Criminal Defense

Former D.A. Defends Criminal Charges in Sacramento

When charged with a crime, the importance of the legal counsel you choose to defend you cannot be understated. As a former District Attorney, and having served at over 100 jury trials, Mike Wise fully understands the criminal justice system and how the defense presentation of your case can be of great influence upon the final case outcome.

A trial lawyer has specific skills and talents that are a key element to a defense case, and this talent is a separate issue than knowledge of the law. Both are necessary, but without trial abilities, no matter how well trained your Sacramento criminal defense attorney is, they can fail to sway the jury or judge that you need when you are hoping to avoid a conviction. The firm provides professional, aggressive defense law to those facing criminal charges of all types.

Trial Process

You need to understand how the trial process works if you have been accused of a crime. It is strongly advised that your case is managed by a skilled defense attorney from the moment you are arrested, or if you become a person of interest in any criminal case. Exercise your right to remain silent, as the process should be controlled carefully if you hope to avoid conviction.

Post Trial Process

The post trial process can include an appeal for a new trial. Filing an appeal includes a review of the facts and the law of the trial and determines whether the verdict was within the bounds of the law and sound procedurally. Once the notice of appeal has been filed, an appeal can be file briefs, as will the state prosecutor. There is a short window of time in which to file a motion for a new trial, after a conviction but prior to sentencing.

DUI

Any DUI case has two separate elements. These are the license hearing which takes place at the DMV, and the criminal case which will take place in court. The DMV hearing is the administrative hearing in which efforts can be undertaken to help avoid a license suspension. The criminal hearing is where the issue of drunk driving is address and penalties imposed in a conviction.

Drug Crimes

It may be considered that our state is lenient on drug offenders. In fact, although the possession of a small amount of marijuana has essentially been decriminalized, a person found to be in possession of the substance in a quantity above the threshold amount can be in serious legal trouble. Seeking alternatives to conviction or incarceration should be the first order of business in any drug crime accusations. Whether you are facing charges related to possession, intent to sell, transportation, or drug manufacturing, you need to ensure your rights and interests are protected.

Domestic Violence

One of the most commonly charged violent crimes in the area are those involving domestic violence. When law enforcement arrives after a domestic call, they have little choice other than making an arrest of the person who is accused of committing the crime. Even if the alleged victim later recants, it is up to the prosecuting attorney to make the decision to drop the charges. This is the type of legal situation that will require a knowledgeable defense lawyer with experience in negotiating on behalf of the accused.

Appeals

Filing an appeal is a complex process. The first step involves filing a notice of appeal. The appellate court then issues a deadline for filing an appellate brief. Both the state and the attorney handling the appeal must then file briefs that are submitted to the court for a decision. This can be a long process, often lasting over a year from the date of the initial filing.

Expungements

Under California law, certain crimes can be expunged (or dismissed) when the individual has completed their sentence or period of probation. This can be an important issue for people who had an error in judgment now have to deal with potential employers or others who search their record finding an arrest or conviction.

Pardon

One form of post-conviction relief is a pardon. Although these are rarely granted, the process involved must be managed by a skilled legal professional that can navigate the process. A pardon allows the individual to move on with their lives free from the burden of a criminal conviction, once again able to hold professional licenses and avoid the repercussions of a conviction on their record.

Weapon Charges

California has very strict gun laws, as well as statutes that allow for severe punishments to be imposed when a weapons of any type is used in the commission of a crime. In cases in which the ATF is involved, the matter is even more serious, as the situation will be addressed in federal court, which has tough sentences for all types of gun and weapons charges. The three strikes law can also be a situation that could lead to heavier sentencing for those who have a prior criminal record.

Homicide

The various forms of homicide are the most serious of all criminal accusations, and in capital murder charges, the death penalty is a real possibility. Most of those who are accused of a homicide offense plead “not guilty” – making the need for an aggressive, quality defense attorney a critical issue. Whether facing charges of first degree or second degree murder, voluntary manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter, you could expect a long prison term, or worse, if convicted.

Sex Crimes

The repercussions of a conviction in a sex crime case will last a lifetime, as most who are convicted will be required to register as a sex offender, with their image, home address, and the crime all available for anyone who has access to a computer or a smart phone. Your defense lawyer must have exceptional skills, both inside and outside the courtroom, to assist in overcoming any bias that could exist with regard to the accused individual. If you have been charged with solicitation, prostitution, public indecency, child pornography, rape, or other sexual offense, it is crucial that you have a creative and experienced legal advocate to fight for your defense.

White Collar Crimes

If you were arrested for an offense that was motivated by financial gain and involved deceit to any degree, you could be facing charges for a white collar crime. From fraud, to bribery, to money laundering, we can help defend you against the charges you are now facing as a result.

How Wise Law Group, PC Could Help You

If you are facing accusations of any of the crimes listed above, the team at Wise Law Group, PC understands how frightening and confusing these situations can be. The main goal of this firm is to help you get your charges reduced, your case dismissed, or you found not guilty. By looking through the testimonials and verdicts, you can learn how this team of defense attorneys has been able to help people in the past. You will be able to have peace of mind knowing that a strong and experienced legal advocate is by your side every step of the way. Depending on the specific crime you have been charged with, the penalties will differ accordingly. You could be facing time in jail or prison, heavy fines, community service, sex offender registration, and more. Who you choose to defend you could make all the difference in the outcome of your case.