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How Do You Prepare for a Criminal Trial? Part 2

When you’re awaiting a criminal trial, you’re probably nervous about how all the steps of criminal proceedings are going to transpire. And it’s normal. Criminal trials can become lengthy affairs.

However, if you hire a seasoned and dedicated criminal defense attorney in San Diego, and start preparing for all the parts of a criminal trial on time and adequately, there’s little to fear. If you’ve taken a look at the essential steps to take care of prior to a trial, let’s see what else you should do before you step into the courtroom.

What else can I do to prepare for a trial?

The essentials are all checked – you’ve hired a lawyer, you’re prepared all the documentation needed to successfully bring your case to a close, and you’ve gone through all the pretrial procedures.

But, you’re not done yet. There is still more you can and should do in order to continue preparing for your trial. It is only once you complete all of the following steps, alongside the previous ones, that you can consider you’ve done all in your power in preparation for the trial.

Avoiding trouble

Once you’ve completed the pretrial proceedings, you might wonder what you can do and how you should behave in expectation of the trial. Here’s what you should do, but also what you should avoid doing when awaiting trial.

• Follow the orders – The court will issue a set of orders you would be wise to follow. Depending on the type of case and the charges set against you, the rules will differ. For example, the court may require that you submit yourself to drug tests, in which case you should do all you can to not miss a test.

• • If you fail to comply with the order the court has set, you risk going to jail prior to your trial, and that will only make your case deteriorate in the eyes of the court.

• No talking – Refrain from discussing the details of your case with any and all third parties. That means no talking about the case with your friends, family, or partner. Letting more people know the details of your case will not help you in the court.

• • Also, do not talk to press and law enforcement representatives either without an attorney by your side. Reporters are famous for twisting words, and you definitely do not need any unnecessarily bad press coming your way.

• No tampering with evidence – If you decide to hide essential evidence, or tamper with it, you will only look more guilty when your case reaches trial. Plus, if you destroy evidence, you may hinder law enforcement representatives from finding out who actually committed the crime.

• • In case you find additional evidence, call your attorney and present the evidence. 
  • Refrain from contacting witnesses the prosecution has presented. In addition to being accused of tampering with evidence, you can also suffer the consequences of doing the same with witnesses.

• Improving your behavior – Finally, do everything you can to improve your overall public image by acting calmly, avoiding various outbursts of anger, and keeping yourself out of unfavorable situations.

• • This also means improving your social media footprint. Posting derogatory stuff about the parties involved in your case will not help you.

Deciding to testify

When it comes to reaching a decision on whether you want to testify or not, you need to consider the following aspects of deciding or declining to do so.

• Your rights – The Fifth Amendment allows you to choose if you want to testify or not. This is something you should always discuss with your lawyer, although the decision is always yours to make.
• The benefits of deciding to testify – If you’re thinking about taking the stand, you need to discuss the potential benefits of doing so with your lawyer.

• • The jury tends to think that a person who is not guilty should have to reason to refuse to testify in court. 
  • What’s more, when you testify, it allows for your side of the story to be heard. It is often that the facts of your case take a different tone if not presented by you. 
  • Finally, the statements you made out of the court come across in a different light when you take the stand and place them in context. 

So, deciding to testify certainly has a lot of upsides if you decide to do it.

• The downsides of testifying – However, there are also some negative aspects of going on the stand and sharing your story with the court. When you testify, the prosecution can cross-examine you, which can place you in a tight spot. Also, the prosecutor can raise concerns about your testimony, as well as employ various tactics to make you look less than good when on the stand. 

That is why you should always weigh your options with your lawyer and why you should reach the decision on whether or not to testify together. 

• Practice – Finally, if you decide to take the stand, you need to go through all the motions of your testimony plenty of times, until it becomes second nature. This is where your lawyer’s help is essential. There are some general pointers for you to keep in mind:

1. • Always try to remain polite and never get angry while on the stand.
   • Always look straight at the jury whenever you’re answering questions. 
   • Keep all your answers short, and never include unnecessary details. 

Essential tip: It’s important to note that such important decisions should be made in consultation with your attorney who will take your best interests into consideration.

The trial

Finally, you’ve reached the point of actually going to the court of law and being present during your trial. Here’s what you should do and how you should behave during your criminal trial.

1. Clothes – The way you look leaves an impact on the jurors. It is important to dress according to the situation at hand, which means you need to look neat, but not wear overly comfortable clothing. A suit should do just fine.
2. Listen – Listen to everything your lawyer is telling you. Take advice from your attorney on how to act during the trial, because lawyers tend to have experience and they know what the jury is expecting. 
3. Calmness – Never lose your temper during the trial. Always try to remain as calm as possible, and never allow yourself to be made anxious by the prosecution. Do something that is able to calm you during the trial.
4. Jury – If you’ve chosen a jury trial, now that the jury is watching every move you make. That is why it is vital for you to act appropriately and to not do anything that might make the jury look upon you unfavorably. 
5. Respect – Finally, remember this one last thing – always address the court, with the utmost respect. That means no forgetting “Your honor”. 

“Who is THE criminal defense attorney in all of San Diego I can rely on?”

