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Pacific Beach Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are arrested for a crime in Pacific Beach one of the most important things you can do is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. When police say that anything you say can be used against you – they mean it. Hiring an attorney will level the playing field and ensure that your rights are fully protected. Do not speak with the police until you have consulted an attorney. If you hire an attorney, he or she can speak with law enforcement and the prosecution on your behalf. Allowing an expert to defend you against criminal charges could mean the difference between years in prison and getting the charges reduced or dropped.

Attorney Vikas Bajaj has spent the last 16 years defending thousands of clients against criminal charges in the greater San Diego area. In addition to establishing a successful track record for negotiating down charges against his clients, Mr. Bajaj has also successfully litigated over 55 jury trials. If you have been arrested for a crime in Pacific Beach and want to ensure that you receive the best possible legal defense, contact the Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC today. When you call for your initial consultation we will review the charges against you, determine which legal defenses may be applicable, and explain your legal rights.

Crime in Pacific Beach, California

Pacific Beach is widely known for being the home to surfers, college students, and young professionals. Even though rising property and housing costs have caused Pacific Beach to be home to an increasingly older demographic, the San Diego neighborhood is still one of the area’s top nightlife spots. Pacific Beach has a busy nightlife scene – one that attracts its fair share of crime. In 2016, there were 216 violent crimes and 1,384 property crimes reported in Pacific Beach. Crimes that were committed most frequently included rape (31), assault (141), robbery (44), burglary (234), and theft (923). If you or someone you know has been arrested for a crime in Pacific Beach you should not hesitate to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.

judge hammer and statue

How Will a Pacific Beach Criminal Defense Attorney Help You?

The right to an attorney is guaranteed to criminal defendants by the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Why did our country’s founders believe this right was so important? When you are arrested for a crime you are prosecuted by individuals who have a thorough understanding of the law. The prosecutors who are trying to prove that you committed a crime have extensive training and a specialized education to help them do their jobs. Our founding fathers gave us the right to an attorney to make sure that each and every person accused of a crime also has an advocate who is also knowledgeable about the law. If you do not exercise this right your chances of a positive outcome are significantly reduced.

What will an attorney do to help you if you have been arrested and/or charged with a crime in Pacific Beach? Most of the work is actually of an investigative nature. Your attorney will investigate your case and research other cases that are similar to yours. Similar cases can help attorneys understand how other defense attorneys have approached the situation, how prosecutors have tried to prove their cases, and how courts have ruled. These details can be crucial to creating a persuasive defense. Pacific Beach criminal defense attorney Vikas Bajaj believes that a thorough investigation is a key to a successful defense. Some steps that Mr. Bajaj may take in drafting your defense include:

  • Reviewing and analyzing police reports, photographs, evidence, and statements from officers and witnesses at the scene of the alleged crime;
  • Finding and interviewing witnesses;
  • Questioning the police;
  • Consulting with expert witnesses, including crime scene recreationists, lab techs, medical professionals, psychologists, and ballistic experts;
  • Confirming alibis; and
  • Finding other potential defendants or involved parties.

Mr. Bajaj will also speak with law enforcement and the prosecuting District Attorney on your behalf. If the prosecution offers a plea agreement, he will explain the terms of the deal and offer his advice about whether or not it is in your best interest. The legal system can be complicated and overwhelming. Having an experienced Pacific Beach criminal defense attorney by your side will not only increase your chances of a successful outcome, but will help to reduce the stress that is often triggered by an arrest.

Criminal Defense Practice Areas

If you have been arrested and/or charged with a crime in Pacific Beach, California you should not hesitate to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. For the better part of the last two decades, Vikas Bajaj has defended thousands of clients against criminal charges including:

  • Assault and Battery
  • Burglary
  • Drug Crimes
  • Home Invasion
  • Robbery
  • Sex Crimes
  • Theft Crimes
  • Vandalism, and more.

A complete list of practice areas can be found on our website. If you are interested in learning more about the crime(s) of which you have been accused, contact us for an initial consultation. We would be happy to review your case and explain your legal options.

Defenses to Criminal Charges in Pacific Beach

An arrest does not necessarily mean that you will be charged with a crime. If you are charged with a crime it does not necessarily mean that you will be convicted. Your chances of a successful outcome increase significantly when you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. Your attorney’s job includes making the prosecution’s job difficult. An attorney should fight to exclude evidence, pinpoint and use weaknesses in the case against you, and determine which legal defenses may be appropriate. Defenses to criminal charges in California may include:

  • Unlawful arrest;
  • Improper search and seizure;
  • Lack of probable cause;
  • Intoxication;
  • Insanity;
  • Duress;
  • Self defense or defense of another;
  • Lack of required intent; or
  • Mistaken identity.

Defenses may not be apparent to you, which is why it is important to discuss your case with a qualified and respected criminal defense attorney.

Experienced Pacific Beach Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or someone you know has been arrested for a crime in Pacific Beach, California you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. Contacting an attorney is the best way to have charges against you reduced or dropped. Vikas Bajaj has spent the better part of the last two decades helping clients like you fight criminal charges against them. Contact the Pacific Beach office today to find out how he can help you.