Vista Criminal Defense Lawyers

Call jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys if You've Been Arrested in Vista

A criminal conviction can lead to life-altering consequences: jail or prison time, steep fines, suspension of one’s driver’s license, and a criminal record. You don’t have to let your charge ruin your future. At jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, we understand what is at stake and we do whatever it takes to protect our clients. Attorney James N. Dicks is former police officer and narcotics investigator who brings his insider knowledge of the criminal court system to every client’s defense. When you need a tough advocate, inside or outside of court, we are here to help.

If you have been arrested in Vista or throughout North County, you need an attorney with proven skills and a deep understanding of the criminal code. At jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, James N. Dicks is a Vista criminal defense attorney who brings over 30 years of criminal law experience. He and his team are dedicated to defending your rights and protecting your future. Call jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys at (760) 630-2000 for a free case evaluation.

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Criminal Matters We Handle

No matter how serious your charge is, whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony, talk to our legal team for assistance. We are known for our high-quality representation and cutting-edge strategies. Our track record of success across a broad spectrum of criminal matters is a testament to our legal ability.

jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys is equipped to represent clients facing a diverse range of charges, including:

• Assault & Battery
• Domestic Violence
• Drug Crimes
• Drug Possession
• Drug Trafficking
• Drug Sale & Distribution
• DUI
• Commercial DUI
• DUI & Drugs
• DMV Hearings
• Sex Crimes
• Theft Crimes

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Consequences of a Criminal Charge

Criminal charges in California are divided into two main categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are reserved for minor offenses or first-time defendants but can still lead to between six months and one year in a San Diego County jail as well as up to $1,000 in fines. In turn, a felony conviction typically leads to more than a year in a California state prison, thousands of dollars in fines, the loss of your right to own a firearm, and even difficulties finding a job or applying for safe housing.

In addition, some crimes are classified as wobblers, which means they can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the circumstances of your arrest. For example, a hit-and-run will be a misdemeanor if only the other driver’s vehicle is damaged, and a felony if someone is injured.

California has a strong history of offering defendants alternative sentencing programs, often referred to as diversion programs. San Diego County also offers service members the chance to enter a military diversion program if they meet certain requirements. For first-time offenders charged with minor crimes like drug possession, it is also possible to receive informal probation and counseling instead of jail time.

This will all depend on the nature of your charges and the strength of your defense, which is why you should reach out to a legal team with more than 30 years of experience defending clients throughout North County.

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He and his staff are very courteous and professional.

"Mr. Dicks got my charge dismissed before my court date which saved me the inconvenience of having to deal with the Vista courthouse and taking a day off work. He and his staff are very courteous and professional. I have retained him in the past and have never been disappointed. I highly recommend Mr. Dicks."

- Scotto R.

Protect Your Rights

If you are arrested or charged with a crime, do not speak to law enforcement officers or investigators about the case. This information can be used against you in court. Anyone who has been arrested for a crime has the right to an attorney. An experienced and qualified lawyer such as Mr. Dicks will advise you on which questions can be answered and what statements you should make.

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Legal Representation Before, During, and After Your Vista Criminal Trial

Defendants often get lost in the California criminal justice system or accept restrictive plea deals that are not in their best interests. jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys has represented numerous clients who had no idea what was expected of them or how to protect themselves at trial. Many did not even realize they could contact an attorney before charges were filed against them.

Our team can provide strong legal representation during a pre-file investigation, where we can begin preparing your defense before you are charged with a crime and protect your right to privacy during a police investigation. Even if you have already been charged, we can sit down with you in a free consultation to go over your case. We will review the police report, collect evidence to support your defense, prepare you for trial, and negotiate with the district attorney to have your charges reduced or dropped. Our lead Vista attorney has spent more than 30 years in the courtroom and knows how to craft a defense that speaks to a jury.

In addition, even if you have already been convicted of a misdemeanor, you may have options for dealing with your criminal record. If it has been more than one year since you were convicted, you have kept your record clean since then, and you have fulfilled all penalties, then you may be able to have your record expunged through a “Petition of Relief.” Expungement allows former offenders to change their guilty plea or plea of no contendere to “not guilty,” effectively allowing you to say “no” when asked if you have a prior conviction. This will open up more job opportunities for you and allow you to move past your conviction. Your best option is to talk to one of our attorneys to determine if you are eligible for expungement to move forward with the process.

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Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist - 30+ Years of Experience

Mr. Dicks is not like other lawyers. He is a criminal defense specialist, certified by the State Bar of California. He is also a former narcotics investigator with the Los Angeles Police Department, and because of this, he knows how the other side of the system works. By dismantling the prosecution’s case, Mr. Dicks has helped numerous clients retain their freedom and avoid a criminal record.

As a former police officer and former narcotics investigator, James N. Dicks brings unique insider knowledge of the criminal process. His background in law enforcement and in-depth understanding of the criminal courts has proven to be a valuable asset. He leverages this experience to fight for the best possible outcome for his clients, inside and outside of court. His understanding of the legal process from arrest to conviction allows him to exploit violations of protocol and injustice to protect his clients’ rights and freedom.

jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys aggressively investigates cases by interviewing witnesses, examining the crime scene, and speaking with detectives. We will also speak to the San Diego County District Attorney on behalf of anyone our firm is defending. As someone who has worked on both sides of the law, James N. Dicks is respected throughout the legal and law enforcement community. He can negotiate with the prosecutor and gain more information through any investigation he conducts.

Why choose jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys to represent you?

• We put 30+ years of proven experience on your side
• We are dedicated to providing superior client service
• We even the playing field with a law enforcement insider
• We have a strong record of successes

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Defending Clients in Vista and Beyond

The moment you are arrested or being investigated in Vista, a North County criminal defense lawyer at jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys is here for you. We can help you understand your rights, your options, and guide you through the intimidating criminal court system. Our legal team works hard to ensure your best interests are protected.

Our Vista office is located right across the street from the North County Courthouse, and we can explain your legal rights in a free consultation. Please call us at (760) 630-2000 to schedule a meeting with an experienced defense team today.

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