If your criminal trial is fast approaching, and you still haven’t secured the services of a reputable and dependable criminal defense attorney, you should do so right away. Luckily, you don’t have to look far, as Monder Criminal Lawyer Group is here for you.

Vik Monder and his team of superstar legal minds will help you through all the stages of a criminal defense trial. All you have to do is contact his offices and schedule a consultation. We’re right next to Gaslamp Quarter, so if you ever need our services, you know where to find us.

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How Do You Prepare for a Criminal Trial? Part 1

When you’re facing criminal charges, you should do everything on your part to prepare for a criminal trial. Although not all criminal cases reach the courtroom, yours has, and you should be ready for it.

There are many different stages of a criminal trial, each with its own set of specificities. It’s not easy being ready for it all. Luckily, with San Diego’s experienced criminal defense attorney at your side, the entire process should be a lot easier. But, how do you prepare for a criminal trial?

What is the essential checklist when preparing for a criminal trial?

The process of preparing for a criminal trial is vital for the success of the trial itself. You should approach it responsibly and with great dedication. It is during the period of preparations that you lay the foundations of your case.

That is why you should know all about the most essential steps of preparing for a trial. The process itself is one of several stages, and you need to take care of the vital ones first. 

Hiring a lawyer

Before even thinking about doing anything else, you need to hire a criminal defense professional to help you with your case. Here’s how you should go about doing so.

1. Inquiries – Try to get information on your best choices for legal representation. You can do this by either asking for referrals, or by visiting the website of the bar association in your state.

• • If you are unable to afford an attorney, don’t worry, the court of law will appoint either a private defense lawyer or a public defender. 

1. Consultation – Once you inquire about the finest criminal defense minds in your area, it is time to make your choice, visit your attorney of choice, and attend a consultation where you will take care of all the details.
2. Questions – Understand that you need to be in the loop at all times, starting from the very beginning, which is why you should ask questions from the get go. Don’t refrain from doing so, as you have every right to.
3. Payment – One of the details you’re going to have to sort out with your lawyer is a plan for paying for the services. Make sure to be sincere and devise a payment plan that will work for the both of you.
4. Honesty – Finally, remember to always be honest with your lawyer, and to share all the information pertinent to your case without hesitation. This is the only way for you to secure good legal representation. 

Preparing the documentation

Your defense lawyer will be in charge of all the documentation related to your case. However, that’s only once he gets hold of all the necessary documentation. That is where you come in. You need to do your part and get all the documents you can to your lawyer, and promptly. 

Criminal trials are complicated procedures, which is why it is always advisable to hire legal representation. Depending on the case, a trial can involve several thousand pages, and it is up to you to help your lawyer gather them all.

Be mindful that some of these documents may be extremely difficult to acquire, as they can be up to ten years old. Factor in that you might need to wait for third parties to do their part before you can get the documents yourself. A piece of advice – start gathering documents as soon as possible.

Pretrial motions and plea discussions

Once you’re all set, it’s time to participate in various pretrial motions. Take a look at all the pretrial procedures you can be part of.

• Plea offers – During pretrial, you have the possibility to discuss a plea bargain. That means that there is a chance of the defendant and the prosecutor reaching an agreement. The defendant can plead guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence or a reduced charge.
  • Immediately get in touch with your lawyer if a prosecutor contacts you. Your lawyer is a skilled negotiator who can get a better deal for you.

However, you should always have final say in whether or not you’re going to accept the bargain. 

• Entering a plea – If you decide to shoot down any potential bargain with the prosecutor, it’s time to face the court for the first time. There are three options when entering a plea – Guilty, Not Guilty, and No Contest.

• • Pleading Guilty means you’re admitting the crime.
  • Pleading Not Guilty means that you’re denying any involvement in the crime. 
  • Pleading No Contest means your neither denying nor admitting culpability.

• Attending hearings – Make sure you never miss a single pretrial hearing. Hearings range from introducing new witnesses, adding or suppressing evidence, to various “housekeeping” hearings, during which the judge makes inquiries about your case.

• • Always ask that your lawyer provides you copies of all the motions filed during these hearings. Take some time to look them over, and ask your lawyers questions if anything’s unclear.

• Jury or bench – Finally, as the last of the pretrial procedures, it is up to you to decide whether you want a jury or a bench trial. You reserve the right to a jury trial if you’re facing the possibility of more than six months of incarceration. 
  • Benefits of jury trial include judgement of your peers, which means that not every decision rests upon the judge. However, the jury can be easily manipulated with questionable evidence and statements. 
  • Benefits of bench trials are that they transpire faster, and that the judge is likely to ignore inflammatory claims and prejudiced evidence. However, this still means that it is the judge who makes all the decisions.

“Where can I hire San Diego’s finest criminal defense legal representation?”

If you’re up for a criminal trial, and you have no idea where to go from there, don’t be worried or frightened – Monder Criminal Lawyer Group is here to help you through it all. We know just how difficult it must be for you, but we also know how to help you.

Vik Monder has worked long and hard to get together a team of top-notch criminal defense lawyers who will do all they can to assist you. So, if you’re ever taking a walk near the Balboa Theatre, know that we are just around the corner. Contact us to schedule a consultation today!

