Frequently Asked Questions

I was recently arrested. What should I do? If you were recently arrested, contact an attorney as soon as possible. By working with an attorney immediately, you have a better chance to get a favorable outcome for your case. Even if you were not formally charged or if you are under investigation for a crime, you will need a criminal defense attorney who can look out for your rights and make sure that they are not violated at any time throughout the entire criminal process.

Will I go to jail even if this is my first DUI? Even if this is your first offense for driving under the influence (DUI) or any other crime, there is always the possibility that you will spend time in jail or prison, depending upon the severity of the crime you are accused of. By working with a lawyer, however, you can avoid maximum penalties and may be able to avoid a conviction and jail time altogether.

Can the police search my car or property? The police can only search your car or your home if they have a warrant or probable cause. If these factors are not present, this may be an illegal search and seizure and could result in the dismissal of some or all evidence collected.

Should I plead guilty or not guilty? If I plead guilty, will the judge show me some leniency in my sentencing? Without knowing the specifics of your particular case, it is impossible to determine whether you should plead guilty or not guilty. At times, it may benefit you to plead guilty as a way of bargaining for a lesser sentence. Frequently, however, it is better to plead not guilty and to fight the charges you face. Either way, your defense lawyer can advise you on what to do.

I was wrongly accused of a crime. Do I still need a lawyer? Even if you did not commit the crime you were accused of, there is no doubt that you will need a lawyer to defend your rights. The introduction of DNA testing has resulted in hundreds of cases being overturned, where convicted individuals were discovered to be innocent and released from prison, sometimes tens of years after their sentence. This is proof that the justice system is not perfect and that you need a lawyer on your side that can fight the charges you face.

Can’t I defend myself? Do I really need an attorney? As an American, you have the right to represent yourself, if you choose to do so. The fact is that the other attorney in your case, the prosecutor, will have years of training and experience and will have knowledge of all the laws pertaining to your case. Therefore by hiring your own attorney, you have a fighting chance to go against the prosecution and to secure a not guilty verdict.

At Coffey & Coffey, we defend those accused of a crime in Laguna Niguel, Fullerton, Newport Beach, Santa Ana and Westminster, California. As Orange County criminal defense lawyers, we have what it takes to effectively defend those accused of a criminal offense in California.

Contact an Orange County criminal defense attorney at Coffey & Coffey today!