Oakland Criminal Lawyer
Dedicated Criminal Defense in Alameda County
If you are facing criminal charges, you are probably feeling overwhelmed by emotion. You could be afraid or angry, making the moments following an arrest feel like a blur. With law enforcement trying to find any advantage they can against you while prosecutors use evidence to characterize you as a heartless villain, it can be easy to feel hopeless about your case even before you hire a trial lawyer.
At our dedicated criminal defense firm, we understand the difficulty of your situation. Oakland criminal defense lawyer Demetrius Costy has spent decades defending the accused throughout Alameda County, and knows the challenges you face when your rights are on the line. If you were charged with a criminal offense, our Oakland criminal defense firm will fight toward a favorable outcome, such as getting charges reduced or dropped altogether.
Don’t gamble with your freedom. Contact our Oakland criminal defense lawyer at Demetrius Costy Law to schedule a FREE consultation about your case.
You Are Our Top Priority
We understand how lost you may feel about the charges against you, and you may have many questions about your case. Do you need to testify? Were there witnesses who can corroborate your story? What evidence does the prosecution have against you? Our firm offers same-day appointments and free consultations to ensure you always have access to your attorney. You can count on our criminal defense lawyer in Oakland to provide you with answers to your questions and give you the insights you need to strategize effectively.
Bay Area Criminal Defense Lawyer
The sooner you call our firm, the more time our Oakland criminal lawyer will have to work toward building a case to protect your rights and seeking a favorable outcome. Attorney Demetrius Costy can request evidence from law enforcement, analyze their version of the events, and identify any errors they may have made in charging you. You have options, and one of our knowledgeable Oakland trial lawyers can help you explore them.
Call our Oakland criminal defense attorney (510) 254-3945 or submit an online contact form now to get started on planning your defense.
What to Do After an Arrest.
If you or a loved one has been arrested in the Bay Area, there are certain things you should and should not do at this time. Taking appropriate actions early on can have a substantial impact later in your case.
After an arrest, you should:
- Invoke your right to remain silent: Beyond giving your personal information to law enforcement officials, you do not have to answer any other questions or provide statements. What you say or do while in police custody can be used against you in court, which is why it is important to stay quiet.
- Make note of everything happening: Every detail of your case is important, including the things that happen to you at the time of your arrest. You have constitutional rights protecting you at each stage of your case, and if they are violated (for example, if police officers conduct an unlawful search or seizure), evidence may be deemed inadmissible, weakening the prosecutor’s arguments.
- Stay calm: We understand that this can be an overwhelming and stressful time. With your emotions high, you might behave in uncharacteristic ways, which could negatively impact your case. Try to remain calm during your arrest, as doing things such as explaining your side of the story or resisting officers could negatively affect you later.
- Contact a criminal defense attorney: Speak with a lawyer about your case as soon as possible. They can advise you on what to say and help prevent you from doing something that could hurt your case later.
- Refrain from discussing your case with others: Talking about your case with anyone but your lawyer can come back to haunt you later. Even though you may be discussing the matter with a friend or family member, the information you share might not stay private, and the prosecution can use it to build their case against you.
Reviews from Real Clients
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"I am happy with the competent and pleasant manner in which Mr. Costy handled my case."
I am writing to tell you how happy I am with the competent and pleasant manner in which Mr. Costy handled my case. Since this was my first time in such a situation I was very worried and upset. Mr. Costy was equally good at soothing my nerves as he was at making me smell like the proverbial rose at the conclusion of my case.- Previous Client -
Demetrius is an absolute professional that will go above and beyond to represent you.- Christopher C.
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"Thank you so much for your incredible skill and compassion."
I’d like to thank you for your work in getting my plea deal. I know that it wasn’t the greatest stuff to work with but I am so grateful for the outcome...Thank you so much for your incredible skill and compassion.- Previous Client -
The only criminal lawyer in Alameda county you‘ll ever need. Great attorney, great guy, great outcome. Thanks again- Christian C.
Why Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
Criminal cases are complex. Competently navigating them requires a thorough understanding of state and federal laws and court procedures. An Oakland criminal defense lawyer who has spent years honing their skills will have extensive knowledge about the justice process. They can explain the nuances of the law and guide you through your case. Without the help of an experienced criminal attorney, you could make missteps that might negatively impact the outcome of your case. Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, it is vital to have legal representation on your side.
How Do I Choose a Good Defense Attorney?
Selecting someone to represent you throughout your case should not be done lightly. You should carefully consider who you choose for legal counsel.
Factors to take into account when searching for a lawyer include:
- Responsiveness: It is important that an attorney respond promptly to your communications with them. They are, after all, the one you will turn to when you have a question or concern about your case.
- Personalized representation: Being charged with a crime is a personal matter. It affects you and those you love. That is why it is crucial to look for an attorney who will provide the focused attention you need. They should be attentive to your concerns and listen to your side of the story. Additionally, they should develop a defense strategy tailored for you.
- Experience: Not all lawyers handle criminal matters. Be sure the one you choose has experience defending those accused of crimes. It is also beneficial if the attorney has taken on cases similar to yours.
- Negotiation and litigation skills: A criminal case can be settled through a plea deal or a verdict. Choosing an attorney who knows how to negotiate with prosecutors and argue a case before a judge or jury will help ensure your matter is in capable hands regardless of the course it takes.
- Reviews: One way to get a better feel for an attorney’s level of service is to read feedback from past clients. Go through testimonials the lawyer has posted on their site or that have been left on third-party review platforms.
Oakland Resources:
Oakland Police - Jail Division