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What Makes a Good Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you’re wondering about the qualities of a good criminal defense attorney, that must mean you’re going to need the help of one. Have you already inquired about what criminal offenses are? Do you know how a criminal lawyer can help you? Are you familiar with the process of a criminal case?

If yes is the answer to all of the questions above, then you’re more than ready to actually find an experienced criminal attorney in San Diego, CA. Here’s what your criminal defense lawyer of choice should be like.

What qualities should my criminal defense attorney have?

If you’re looking to hire a criminal law professional, who’s able to successfully guide you past all the potential pitfalls of the Southern District of California Department of Justice, you should definitely know what qualities he or she should possess.

Lucky for you, we’re here to help you and present you with the most important attributes a criminal lawyer you should hire needs to have:

1. Integrity – You want your lawyer to be completely honest with you, and you want your lawyer to keep you up to date with all the developments in the case. And, that takes a lot of integrity. 
2. Research skills – A good lawyer has to be an excellent researcher. When it comes to providing legal defense, your lawyer has to be able to conduct adequate research connected to the case in order to represent you in the best way possible
3. Negotiation – A significant part of being a lawyer is knowing how to negotiate on behalf of your client. Securing a “not guilty” takes a lot of conversing, and you should never pick a lawyer who’s not a good negotiator.
4. Courtroom demeanor – Courtrooms are quite formal places, and court proceedings are such formal events that you might even be surprised. Your lawyer has to be able to behave appropriately, but also, he or she must not be intimidated by the prosecutors or the judge. 
5. Perseverance – A professional criminal defense attorney has to be tenacious and has to be able to persevere through several dead ends in order to find the right opportunity to sway the jury and the judge.
6. Analytical skills – Every criminal defense lawyer has to be able to analyze the situation in the courtroom, and act accordingly, all the while making split-second decisions. This is paramount if you want proper legal representation.
7. Organization skills – A good criminal defense attorney is very neat, very organized, very timely, and pays great attention to even the smallest of details concerning your case .
8. Knowledge – Although being knowledgeable about the inner workings of the judicial system is a given, we feel like we still do have to emphasize that your lawyer of choice has to know all the ins and outs of the law and the system. 
9. Understanding police – In order to get the necessary information from the police, your lawyer has to be on the best of terms with individuals from the police department. This way, he’ll get a clearer insight into your case, and be able to represent you better.
10. Care – Finally, your lawyer of choice has to care about you and the situation you’re finding yourself in. Without that, you won’t feel good throughout the process, and that’s quite, quite bad.

What are the red flags in a criminal defense lawyer?

Now, when it comes to those qualities a criminal defense attorney who’s striving to become a reputable practitioner of criminal law shouldn’t possess, we’re not going to bore you with plenty of them. We’re going to keep it short and simple.

If the lawyer you’re thinking of hiring has all of the qualities we’ve mentioned, but inverted, you should stay away from him or her. If the lawyer is disorganized, lacks integrity, doesn’t care about you or your case, lacks knowledge…

If you start noticing some or all of these negative qualities, stay as far away from said legal professional as you possibly can. You don’t want that kind of an individual representing you, as it might end up doing you a lot more harm than good.

“Where can I find such a competent criminal attorney in San Diego, CA?”

If you’re in need of legal representation in San Diego, then you should only be thinking about turning to Monder Criminal Lawyer Group, the finest collection of legal minds in this city. Vik Monder has assembled a team of both experienced lawyers and rising stars, and quality representation is a given.

A couple of months ago, you might have visited Little Italy to think a little, to try and clear your mind. Nowadays, you can’t do that, so you should turn your mind to hiring a good criminal defense attorney right away. We’re here for you, contact us today!

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What Are the 5 Steps in a Criminal Case?

Being familiar with the five basic steps in a criminal case is, well, the final step in the preparation for your potential trial. First, you need to know what the basic types of crimes are. Then, you have to know why you should hire a criminal lawyer. Finally, you should be aware of the characteristics a good criminal lawyer should possess.

Know all that? Great! We can move on to explaining the process of a criminal case. However, we do have to mention that, even with all the explanations, it can still get complicated, and you should now shy from asking a qualified San Diego, CA criminal attorney for help.

What are the five basic steps in a criminal case?

There are, sometimes, more than 5 basic steps to a criminal trial. Don’t worry, we’ll work our way towards those as well. However, the following are the standard five steps of a California Department of Justice trial.

1. Charges – This is the part when law enforcement officials make a written report that contains all the details about the crime you’ve allegedly done. The report usually consists of :

• General information on the case
• Details about the crime you’ve allegedly committed
• Statements given by corroborating witnesses

1. Arraignment – Once the charges have been determined, the accused individual has to face some sort of court in order to hear the charges being made against them. It is during arraignment that the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty and that bail is set for more serious crimes. 
2. Pretrial proceedings – This is the period of time when the prosecutor and the defendant exchange all the information about the facts of the case and the alleged charges. The defendant has to know all the facts of the case in order to be able to come up with a defense strategy. Also, this is the time for potential plea bargains. 
3. Trial – If there was no plea bargain, the case has to go to trial. First, the jury has to be selected. Then, the prosecution and the defense provide brief overviews of the case before presenting evidence and witnesses. Then, it’s time for the jury to deliberate the verdict.
4. Verdict and sentencing – Finally, it’s time for the jury to reach its verdict and for the judge to determine the sentence of the defendant if found guilty. In case the defendant is found innocent of the alleged crime, it is time to walk out of the courtroom as a free man. 

