What Cases Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Handle?

Every criminal case in the United States has at least two lawyers: the prosecutor, who represents the state; and a criminal defense lawyer, who may be either a public defender or a private attorney, representing the defendant. This, of course, excludes the exceptional case in which a defendant chooses to represent themself, which is called proceeding pro se or pro per. Nagra Law Firm P.C., led by owner and lead trial counsel Akaash Nagra, Esq., handles a wide range of criminal cases, including financial crimes, violent crimes, robbery, conspiracy, traffic crimes, domestic abuse, drug crimes, sex crimes, weapons crimes, and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) before state, appellate, and federal courts. We are passionate about vindicating our clients and ensuring that their constitutional rights are protected. Hiring a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney plays a crucial role in ensuring that your interests are safeguarded, whether your case goes to trial or if a settlement is pursued. In this blog post, Nagra Law Firm P.C., one of the leading criminal law firms based in Sacramento, will take you through some of the commonly handled cases by criminal defense lawyers.

Crimes Against Another Person

When an individual physically or mentally harms another person or even attempts to do so, it may become a punishable criminal offense under various statutes in California. Crimes against other people can take many forms. Some of these cases include assault, battery, assault with a deadly weapon, murder, manslaughter, sexual offenses, domestic abuse, and more. Deaths caused by injuries during arguments, quarrels, assaults, fights, or other circumstances may be charged as murder. An example of one such circumstance is when a victim dies in a case of alleged Driving Under the Influence when the Defendant has received the Watson advisement after a previous DUI. In this circumstance, the defendant may be charged with murder. An experienced Sacramento criminal defense trial attorney should be immediately consulted if you or a loved one has been charged or may be charged with any of the above-described crimes.

While murder involves the intentional killing of another human being, voluntary and involuntary manslaughter are reduced charges, which still can carry very serious consequences. Some homicides can be deemed lawful, such as cases of self-defense, necessity, or defense of others. When you hire Mr. Nagra, Esq., an expert criminal defense lawyer in Sacramento, you can rest assured that your criminal case is in good hands. We will seek the strongest possible defense strategy for your specific situation after listening to all details about your case, and we will aggressively defend you in court.

Crimes Related to Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Just like the physical dangers of a DUI, such as death, paralysis, or traumatic brain injury (TBI), the legal consequences of a DUI are also very severe. A DUI conviction will usually lead to jail time, probation, fines, loss of your driver’s license, and an increased insurance premium. It is extremely important to consult with a knowledgeable Sacramento DUI attorney in these cases to discuss any possible defenses and ramifications of your case. An experienced criminal defense lawyer, such as Mr. Nagra of Nagra Law Firm P.C., will have all the tools necessary to represent you in court effectively. If you are charged with a DUI, do not delay, call us at (916)-913-1378. It is essential to contact us quickly, otherwise your right to a DMV hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver’s license will be forfeited just ten days after your DUI arrest. Mr. Nagra will not only study your case inside and out, but he will also present your side of the story in court, ensuring that your rights are safeguarded and protected.

Domestic Abuse and Domestic Violence Crimes

Over a million people are charged with domestic violence every year. Physical, emotional, financial, and even mental abuse can all fall under the broad umbrella of domestic abuse cases. Along with genuine cases, every year many false cases of domestic violence are also filed. Wrongful charges in cases of domestic violence or domestic abuse can seriously affect the life of the defendant, which makes hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney a must. In some cases, a defendant in a domestic abuse case may even be charged with homicide, despite the truth perhaps being that there may have been a legitimate claim to self-defense. A law firm with experience handling similar cases will be best equipped to skillfully handle your case. At Nagra Law Firm P.C., our goal is always to obtain the best possible outcome in your case and to maintain the highest level of customer service by keeping you informed and aware throughout the process. Our criminal defense law firm is always just a phone call away, at (916)-913-1378.

Sexual Harassment and other Sex Crimes

Sexual offenses carry very severe punishments in court, in addition to the obvious social stigma attached. Sexual crimes may include sexual harassment, indecent exposure, statutory rape, child abuse, spousal rape, sexual battery, and others. Depending on the severity of the alleged crime, the punishment for such offenses may range from one year in jail to life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Our law firm takes these accusations extremely seriously, always mindful of the fact that these cases carry some of the highest rates of false accusations. Akaash Nagra, Esq., believes that everybody has the right to a strong criminal defense attorney. We understand the irreversible impact these cases have on people’s lives. Call us at (916)-913-1378, whether you believe that you are being investigated or if you have already been charged. We will get your side of the story, gather all available witnesses and evidence, and make sure that your interests are protected. We have experience in brokering favorable settlement deals, as well as taking cases all the way to the jury box.

Crimes Related to Weapons

Crimes associated with the use or possession of weapons are often serious punishable offenses. While illegal possession of a weapon is itself a serious crime, it often can be committed in combination with other associated offenses, such as drug possession. If a person is charged with a particular crime and the prosecutor believes that a weapon was used to commit the crime, the prosecutor may charge the person with a weapon “enhancement”, which may dramatically increase the possible punishment for the crime. Conviction of a weapon crime may harm future employment prospects. It is always a wise decision to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney when you are charged with a weapon-related crime.

Financial Crimes

Every year in the United States, millions of financial frauds are committed. Any act committed in which one party gains undue financial benefits at the expense of another party who suffers a financial loss may possibly be described and criminally charged as a financial crime. Money laundering, tax evasion, securities fraud, and embezzlement are some of the most common financial crimes. Due to the often-complex nature of white-collar criminal issues, there may be many overlapping criminal charges filed based on a single alleged transaction or occurrence. There are cases where innocent people are charged with financial crimes due to unintentional mistakes or misunderstandings. A skilled criminal defense lawyer, such as Mr. Nagra, will help you by studying all the evidence, helping you understand the law and all possible outcomes, conducting investigation, contacting law enforcement and/or the prosecution, and presenting your side of the story. Do not delay, call us today at (916)-913-1378.

Theft, Burglary, Robbery, and Shoplifting Charges

Whether it is a less-serious criminal charge such as shoplifting, or a very serious charge such as armed robbery, defendants are advised to consult with a private criminal defense lawyer in Sacramento to gain a better understanding of their possible options and outcomes. The severity of the possible punishment in these cases may be based on the value of the allegedly stolen item(s), as well as whether a weapon was used and whether the defendant has any prior strike convictions. Contrary to popular belief, all theft, no matter the value of the stolen property, still carries criminal punishment to this day in California. Theft of more expensive items can be charged as a felony, landing a person in prison if convicted. Theft of less expensive items is charged as a misdemeanor, which carries a county jail sentence of up to one year.

Have Questions? Contact Nagra Law Firm P.C. Today!

If you ever find yourself being investigated or charged with a criminal offense, you should consult a skilled criminal defense lawyer right away. Mr. Nagra is a former prosecutor and a former public defender; these experiences combined provide him with a unique level of understanding of all angles of the criminal justice system. Mr. Nagra dedicates his time to protecting the rights of the accused. Call us today to schedule your Free First Consultation, and remember, which lawyer you hire matters!