Contra Costa County Defense Lawyer

Facing an arrest for a crime, whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony, can immediately alter the course of your life. While charges alone can damage your reputation, a conviction can lead to jail time, fines, and other devastating penalties.

If you have been charged with a crime in Contra Costa County, now is the right time to talk things over with an attorney. You are entitled to a vigorous defense, and the team at Berkowitz Law is ready to help you navigate the legal system with confidence. Reach out to learn how a Contra Costa County defense lawyer can help you fight back. Our experience in Contra Costa County gives us insight into how the local courts operate, including familiarity with the judges and prosecutors. We leverage that knowledge to work toward a successful resolution in your case.

Types of Cases We Handle

At Berkowitz Law, we are prepared to defend against a wide range of charges. We handle a host of criminal offenses, from misdemeanors to violent felonies. Our goal is always the same: to secure the best possible outcome on your behalf. Having a defense tailored to the specific facts of your case is key to getting the outcome you deserve. Some of the offenses we frequently handle include:

No matter what you have been charged with, a Contra Costa County defense lawyer is here to help.

Common Defense Strategies

Every criminal case is unique, and each offense comes with several potential defense strategies. When you work with experienced legal counsel, you could rely on one of the following approaches:

Lack of Evidence

Prosecutors must prove the case against you beyond a reasonable doubt. In some situations, they lack the necessary evidence to meet this high bar. Your attorney could highlight the weakness of the case against you in an effort to obtain a dismissal or acquittal.

Self-Defense

In cases involving allegations of violence, a common defense is that the accused acted in self-defense. California law allows reasonable force when faced with imminent harm, whether you are defending yourself or someone else.

Lack of Intent

Many crimes require proof of intent. If prosecutors cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused acted intentionally, willfully, or knowingly, charges may not hold. For example, theft cases may hinge on whether the accused intended to permanently deprive someone of property.

Favorable Outcomes in a Criminal Case

Not every criminal case ends with a conviction. Depending on the circumstances, several favorable outcomes are possible. One of the best possible outcomes is having the charges against you dismissed by the state. This is especially common in situations where the prosecution lacks the evidence to convict you.

Even if the state won’t drop the charges against you, a strong defense may result in a victory at trial. If you are acquitted, the government can never pursue the same charges against you again.

Our attorneys can help even in cases where the evidence against you may be enough for a conviction. We can negotiate a plea bargain that protects your interests and potentially helps you avoid a mark on your permanent record.

Local Resources

It can be surprisingly difficult to find the information you need at times. When you work with a knowledgeable defense lawyer, your attorney can answer your questions and point you in the right direction.

Criminal Courts

The criminal justice system uses four criminal courthouses in Contra Costa County. Your case is likely to be assigned to a particular court based on the type of charges or the law enforcement agency that made the arrest rather than based on where you live or where the arrest was made.

When you enter any courthouse in Contra Costa County, you should be prepared to go through a security check. There is usually only one entrance, and it is accessible to individuals with handicapping conditions.
Most criminal cases will be handled at one of these four locations:

Cases involving the juvenile justice system are likely to be scheduled at:

Law Enforcement

Reach Out to Berkowitz Law Today

Unsure of your next step following an arrest? Berkowitz Law is ready to guide you through the legal system. Reach out to a Contra Costa County defense lawyer today to learn more.

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