A criminal charge can cost you your job, your record, and your freedom. What you do first matters most.
Circle Law represents clients in the criminal courts of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, Sacramento, and Los Angeles Counties.
Each stage of a felony case gives the defense a chance to challenge the prosecution's case. At the arraignment, the charges are read and bail or release conditions are addressed. At the preliminary hearing, a judge decides whether the prosecution has enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. Before trial, the defense can file motions to exclude evidence or dismiss charges. At trial, a jury decides whether the prosecution has proven each charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
A motion to suppress evidence under Penal Code section 1538.5 asks the court to exclude evidence obtained through an unlawful search or seizure. A motion to suppress statements asks the court to exclude statements police obtained in violation of a person's Miranda rights. A motion to set aside the charges under Penal Code section 995 asks the court to dismiss charges that the evidence at the preliminary hearing did not support. A Pitchess motion asks the court to order disclosure of complaints in a police officer's personnel records.
Waiting can cost you options. The earliest decisions often matter most, and some deadlines pass quickly. The sooner you know where you stand, the more choices you still have.
Because you work directly with a seasoned trial lawyer who knows how to build a case and uses technology to keep it efficient.
Circle Law defends people charged with felonies and misdemeanors. Every case is handled by an experienced trial attorney from arraignment through preliminary hearing, motions, and trial. The firm defends charges including the following.
Violent offenses: murder (Penal Code section 187), attempted murder (Penal Code sections 664 and 187), robbery (Penal Code section 211), carjacking (Penal Code section 215), assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code section 245), battery (Penal Code section 242), and criminal threats (Penal Code section 422).
Domestic violence offenses: corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant (Penal Code section 273.5), domestic battery (Penal Code section 243, subdivision (e)), and violation of a protective order (Penal Code section 273.6).
Sex offenses: rape (Penal Code section 261), sexual battery (Penal Code section 243.4), offenses under Penal Code section 288 and related sections, indecent exposure (Penal Code section 314), and failure to register (Penal Code section 290.018).
Weapons offenses: possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (Penal Code section 29800), carrying a concealed firearm (Penal Code section 25400), and carrying a loaded firearm (Penal Code section 25850).
Drug offenses: possession for sale (Health and Safety Code sections 11351 and 11378), transportation for sale (Health and Safety Code sections 11352 and 11379), and cultivation of marijuana (Health and Safety Code section 11358).
Theft and fraud offenses: burglary (Penal Code section 459), shoplifting (Penal Code section 459.5), grand theft (Penal Code section 487), petty theft (Penal Code section 488), embezzlement (Penal Code section 503), receiving stolen property (Penal Code section 496), forgery (Penal Code section 470), and identity theft (Penal Code section 530.5).
Driving offenses: driving under the influence (Vehicle Code section 23152), driving under the influence causing injury (Vehicle Code section 23153), hit and run (Vehicle Code sections 20001 and 20002), reckless driving (Vehicle Code section 23103), and driving on a suspended license (Vehicle Code section 14601).
Other offenses: vandalism (Penal Code section 594), resisting arrest (Penal Code section 148), and probation violations (Penal Code section 1203.2).
We fight for you and treat you with compassion.
We have high-caliber talent without the big-firm price tag.
Life's legal challenges can bring overwhelming emotions and difficult decisions, especially when your rights, your livelihood, or your future are on the line. You need someone who can guide you through it with clarity and strength. The choices you make early can shape everything that comes after.
Let our team focus on finding the path that works for your situation. Take the first step today, and move forward with confidence.