Are there additional steps in a criminal case?

Although the aforementioned are the most common steps in all criminal cases, there are some potential, additional steps that may or may not occur during the process of a criminal case. Let’s see what these are:

1. Arrest – Now, some criminal offenses are severe enough that they require the defendant to be arrested by the police. On other occasions, the court issues an arrest warrant which makes the defendant appear in front of the court of law. 
2. Booking – The pear of being arrested is booking. This is when the police take all of your possessions, add your fingerprints to the system, and take your mugshot. 
3. Appeal – Following the court proceedings, and an unfavorable sentence, the defendant holds the right to appeal the sentence. This is when the court of a higher jurisdiction reviews the case and. The appellate court can order a new trial, or it can order for the defendant’s immediate release.

“Which experienced San Diego, CA, criminal attorney should represent my case in court?”

Securing the best possible legal representation in San Diego has never been easier, because now you have Monder Criminal Lawyer Group – the superstar team of criminal attorneys dedicated to securing a “not guilty”. 

Although you cannot proceed to our offices after your visit to Old Town San Diego, you can still give us a call and see how we can arrange legal representation for your case. Don’t waste any time, give us a call now!

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What Are the Types of Criminal Offenses?

It’s very responsible to want to get to know more about the six basic types of criminal offenses, especially if you’re thinking of asking help from a criminal defense attorney. It’s the first step in the process of preparing for a criminal trial, and a step you should not skip. So, here is what you should know about criminal offenses before going in for a consultation with a criminal attorney in San Diego. 

What are considered criminal offenses?

Explaining what a criminal offense is seems simple enough, but is actually anything but. The best way to attempt to explain what the California Department of Justice deems a criminal offense is to compare it to a civil offense.

Civil offenses are those offenses that involve non-violent misbehavior toward a specific victim, and not toward the society as a whole. And this is the important bit of the definition of a civil offense – society.

On the other hand, a criminal offense is wrongdoing that “offends” not only a specific victim, but also the entire moral code of a society. It can be violent or non-violent, but the important bit is that it is a crime against the sensibilities of an entire society.

Why is robbery a crime? Well, because the entire society frowns upon an individual being violently separated from his valuables. Embezzlement? Because the society as a whole depends on the dealings within a business to be honest, so taxes can be paid, etc.

And that is what the law considers a criminal offense. If you’re harming an individual, but also the moral code of the rest of the society you live in, you’re committing a criminal offense. And there are several different types of these offenses, as we are about to see. 

What are the 6 types of crime?

There are six basic types of criminal offenses. They involve misbehavior towards society as a whole in six distinct categories:

1. Personal crimes – When an individual willingly chooses to impart harm on another person, that’s when we talk about personal crimes. These crimes are almost always considered violent, and can be further divided into homicide, as well as other violent crimes. Crimes that fall into these categories are:

• First-degree murder
• Vehicular homicide
• Voluntary manslaughter
• Arson
• Assault and battery
• Kidnapping
• Domestic and child abuse
• Rape and statutory rape

1. Property crimes – If an individual or a group of people interfere in any way with the property of another individual, we’re dealing with property crimes. Property crimes cause mental or physical harm, or they deprive an individual from enjoying the property. The following are property crimes:

• Burglary
• Robbery
• Larceny
• Auto theft
• Shoplifting

1. Inchoate crimes – If an individual initiates a crime, but fails to finish it, we’re talking about inchoate crimes. Also, inchoate crimes include acts of assisting another individual in commissioning a crime. In order for a crime to be categorized as inchoate, an offender has to have made a substantial step toward completing the crime. These crimes include:

• Aiding and abetting
• Conspiracy
• Attempt at a crime

1. Statutory crimes – If you’ve committed a statutory crime, it means you’ve harmed the postulates of a statute. There are three main categories of statutory crimes:

• Alcohol-related crimes:

1. Driving under the influence
2. Public intoxication
3. Underage DUI
4. Boating DUI
5. Open container violations
6. Minor possessing alcohol
7. Refusing to undergo a sobriety test

• Drug crimes:

1. Drug possession
2. Drug trafficking
3. Drug manufacturing

• Traffic crimes:

1. Driving under the influence – It is both a traffic offense and an alcohol-related offense, as it involves both alcohol and driving.
2. Driving a vehicle without a license
3. Hit-and-run
4. Reckless driving
5. Driving with a suspended license

1. Financial crimes – Financial crimes have to involve some sort of financial gain to be considered financial crimes. These crimes usually involve a type of fraud, and the most common subtypes are:

• Blackmail
• Embezzlement
• Tax evasion
• Cybercrime
• Money laundering

1. Organized crime – When there is a structured group of organized individuals who are committing crimes, it’s called organized crime. This usually involved the distribution of illegal services or goods. It can involve many of the aforementioned crimes, but is a type of criminal offense nonetheless. 

