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys have experience handling cases like yours. If you can’t make it into our office, we’re always prepared to come to you. Contact us today to learn more.