We understand that when you or someone you love is facing criminal
charges your mind can run wild with fear and uncertainty. We know
you have questions – we have answers. We want our website to be
as informative as possible because we believe in educating our clients
and the public regarding criminal law. However, you should not try
to get through the criminal process on your own. Seek out advice
from an experienced attorney, learn about your rights and make well-reasoned,
educated decisions. Our clients get the advantage of our years of
experience in the criminal justice system and we can help you too.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, call The Scranton
Law Firm today – consultations are always free!
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What type of criminal cases
do you handle?
The Scranton Law Firm has the experience, knowledge and resources
to handle almost any kind of criminal matter anywhere in the
state of California. We handle everything from simple misdemeanors
to serious and violent felonies. We represent both adults and
juveniles charged with crimes in California State and Federal
courts. We can also help you get your prior criminal record
expunged. For a list of specific
crimes that we frequently handle, please see that part of
our website.
If you or someone you love has been charged with any crime in
California, contact The Scranton Law Firm and speak with one
of our experienced criminal defense attorneys today. Consultations
are always free! |
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Should I talk to the police if I am arrested?
No. Talking to the police is the biggest, and most frequent,
mistake people make when they have been arrested or charged
with a crime. You should never speak to the police about your
case, make statements of any kind, or make any admissions regarding
your guilt without first getting the advice of a qualified attorney.
You have a right to remain silent and to have an attorney present
during any questioning. It is critical that you exercise these
rights. Never discuss your case with anyone besides your attorney
and have your attorney with you during all questioning by law
enforcement. When you are the focus of a criminal investigation,
the police are not your friends. Don’t talk to them without
an attorney. The only person you should talk to about your case
is your attorney.
If you have been arrested for any crime in California, contact
The Scranton Law Firm and speak with one of our experienced
criminal defense attorneys today. Consultations are always free!
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Can I talk to my friends or family about
my case?
No. Many people who are charged with crimes want to talk to
friends and family about their matter. This can be a major mistake.
Statements that you make to any person other than your attorney
are not confidential. The prosecution can force that person
to testify about what you said. The only person you should talk
to about your case is your attorney.
If you have been charged with a crime, do not talk to your friends
or family about it, talk to us. Call The Scranton Law Firm and
speak with one of our experienced California criminal defense
attorneys today. Consultations are always free! |
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Can I talk to my therapist or counselor
about my case?
No. The only person you should talk to is your lawyer. There
are many rules which therapists and counselors have to abide
by when dealing with crimes or potential crimes. You should
not try to navigate these rules on your own, it is simply too
risky. For example, if you have committed a sex offense against
a minor and you discuss it with your therapist, he or she is
required to contact the police and report what you have related
during therapy. If they don’t report the crime they can be charged
with a misdemeanor!
If you have been charged with a crime, do not talk to your therapist
or counselor about it, talk to us. Call The Scranton Law Firm
and speak with one of our experienced California criminal defense
attorneys today. Consultations are always free! |
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Do you have experience with domestic violence
cases?
Yes. Domestic violence cases are very common and we have a great
deal of experience with them. Domestic disputes can lead to
imprisonment, fines and / or probation combined with a year-long
batterer’s treatment program. California prosecutors have given
these crimes increasing attention in recent years and they will
frequently pursue charges against a defendant even if the alleged
victim wants to drop the case. These are serious offenses which
can have a host of negative impacts on your life for years to
come.
Charges of domestic violence will typically result in the issuance
of a restraining order. Often times, you will be told by the
victim to ignore the order and come on over. Don’t do it. Violation
of a restraining order is a new and separate offense. A restraining
order can only be modified by another court order. In other
words, only a judge can modify an order, not your spouse.
If you or someone you love has been charged with any type of
domestic violence crime, or if you need to get a restraining
order modified, contact The Scranton Law Firm and speak with
one of our experienced California criminal defense attorneys
today. Consultations are always free! |
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Should I trust the public defender to handle
my case?
No. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, your life
is about to change. It is possible that you will lose your friends,
family, employment and quite possibly your freedom. Don’t trust
your future to an overworked, inexperienced public defender
that will treat you like just another nameless, faceless file.
Regardless of the type of crime you are faced with, it is in
your best interest to hire a private attorney who will respect
your situation and give your case the time and attention it
deserves. Public defenders simply do not have the time or resources
to give you the personal attention and counsel you will need
throughout the criminal process. The sooner you contact our
office the better. We can assist you at every stage of your
criminal matter, from pre-charge negotiations with the prosecution
to plea bargaining and trial if necessary.
Do not delay and put your reputation, liberty or life on the
line. Call The Scranton Law Firm today and speak with one of
our experienced California criminal defense attorneys today.
Consultations are always free! |
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How much will it cost me to have The Scranton
Law Firm handle my criminal case?
It depends on the case. We have reasonable flat fee rates for
specific work, or we can enter into a more all encompassing
retainer fee agreement. If your matter is one which requires
a retainer, we will discuss what you need in advance and put
those terms in our written fee agreement. All flat fees or retainers
must be paid in advance, which is standard practice when hiring
any private criminal defense attorney. The fee does not include
costs such as private investigation or hiring experts, if those
services are required. Typically the process requires one fee
which covers all legal work through pretrial resolution. If
the case does not settle and the matter is set for trial, a
separate fee and fee agreement will be required. For the convenience
of our clients we now accept all major credit cards.
If you have been charged with a crime anywhere in California
and you want to retain an aggressive, professional, experienced
private attorney, call The Scranton Law Firm today. Consultations
are always free! |
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I was arrested for Driving Under the Influence,
what should I do?
It depends on the case. We have reasonable flat fee rates for
specific work, or we can enter into a more all encompassing
retainer fee agreement. If your matter is one which requires
a retainer, we will discuss what you need in advance and put
those terms in our written fee agreement. All flat fees or retainers
must be paid in advance, which is standard practice when hiring
any private criminal defense attorney. The fee does not include
costs such as private investigation or hiring experts, if those
services are required. Typically the process requires one fee
which covers all legal work through pretrial resolution. If
the case does not settle and the matter is set for trial, a
separate fee and fee agreement will be required. For the convenience
of our clients we now accept all major credit cards.
If you have been charged with a crime anywhere in California
and you want to retain an aggressive, professional, experienced
private attorney, call The Scranton Law Firm today. Consultations
are always free! |
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Do you handle sex offense cases?
Yes. If you have been charged with molestation, rape, or any
other sex offense, it pays to hire an attorney experienced in
this area. The punishments are harsh and the prison exposure
is great. In the last few years, the statute of limitations
has been extended for many sex offenses thus allowing for more
prosecutions. Also, the evidence code has been modified to permit
the prosecution to introduce evidence of “prior uncharged acts”
against you at trial. This area requires expertise and The Scranton
Law Firm has it. Contact us today and speak with one of our
experienced California criminal defense attorneys. Consultations
are always free and confidential! |
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Can you help me get my criminal record expunged?
Yes, we have a great deal of experience in this area. We can
file a petition with the court to get your criminal record cleared
at very little cost to you. It is generally required that you
first complete the terms and conditions of your probation. However,
even if your probation term has not yet expired, you may still
petition the court for early termination of probation. Expungement
is available for both felonies and misdemeanors. It is also
possible to have a felony reduced to a misdemeanor on your record.
There are many advantages to going through this process, including
the ability to state on job applications or other documents
that you have not been convicted of a crime. However, it is
important to note that there are certain limitations on reporting
the dismissal or reduction and you must always answer truthfully
if asked whether your record has been cleared or expunged. There
are several specific rules and procedures that must be followed
to get a criminal record expunged, and this option is not available
for all crimes.
Call The Scranton Law Firm today for more information about
this important area of the law and find out if your case qualifies
for expungement. Our consultations are always free and confidential!
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