“Who is the leading San Diego criminal attorney I can turn to?”

If you’re in need of the services of a criminal defense attorney, you should definitely only consider asking criminal law professionals from the Monder Criminal Lawyer Group for help. We are a well-oiled machine of criminal law pundits who always give it their all to secure a not guilty. We understand that, in these trying times, it’s difficult to even go for a walk to Balboa Park, but, give us a call and we’ll make it work!

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How Can a Criminal Lawyer Help Me?

So, you’re thinking about all the ways a criminal defense attorney can help you with the predicament you’ve found yourself in? However dire the situation might seem, a criminal defense attorney in San Diego can help your case. Even if you’re under suspicion for one of the 6 types of criminal offenses. Let’s see who.

Why should I ask help from a criminal lawyer?

OK, we get that you wish to know just how a criminal lawyer can help you and your case. But that means hiring a criminal lawyer in the first place. Would you really like to navigate the jungle that is the Southern District of California Department of Justice?

We didn’t think so. And we really do understand that you’re only trying to gather as much information about the job that criminal lawyers do before deciding on the one to help you. So, let’s start by seeing why you should consider a criminal defense lawyer at all:

1. Security – Perhaps the most important aspect of hiring a criminal lawyer is the psychological aspect. You’ll feel more secure, more at ease if there’s a legal professional by your side, helping you have your voice heard in the legal system of California.
2. Knowledge – Then there’s knowledge, and we feel like we can’t stress this enough. Criminal defense attorneys know their stuff, they know the law inside and out, and they certainly know what they’re doing. 
3. Experience – Finally, criminal lawyers, especially those who’ve done the job for a while, have plenty of experience that could be crucial to you winning your case. They’ve dealt with cases similar to yours, they know how the judicial system works from the inside, and they can put all that experience to good use in helping you and your case. 

Now, there are a lot more reasons why you should definitely hire a criminal lawyer, but we feel that these are the three most important ones for every individual facing criminal charges. We can always provide you with more reasons, don’t worry. 

How can a criminal lawyer help me?

Now, let’s take a closer look into the five most important ways a criminal defense lawyer can help you with your case:

1. Representation – A criminal lawyer will be there to represent your interests, both outside of the courtroom, and inside, if the need occurs. You definitely would not want to be caught alone and off-guard, having to represent yourself.
2. Navigation – A criminal lawyer is also there to employ the knowledge of the legal system and help you navigate through the murky waters of it. They know all the tricks, they know which documentation to file, and where to file it, and this is immensely helpful.
3. Negotiation – A criminal lawyer is there to negotiate the best possible outcome for you. Sometimes, it is simply impossible to secure a not guilty, but that does not mean that a good criminal lawyer cannot secure a favorable outcome for you.
4. Resources – Criminal defense lawyers have access to resources that are of paramount importance for your case, but that you, as an individual, would not be able to get to. Plus, a criminal lawyer knows how to put these resources to proper use. 
5. Support – Finally, a criminal lawyer is there for you, there to support you during each and every step of this excruciatingly difficult process. With an experienced criminal attorney by your side you’ll be able to feel better and give it your best to win the case. 

“Which San Diego criminal defense attorney should I turn to?”

If you’re desperate for adequate legal representation, then look no further than the Monder Criminal Lawyer Group. Vik Monder has assembled an incredible team of the finest legal minds in California, and they will do all in their power to help you. We know how difficult it must be for you now that you can’t even visit the San Diego Zoo to clear your mind, but contact us and we’ll see how we can help.

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Everything You Wanted to Know About Criminal Lawyers, Part 2

The details of the job of a criminal attorney is a broad topic, and there are two basic problems with it – It is difficult to find a good place to start, and there always seems to be more to learn about criminal defense lawyers. It’s quite similar to trying to find out how different types of courts work.

But, there is hope, as we can give you some advice. For example, you could start by finding out what cases criminal lawyers deal with. From there on, you can continue with our two-part guide on the obligations of criminal lawyers in San Diego. 

Does every criminal attorney have a specialty?

No, not every criminal lawyer has to have a specialty. By law, and by schooling, every lawyer is able to practice in any field of law they choose to. They are educated in such a manner that prepares them for all eventualities within the Southern District of California Department of Justice. 

However, that does not mean that every lawyer is suited for every field of the law. Some lawyers function better as prosecutors, while other work better as defense lawyers. That is why the majority of lawyers choose a single field to work in.

But, a lawyer doesn’t not need to have a formal speciality – a piece of paper stating that he or she is dedicated to a single field of law. In the majority of cases, it comes down to a lawyer simply sticking to the familiar guns, and practicing the craft in a certain field.

Later on, though, we are going to discuss different types of criminal lawyers, as well as their functional specializations. However, do not presume that to be a “specialist” of a field means you have to have official certification. It’s better if you do, but you don’t have to. 

How long do criminal lawyers spend on each case?

The time a criminal lawyer spends on a certain case can in no way be generalized, and it first and foremost depends on the case in question. Sometimes, a skillful lawyer can finish a case faster than an inexperienced colleague, but it’s mostly down to the case.

