San Joaquin Criminal Defense Lawyer
Facing criminal charges can be a scary time for a defendant. The prospect of jail and steep fines is very real. Defendants are up against the considerable power that can be brought by the District Attorney’s office in prosecution. And while the law says everyone accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty, an unfortunate reality is that a defendant’s community, friends, and even their family can rush to a negative judgment before all the facts are known. In this crucial hour of their lives, defendants need to know they have an attorney who believes in them, knows the law, knows the system.
That’s the kind of lawyer every defendant who walks through the door of Krueger Legal can find. Our founding partner, Attorney Phillip Krueger, worked as a prosecutor before becoming a defense attorney. He understands how the system works from both sides. He knows that proving guilt in a court of law is often much harder than authorities will let on to a defendant. And he knows that sometimes the wrong person is charged with a crime. Krueger Legal exists to leverage all that experience on behalf of defendants in the fight to preserve their freedom, their record, and their reputation.
Call us at (209) 565-0750 or fill out our online contact form to set up a free consultation.
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"Mr. Krueger is a lifesaver."
- Louie -
"Professionalism, excellence and timeliness."
- H.Z. -
"Thanks to Phil, the truth was revealed, and justice was realized."
- G.W. -
"Five-star legal service"
- D.O.
Practice Areas
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Felony Defense
Felony charges, by their very definition, can put a defendant behind bars for at least one year in the event of conviction. Depending on the crime, the jail sentence can be considerably longer. What’s more, the state of California uses the “Three Strikes” rules in sentencing. That means if a person is convicted of a major felony on three different occasions, the “third strike” sends them to prison for at least 25 years and perhaps the rest of their life—no matter what the sentence would otherwise be for the crime.
All of this by itself makes having an experienced and reliable defense lawyer vitally important for a defendant. An attorney who understands the justice system can also work with the considerable discretion that California law offers to prosecutors and judges. Some crimes—known as “Wobblers” can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor. Prosecutors may offer up a misdemeanor charge in exchange for a guilty plea. Defendants need to know the best path to take. The 10-plus years of experience offered by Krueger Legal give us a good understanding of when taking a deal makes sense and when it’s best to go all-out for acquittal.
Why Choose Us?
See What Sets Us Apart
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Local Lawyer Deeply Invested In the Community
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Former Prosecutor Who Knows Both Sides
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Spanish-Speaking Services Available
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We Fight Tirelessly & Aggressively For Our Clients
Contact Us
Everyone has the right to an attorney. But a defendant’s future may well depend on getting not just any lawyer, but having counsel who really understands the criminal law and knows the ins and outs of how the justice system works (and sometimes doesn’t work). A defense attorney with real savvy can impact the direction of a case even before charges are filed. Further opportunities to fight for a defendant’s rights continue to come up at pretrial hearings, jury selection, and the trial itself. And in those cases where the prosecution’s evidence is strong, the defense lawyer can still work to influence the terms of sentencing, which can go a long way in determining whether a defendant can rebuild their life. Krueger Legal offers in-depth, real-world experience combined with a deep and nuanced understanding of law and procedure. From our San Joaquin office, we serve all of Fresno County, and throughout Sacramento County and Stanislaus County.
What Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Do?
Criminal defense lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in defending individuals and organizations charged with criminal conduct. Their primary role is to advocate for their clients' rights and provide them with legal representation throughout the criminal justice process. Here are some key responsibilities and functions of criminal defense lawyers:
- Legal Advice: Criminal defense lawyers advise their clients on their legal rights and options, including potential defenses, plea bargains, and the possible outcomes of their case.
- Case Investigation: They investigate the facts and evidence related to the case, including interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports, and gathering any other relevant information that can be used in their clients' defense.
- Court Representation: Criminal defense lawyers represent their clients in court proceedings, including arraignments, pretrial hearings, trial proceedings, and sentencing hearings. They present arguments, examine witnesses, and cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses to challenge the evidence presented against their clients.
- Negotiating Plea Deals: In some cases, criminal defense lawyers negotiate with prosecutors to reach plea bargains that may result in reduced charges or sentencing for their clients.
- Legal Strategy: They develop a legal strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, which may involve identifying legal issues, filing motions to suppress evidence, or presenting defenses in court.
- Client Advocacy: Criminal defense lawyers act as advocates for their clients, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they receive fair treatment throughout the legal process.
- Post-Conviction Representation: If their clients are convicted, criminal defense lawyers may represent them in post-conviction proceedings, such as appeals or motions for a new trial.
- Legal Knowledge and Expertise: They stay updated on changes in criminal law and precedents that may impact their clients' cases, using their expertise to provide the best possible defense.
Overall, criminal defense lawyers play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of individuals accused of criminal offenses and ensuring that they receive a fair trial and representation in the criminal justice system.
Call us at (209) 565-0750 or reach out online to set up a free consultation.
