Most people go through their lives assuming that they will never have a reason to contact a criminal defense attorney. When it turns out that they are in need of an attorney, whether for themselves or for a loved one, they aren’t sure how to proceed. You can always contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation and to get answers to your questions. In the meantime, keep reading for answers to many of the most common questions.

How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense attorney?

The exact amount you will pay for an experienced criminal defense attorney will vary based on your case. For example, a complicated murder trial would cost more to defend than a simple case of juvenile crimes. If you want an estimate on how much it will cost to get a qualified defense then we recommend contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation. One this is certain: Getting expert defense representation is well worth the cost when compared to being convicted of a crime and serving time.

Am I required to pay a traffic ticket?

If you have a traffic ticket that you believe was not legally or fairly issued then you can indeed contact a criminal defense attorney. We can review the case and handle all steps of the case, including, in many cases, attending your court appearances for you. Traffic tickets that are contested by attorneys are dismissed, not-guilty verdicts are found, or no-point resolutions are issued in 90% of cases.

Is it possible that a breathalyzer can be wrong?

Yes. There a number of factors that can lead to incorrect readings on breathalyzers. For example, if the officer did not properly calibrate the machine, or if it was not maintained correctly, then the results could be incorrect. If the officer did not administer the test correctly then it could be wrong. If you have specific medical conditions then you may have compounds in your breath that can be misread as alcohol. As you can see, if you are charged with a DUI based on failing a breathalyzer test, there may still be defense options for you.

If I am pleading guilty do I still need a criminal defense attorney?

Yes. The plea that you are making is just one aspect of your criminal defense. If you are pleading guilty, we can work to have the sentence reduced as much as possible. For example, if you are charged with drug trafficking then we may be able to convince the prosecution to reduce the charge to drug possession in exchange for you pleading guilty. You should never plead guilty without talking to an attorney first.

The good news is that you can easily find out what your options are by contacting Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055. We will begin with a free legal consultation so that you can make the most informed decision.