For example, some cases are pretty straight forward, and they may not even require going to trial. Misdemeanors are usually resolved rather quickly, before going to trial, and they require only a couple of hours of time to deal with.

Other cases… Well, that’s an entirely different story. Violent felonies, serious financial crimes, frauds, etc… They can take up from a dozen or so hours of a lawyer’s time, up to a hundred hours, all depending on the severity of the crime and the complexity of the case. 

How does a person become a criminal defense lawyer?

Now, this is an interesting one. First thing you need to know is that becoming a criminal defense attorney requires a lot of time, effort, and dedication. Here’s how the process usually goes:

1. A person first has to acquire a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university or college. There are no prerequisites stating that you have to study political science or pre-law. You can choose the major of your choice.
2. After that, there’s the demanding process of trying to be admitted into a law school. This means taking GRE or LSAT, writing a couple of personal essays, and providing undergrad transcripts. You have to graduate from a law school which is ABA-accredited.
3. Finally, you have to pass your Bar Exam. Additionally, you have to be deemed morally fit. It is only after all this that you can work as a criminal attorney.

Are there different types of criminal defense lawyers?

Yes, there certainly are different types of criminal lawyers, and we’re about to separate them into pairs and see what the differences are:

1. Criminal lawyer vs. criminal attorney – These two terms are mostly used interchangeably. However, a criminal attorney is an individual who’s been admitted to a bar, while a criminal lawyer is a practitioner of criminal law still hasn’t been admitted to a bar. Lawyers can do legal work and provide legal advice, but they cannot act as legal representatives in the court of law.
2. Public criminal attorney vs. private criminal attorney – The names say it all, more or less. A private attorney is an individual who is admitted to a bar and is employed privately. They charge fees, but can also work pro bono.

Public attorneys are, on the other hand, employed by the government, also members of a bar, and they also represent defendants. They do not charge any fees since they’re paid a salary by the government. 

1. Federal criminal attorney vs. state criminal attorney – Federal criminal defense lawyers are there for federal crimes. In order to become a federal attorney, you first need to be admitted to a federal court bar. Additionally, these attorneys usually hone their craft as state attorneys before becoming federal attorneys.

State attorneys, on the other hand, represent individuals accused of state crimes. They have to become members of the bar in the state they plan on practicing law, and they usually specialize in the laws of that state.

1. Street crime defense attorney vs. white collar defense attorney – Street crime lawyers deal with violent crimes, which usually include drug crimes, vandalism, robbery, assault, etc. White collar lawyers deal with non-violent crimes which usually have to do with finances, including forgery, graud, money laundering, embezzlement, etc.

How can I hire a criminal lawyer?

There’s no great wisdom when hiring a criminal defense attorney. First, you need to take your time and try to find the best criminal lawyer you can afford and which you would like to work on your case and represent your interests.

Next, you need to schedule a consultation, let the attorney become familiar with the nuances of your case, and see if they are willing to represent you in the court of law. A lawyer can turn down your case, and you needn’t take it personally. 

An attorney can turn your case down for a majority of reasons – a busy caseload, a personal preference concerning the type of case you’re presenting, or another reason that is never discriminatory.

If the lawyer chooses to take your case, you need to work out the fees and the payment plan and that’s it. Once you’re done with that, you can rest easy knowing you’ve secured adequate legal representation.

“Where can I find leading criminal lawyers in San Diego?”

If you’re looking for legal representation in San Diego, then you should only consider the Monder Criminal Lawyer Group. We are an experienced team of seasoned criminal defense professionals who always work in favor of their clients.

We know how you feel – not even the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park can lift your spirits. And that’s ok. But, if you want to feel better, the answer is simple – hire Monder Criminal Lawyer Group as your legal representatives!

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Everything You Wanted to Know About Criminal Lawyers, Part 1

If you’d like to know more about criminal attorneys, we understand, especially if you’re going to be needing legal advice from one. It’s normal to want to learn about criminal defense attorneys, the types of jobs criminal lawyers do, as well as how they handle cases, how they communicate with clients, etc.

It would probably be wise to inquire about the main differences between criminal and civil courts while you’re at it. But, that’s a story for another time. For now, we’d like to focus on informing you about the minutiae of the job of criminal lawyers. So, if you think you’ll need advice from a criminal defense lawyer in San Diego, read this first. 

What constitutes “confidential information”?

Individuals who haven’t got an in-depth knowledge of the job of a criminal defense lawyer are bound to have a couple of questions, especially if they’re going to be needing their services. The first question to pop up usually has to do with confidential information.

And that’s completely normal. You need to know what information you can share with your lawyer, without fear that information might come back at you like a boomerang and cause harm to your case.

You can rest easy, though, as basically anything you say to your lawyer is confidential and “just between the two of you”. This legal principle is called “attorney-client privilege”, and it is, perhaps, the most fundamental right of every defendant within the California Department of Justice legal system. So, almost everything you discuss with your attorney is confidential.

Are there any exceptions to attorney-client privilege?

As you might have noticed, we said “almost everything”. There are several exceptions in which the attorney is allowed to divulge confidential information:

• In order to prevent an individual’s death
• To stop you from committing another crime
• To get legal counsel from another attorney
• In order to protect themselves against legal accusations of wrongful conduct

Can an attorney defend a guilty individual?

