Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re arrested, your actions in the first few minutes and hours can have a significant impact on your case. Stay calm, remain respectful, and avoid resisting arrest, even if you believe the arrest is unfair. Most importantly, exercise your right to remain silent and ask to speak with a criminal defense attorney before answering any questions.
Do not try to explain your side of the story to law enforcement. Even innocent statements can be misunderstood or used against you later. Instead, provide only basic identifying information if required and clearly state that you want an attorney.
At Weber Law, we help clients throughout California, Colorado, and Utah from the earliest stages of a criminal case. Early legal representation often allows us to protect your rights, review the evidence quickly, communicate with prosecutors, and begin developing the strongest possible defense.
In most cases, no.
Police officers are trained to gather evidence during interviews and interrogations. Their job is to investigate crimes—not to determine whether someone is innocent. Even truthful answers can be taken out of context or interpreted in a way that harms your defense.
You have the constitutional right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during questioning. Exercising these rights cannot legally be used as evidence that you committed a crime.
If officers ask to interview you, politely state that you want a lawyer before answering any questions. Once you’ve requested an attorney, avoid discussing your case with anyone except your legal counsel.
The answer depends on the circumstances.
The Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures, but there are important exceptions to the warrant requirement. In certain situations, officers may legally conduct searches based on consent, probable cause, exigent circumstances, or other recognized exceptions under the law.
For example, officers may search a vehicle under certain circumstances that would not apply to a private residence. Cell phone searches also involve unique constitutional protections and often require a warrant unless a recognized exception applies.
If you believe evidence against you was obtained through an unlawful search, Weber Law can evaluate whether that evidence should be challenged or suppressed.
Criminal offenses generally fall into one of two categories: misdemeanors and felonies.
Misdemeanors are typically less serious offenses that may carry penalties such as fines, probation, community service, or jail sentences of up to one year, depending on state law.
Felonies are more serious crimes that may result in lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and long-term consequences affecting employment, housing, firearm rights, professional licenses, and other aspects of your future.
Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you should take the charges seriously. Even a seemingly minor conviction can create lasting consequences.
Yes. While every case is different, criminal charges may be dismissed for a variety of legal and factual reasons.
Dismissals may occur when prosecutors lack sufficient evidence, witnesses become unavailable, constitutional rights were violated, evidence was obtained illegally, or new facts undermine the prosecution’s case.
At Weber Law, every case begins with a detailed review of the evidence, police reports, witness statements, and investigative procedures. We look for opportunities to challenge the government’s case and pursue dismissals whenever the facts and law support doing so.
Not necessarily.
The possible outcome depends on the charge, your criminal history, the facts of the case, and the laws of California, Colorado, or Utah.
Some cases may result in probation, diversion programs, treatment programs, community service, or other alternatives to incarceration. Other cases carry mandatory jail or prison sentences.
Our attorneys work to minimize the consequences of criminal charges and pursue every available option to protect your freedom whenever possible.
Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of your case, the seriousness of the charges, whether expert witnesses are needed, and whether the case proceeds to trial.
During your consultation, we’ll review your case, explain your legal options, discuss potential defense strategies, and provide clear information about legal fees before representation begins.
Investing in experienced legal representation can help protect your future from the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction.
Possibly.
Depending on the state where your case was resolved and the specific outcome, you may qualify for expungement, record sealing, or other forms of post-conviction relief.
Each state has its own eligibility requirements, waiting periods, and procedures. Factors such as the type of offense, your criminal history, and whether you’ve completed all sentencing requirements can affect your options.
Weber Law can review your record and determine whether you’re eligible to pursue relief under the laws of California, Colorado, or Utah.
Not usually.
In criminal cases, charges are filed by the government—not by the alleged victim. While a victim’s wishes may influence the prosecutor’s decision in some cases, the prosecutor ultimately decides whether to continue or dismiss the case.
This issue commonly arises in domestic violence and assault cases, where many people mistakenly believe the alleged victim has complete control over whether charges proceed.
If you’re facing criminal charges, it’s important to discuss your specific situation with an attorney rather than relying on assumptions about how the process works.
Not before speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
A plea agreement may reduce charges or penalties, but it also involves giving up important constitutional rights, including your right to a trial. Accepting the wrong plea can also create long-term consequences for employment, immigration, professional licensing, and your criminal record.
Before making any decision, you should understand the strength of the evidence, possible defenses, and the likely outcomes of both a negotiated resolution and a trial.
Every criminal case follows its own timeline.
Some misdemeanor cases resolve within a few weeks, while complex felony cases may take several months or longer. Factors affecting the timeline include court schedules, the amount of evidence involved, negotiations with prosecutors, pretrial motions, and whether the case proceeds to trial.
Throughout the process, Weber Law keeps clients informed about what to expect and works diligently to move cases forward while ensuring every defense strategy is fully developed.
Weber Law represents clients facing a wide variety of criminal charges throughout California, Colorado, and Utah.
Our practice includes defense against charges involving DUI, drug offenses, domestic violence, assault, violent crimes, theft offenses, burglary, robbery, sex crimes, white collar crimes, weapons offenses, probation violations, traffic-related crimes, juvenile offenses, and many other misdemeanor and felony matters.
No matter the charge, our goal is the same: protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and pursue the best possible outcome.
Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss your case confidentially with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
We’ll review the charges or investigation, explain the criminal justice process, answer your questions, discuss potential defense strategies, and help you understand what to expect moving forward.
Our goal is to provide honest guidance so you can make informed decisions about your case and your future.
Yes.
Many people contact an attorney only after charges have been filed, but obtaining legal representation during an investigation can be extremely valuable.
If law enforcement has contacted you, requested an interview, served a search warrant, or indicated that you’re a suspect, you should speak with a lawyer immediately. Early legal intervention may help protect your rights and influence how the investigation proceeds.
Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make after an arrest or criminal investigation.
Weber Law represents clients throughout California, Colorado, and Utah with a commitment to aggressive advocacy, strategic case preparation, and personalized representation. We understand what’s at stake—your freedom, your reputation, your career, and your future.
From the moment you hire our firm, we work to thoroughly investigate your case, challenge unlawful evidence, negotiate when appropriate, and prepare every case as though it could go to trial. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, we’re committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome.
