Pasadena & Alhambra Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Altadena, Arcadia, Pasadena, and Alhambra

At the Law Offices of Richard Sudar, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your criminal charges and to see how we can help. While criminal defense lawyer Richard Sudar is happy to answer any questions that you may have face to face during your consultation, we have also included some frequently asked questions for your convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions: Criminal Defense

What are my rights if I’m arrested for a crime?
If you are arrested, law enforcement is required to inform you of your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. These rights

What is the Miranda rule?
That a suspect in police custody must be read his/her constitutional rights before interrogation.

What is an unreasonable search and seizure?
According to the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, Americans are protected from “unreasonable” search and seizures. In order to conduct a legal search of an individual’s property or person, law enforcement must have a search warrant or must have probable cause. An unreasonable search and seizure would be one conducted when law enforcement does not have probable cause or a legal search warrant.

If the police don’t read me my Miranda rights or conduct an illegal search and seizure, will my case be dismissed?
If you are interrogated without having been read your rights, or if you are subject to an illegal search and seizure, it is unlikely that your case will be automatically dismissed. Instead, your defense lawyer can work to have that evidence and information excluded from the case, as evidence obtained during an unreasonable search and seizure cannot be used as direct evidence against a defendant.

What is a felony?
A felony is a serious criminal offense which is punishable by a minimum of 1 year in state prison. Some examples of felony offenses include: murder, forcible rape, kidnapping, assault and battery, armed robbery, hit and run, sex crimes and certain drug crimes.

What is a misdemeanor?
A misdemeanor is not as serious as a felony offense and is punishable by up to 12 months in county jail. Some examples of misdemeanor offenses include: simple DUI, simple domestic violence, marijuana possession and petty theft.

What is a “wobbler”?
A “wobbler” is a criminal offense which may be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor offense, depending upon the particular circumstances. DUI, theft and domestic violence are all examples of crimes which may be charged as felonies or misdemeanors.

How can an attorney help me?
Regardless of the specific criminal charges you may be facing, an experienced attorney may be able to help. Even simply by consulting a criminal defense attorney regarding your case you can get a better understanding of what you are up against and what can be done. By retaining the services of a capable defense attorney, you will have a legal professional on your side; fighting to protect your rights and helping you avoid maximum penalties.

Contact San Gabriel criminal defense lawyer Richard Sudar today!