This question almost directly stems from people wanting to know more about confidentiality of information shared between clients and lawyers. If you’re aware that you’re guilty of a crime, but would still like adequate legal representation, you should definitely inquire into this matter.

The answer is yes, criminal defense attorneys definitely can defend an individual they know is guilty of committing a crime. There is no law against it. However, a private criminal attorney can choose not to defend the guilty individual, as they are not legally bound to defend everyone looking for legal representation.

And, don’t be afraid of your lawyer potentially knowing you were guilty of a crime. It is their duty to work completely diligently on each case and in their client’s favor. A criminal defense lawyer is there to represent your interests, and nobody else’s. 

What do criminal attorneys do?

It does seem a bit odd for this question to be third on our list, but experience tells us that people looking for legal counsel are primarily concerned about confidentiality and all that stems from it. Familiarizing themselves with the job the lawyer is going to do is further down their list of interests.

However, in order to know how the entire process of the trial is going to transpire, and to be aware of everything the criminal lawyer’s doing for you and your case, and what you’re paying the attorney for, you have to know just what it is they do:

• Discuss your case and potential consequences
• Propose a legal plan of action for your case
• Interview eyewitnesses and check their accounts
• Select which witnesses to invite to the trial
• Discuss your case with the prosecution and the judge
• Compile evidence that works for you
• Perform detailed legal research about similar cases
• Try to dismiss the case before it even goes to court
• Represent your case in the court of law
• If need be, try to secure a favorable plea bargain

As you can see, there’s a lot to a criminal attorney’s job.

How much does a criminal lawyer cost?

Unfortunately, we have to speak money. On the one hand, not everybody has enough money to pay for the finest legal representation money can buy. That can be a hefty sum, believe us. Well worth it, but, still, hefty.

On the other, every individual facing potential criminal charges and trial wants to secure the best possible legal representation for the money available. And that’s understandable – nobody would want to pay more for less. Some lawyers cost $1,000, while others can cost $10,000 or $20,000.

What makes this big of a difference, you may be wondering? The cost of the legal fees is primarily down to two factors:

• The experience and the track record of the attorney
• The severity of the case

If you want a renowned attorney representing you, it’s likely you will pay more, especially if your case is a tough one. And you should definitely pay more for an experienced lawyer, without question. But we cannot provide even an estimate of the potential costs, since every case is unique.

How much do criminal attorneys make?

We regret to disappoint you, but the honest answer is that we simply cannot know. The average attorney’s pay last year was about $120,000. However, some lawyers make a lot more than that, while others make a lot less.

However, what we can do is give you a brief list of factors that affect how much a lawyer earns, in order to help you reach as close as possible an estimate of your own:

1. Location
2. Specialization
3. Experience
4. Law firm size
5. Seniority within that law firm
6. Is it a public or a private lawyer
7. Pay structure concerning base salary, commissions, bonuses, etc…

If you take all these factors into consideration, you can get an idea of how much a lawyer can make in a year. Not as if that should concern you. All you need to think about is securing the finest legal representation you can, and nothing else!

“Which criminal defense lawyer located in San Diego can provide the best legal representation?”

If you’re in legal trouble, and you don’t know whom to turn to, there is always one place you can go to – Monder Criminal Lawyer Group. We are an ensemble of experienced and dedicated criminal defense lawyers who always give it their all for our clients.

Visiting Potato Chip Rock to clear your head and try to get a handle of things is all well and good, but why not consult with us and let us solve your problems? If you’re deciding on a lawyer, choose a member of the Monder Criminal Lawyer Group!

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Attorney Vik Monder Is Reuniting Family Members In San Diego Jails During the Coronavirus Pandemic

On April 1, 2020, the presiding judge in San Diego ordered the immediate release of hundreds of individuals in custody in San Diego Jails while the courts are closed during the coronavirus pandemic. Attorney Vik Monder is helping individuals and their families understand the recent orders that have been made by the local courts in San Diego, the Chief Justice in California and the Governor of California. These orders are consistent in nature and their purpose is to promote the safety of all individuals facing this Covid19 pandemic.

Stricter safety measures imposed across the state

Last month, Governor Newsom ordered that all Californians remain at home and keep a safe distance from others in public places while the spread of coronavirus continues throughout our County and the State of California. Our local leaders have implemented similar orders so that individuals would be less likely to be exposed to the virus.

This includes keeping a minimum of six feet away from other individuals and not having more than 10 people in a public space at any given time. This is extremely detrimental to those individuals who remain in custody as they cannot afford to follow the orders given by our elected officials.

Who is eligible for release from custody?

The District Attorney in San Diego has been working with the Sheriff Department to release individuals who are currently being arrested for minor offenses throughout San Diego. If anyone is looking at a maximum of 60 days custody at the disposition of their case, they are released to appear with a future court date for their arraignment.

The individuals who remain in custody are being provided an accelerated custody credit to eliminate a maximum of 30 days actual custody to their overall sentence. This applies to any individual that has already been sentenced on their case and has served at least 90% custody time already. The 30-day custody exception only applies if the remaining time in custody is less than 10% of their overall sentence.

