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CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

Retaining a Criminal Defense Lawyer in San Diego

Do You Need a Lawyer?

The answer is Yes!

A criminal defense lawyer can help you understand what to do if you are arrested, how to deal with the criminal process, and the rights you have as a criminal defendant. Criminal offenses are often very serious. You could be facing jail, prison, probation, fines, restitution or other sanctions.

At Kerry Steigerwalt's Pacific Law Center, we provide the citizens of San Diego with outstanding legal representation. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers can help you through this difficult time.

Criminal law is a specialized area of practice and it is important to have an attorney experienced in this area. We know what it's like to go to trial and are experienced in handling major felony cases. Each year our law firm represents clients faced with murder, aggravated assault, drug cases, fraud and other serious felonies.

The criminal defense lawyers of Kerry Steigerwalt's Pacific Law Center can help if you have been arrested or are under investigation for any criminal offense.

If you are still not sure you need a criminal defense lawyer, contact our office in San Diego to arrange a free consultation. Upon request you can meet with one of the firm attorneys, and we can answer your questions at no charge.

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How Do You Find a Good Criminal Defense Lawyer?

It may seem difficult to select a good criminal defense lawyer at first and, we caution you against retaining the first one you meet. There are many attorneys who do not limit their practice to criminal cases and, some only handle a few cases a year. Some other criminal defense lawyers may be incompetent or inexperienced.

To find a good criminal defense lawyer, we suggest that you ask the following questions:

• Does your firm have attorneys who are highly experienced in the defense of criminal cases?
• Does your firm have lawyers who limit their practice to criminal and DUI defense?
• Does your firm make promises as to the results that they can obtain? Beware -- this is something ethical attorneys cannot do. Specific results cannot be accurately predicted.
• Does your firm use a written flat fee agreement that includes trial if necessary? Or is the "fee" only a low initial retainer that does not cover the entire criminal case or prior investigation? (Our Fee Agreements cover all legal fees. Costs, however, are extra).
• Will your firm actually handle the case or will you simply sign me up and refer me to another criminal defense lawyer or firm?
• Can your firm provide recent case results?

At Kerry Steigerwalt's Pacific Law Center, our experienced legal team believes in an aggressive criminal defense. We feel this is necessary because many of California's criminal statutes are zealously enforced and provide substantial punishments. We are dedicated to protecting individual rights. We will not recommend that a client plead guilty to the criminal case originally charged unless, after our investigation, we believe such a plea would be in our client's best interest.

If you or someone you know has been charged with criminal offense or a DUI, call or e-mail us to set up a free private consultation with a criminal defense lawyer at our San Diego practice. Again, please don't plead guilty. If you do not contact our firm, please seek the advice of another experienced criminal defense lawyer.

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How can Kerry Steigerwalt's Pacific Law Center help you?

Kerry Steigerwalt's Pacific Law Center's attorneys have represented clients charged with many different criminal offenses. We handle tough cases in Federal, State and Juvenile courts including cases involving: Murder, Rape, Molestation, Drugs, Theft, Fraud, Embezzlement, Weapons, Sex Crimes, Vehicular Manslaughter, Domestic Violence and Driving Under the Influence. We also have obtained outstanding results in Probation Violation hearings and in Criminal Appeals.

Choose the law firm that knows how to get the job done. Criminal defense is a specialized area of law. Because of our experience, we understand what criminal defendants are going through and we know how to get results.

During the early stages, we develop strategies for defending your case. Early planning gives us a "jump" on the prosecution and gives us more time to conduct investigations, witness interviews and legal research. We also know how to convey to the courts that, as our client, you must be viewed as an individual - not as just another file number on their busy court calendar.

Our service includes the management of your case and a strong commitment to communication between the criminal defense lawyer and client. Through the communication technology used at our San Diego office, you will have 24-hour access to your attorney and case manager. We make sure you understand the details of your case and the progress being made every step of the way. Our clients appreciate the time we spend reviewing their case, answering questions and giving them the information they need to make informed decisions.

Kerry Steigerwalt's Pacific Law Center employs trial attorneys, case managers, case analysts, and investigators who are dedicated to the representation of our clients in criminal matters. We also have developed computerized research tools that provide quick access to all of the most current legal developments that will help us win cases and court decisions.

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Our goal is to achieve the best results for our clients

Call us immediately - we might be able to intervene before charges are brought. Do not discuss your case or sign a statement without a criminal defense lawyer present -- it's evidence that can be used against you.

Do not enter a plea without first obtaining legal advice -- even for a minor offense.

Your side of the story, if presented with skill and sensitivity at the right time, can possibly result in reduced or dropped charges.

We might be able to help you get out of jail with a bail reduction or an O.R. release.

We might be able to help reduce penalties, fines, jail time, terms of probation and can request alternatives to probation.

We might be able to petition to set aside convictions or modify probation. We have won cases in Federal, State, and Juvenile courts. We promise personal attention to your case.

• We will defend your case.
• We will protect your rights.
• We will keep you informed about your case every step of the way

What does it mean to be a Certified Legal Specialist in California?

The California Board of Legal Specialization certifies attorneys as specialists in several areas of law who are experts at making sure their clients' voices are heard.

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Why hire a criminal defense lawyer from our San Diego firm?

Kerry Steigerwalt's Pacific Law Center knows the importance of fighting a criminal complaint before charges are filed and the case goes to court.

(A) Pre-File Investigation

Client is contacted by a law enforcement agency, however, charges have not actually been filed.

(B) Goals of a Pre-File Investigation

• Prevent filing.
• Reduce charges from felony to a misdemeanor.
• Divert allegations into an informal resolution.
• Ease clients concerns about the case.
• Keep clients apprised of legal rights.
• Assist with surrender and avoid arrest.

(C) Ways to prevent charges from being filed

• Bolster client's credibility

• Private polygraph -- if the results are favorable, then they will be shared.
• Reference letters from community leaders, religious leaders, teachers, friends, etc.

• Attack complaint credibility of the victim

• Use other witnesses to question the reputation and truth of the victim.
• Unsubstantiated allegations against others made by the victim.

At Kerry Steigerwalt's Pacific Law Center, we believe in defending the individual rights of those accused of a crime. Schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer at our San Diego office.

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