What happens after an inmate is released from custody?

Individuals released from the Sherriff Department in San Diego still have to check in with mandatory supervision or probation as soon as they are released. As of right now, current inmates that are being released must check in with their probation officer within 72 hours of being released from custody or they will find themselves looking at violations which will cause them to go back into custody and do more serious time on the violation.

The Sherriff Department is helping the San Diego Superior Courts prevent the spread of the coronavirus while new inmates are being processed every single day. Starting next week, the San Diego District Attorney and the San Diego Superior Court will only hear in custody cases where individuals may be able to post bond so they can be released early from custody to fight their cases from outside jail rather than waiting for months to be heard by a judge.

Look out for your health & safety, we’ll look out for your defense

It is inevitable that the jails will become overcrowded and vulnerable to a rise in infections during the time courts are closed due to this pandemic. Attorney Vik Monder is helping families try and have inmates released early in order to keep them safe from the coronavirus pandemic. If you have a loved one in custody that is suffering from serious medical issues and whose case has not yet been resolved, please contact Vik Monder, an experienced San Diego criminal attorney at 619-405-0063.

Attorney Vik Monder has a track record of obtaining the best results in the San Diego courts. If you have any questions regarding your case during this coronavirus pandemic, contact Vik Monder today. Please call for a free consultation at 619-405-0063.

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What Do Different Types of Criminal Lawyers Deal with?

If you’re facing charges for an offence, there are certain things that are good to know. For example, you should know about the differences between types of criminal lawyers, as well as about the various aspects of a criminal attorney’s job.

Sometimes, however, you don’t really need to know much about criminal lawyers, but rather the characteristics of criminal and civil courts. Perhaps you don’t even have to hire a criminal lawyer in San Diego, CA. But, for now, let’s suppose you do, and let’s see what they deal with. 

What are the types of criminal lawyers?

When it comes to criminal lawyers, there are two basic types of criminal lawyers people most often familiar with – a criminal defense lawyer, which is usually referred to simply as a criminal lawyer, and a prosecutor.

The job of a criminal defense attorney operating under the California Department of Justice is to represent the defendant who is being charged with a crime. Their job is to prove that there is insufficient evidence to suggest guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

On the other hand, prosecutors are in charge of representing the government in criminal cases, and their job is absolutely contrary to the job of a criminal defense lawyer. Prosecutors must present evidence to support that the defendant is, in fact, guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

However, as we’ve said, these are the basic two categories of criminal attorneys. There are subcategories, that is, even more different types of criminal lawyers within these two main groups.

What are the subtypes of criminal lawyers?

There are five basic subcategories of criminal lawyers:

1. Public defender – The job of a public defender is to provide legal representation and advice in low quality cases, and to represent people who cannot pay for a criminal defense lawyer. 
2. Panel lawyer – Every government has a committee that consists of private defense lawyers. These lawyers receive hourly monetary compensation and have a complementary function to public defenders.
3. Private lawyer – When the defendant is capable of paying for legal representation, private lawyers come into play. They are paid by an individual or an entity to represent them in court.
4. Legal aid – Various non-profit organizations employ legal aids who serve as representation to an indigent defendant. This means that every state has an organization tasked with employing lawyers whose job is to represent people who cannot hire private attorneys.
5. District lawyer – The government prosecutes individuals who are suspected of having committed a crime. The government employs district lawyers to be available upon request to prosecute a defendant in more serious cases. 

What are the types of cases criminal lawyers deal with?

We’re going to break down the most common types of criminal offenses into seven categories:

1. Property cases – There are usually no casualties or injured victims in these cases, such as arson, burglary, vehicle theft, and larceny-theft.
2. Drug abuse cases – These violations are very similar to those involving unlawful possession, manufacturing, and use of illicit substances. 
3. Alcohol-related cases – Such criminal cases have to do with alcohol, and can involve anything from driving under the influence, drunkenness, and various liquor laws that can prohibit selling, making, or buying alcoholic beverages.
4. Violent crime cases – Violent crimes are, unfortunately, most familiar of all criminal cases, and can involve forcible rape, robbery, as well as non-negligent mansluaghter and murder. 
5. Disorderly conduct cases – If an action of the defendant has caused public disturbance, it classifies as a disorderly conduct case. However, what constitutes disorderly conduct greatly varies depending on the state.
6. Fraud cases – Fraud encompasses all the crimes where misrepresentation is involved, and it usually involves financial loss. Some examples are identity theft, inheritance scam, and lottery scam.
7. Cases involving family – Perhaps the most common criminal offenses, family offenses include violent acts performed within a family, such as endangering physical, economic, or mental well-being of a family member. These cases also involve various sex offenses. 

“Is there a renowned criminal lawyer in San Diego, CA, to represent my case?”

If you’re in need of legal representation in the criminal court, you’ll need ace attorneys, and you can find them at Monder Criminal Lawyer Group – the finest collection of criminal defense lawyers in San Diego.

We are a dedicated team of seasoned criminal law adepts who always give it their all to have our client’s voice heard in the courtroom. So, if you like visiting Little Italy to clear your head, why not stop by our offices for a consultation?