Santa Cruz Criminal Defense Lawyers

Offering Experienced Legal Guidance

Santa Cruz may be known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and scenic views, but even in this picturesque city, legal challenges can arise. When you’re facing criminal charges, whether it’s a misdemeanor or a more serious offense, the impact on your life can be profound. That’s why having the right legal representation is crucial.

Our firm is deeply committed to providing compassionate and effective criminal defense services, with a special emphasis on supporting veterans and individuals struggling with mental health issues. We understand that these groups often face unique challenges, both inside and outside the courtroom. Our goal is to seek out alternative sentencing and diversion programs that address these underlying issues, whether through Veterans Treatment Courts or mental health diversion options.

If you need a criminal law attorney in or around Santa Cruz, the Law Offices of William V. Pernik is here to help. Our experienced team offers knowledgeable legal representation to reduce or even remove the penalties you are facing. Violent crimes, drug crimes, sex crimes, and other criminal charges carry severe penalties. Our team is here to represent you and protect your rights to get the outcome you deserve.

At our law offices, we believe in a team-based approach to all of our criminal cases. Our attorneys work side-by-side with a defense investigator who can uncover evidence to use in your defense case. With help from our support staff and our combined efforts, we have helped countless clients reach positive resolutions through the criminal justice system.

Being arrested or detained is inherently stressful. It’s natural to want to talk to police officers or prosecutors and explain your side of the story. Unfortunately, talking to the police without a defense attorney present can do more harm than good. Anything you say could be used against you in court, leading to further penalties or increased charges. Even innocent statements can be twisted to paint you in a bad light.

By working with a defense lawyer immediately, you can protect your rights and advocate for yourself. Our team will accompany you to all police interrogations and prosecution negotiations. We can also examine any plea deal you are offered to determine whether or not it’s in your best interests. Many criminal cases are settled outside of court; however, sometimes, the best course of action is to go to trial and plead your case. Our experienced trial attorneys can represent you before a judge if it’s the best way to get you a favorable outcome.

At our law firm, we know that your background and history can play a part in your criminal charges. We pride ourselves on offering compassionate representation to veterans, those suffering from substance abuse issues, and those struggling with mental health disorders. Not only will we provide legal services to you, but we can help you find the resources you need to get through this difficult situation and into a better environment.

DUI cases are especially common in the Santa Cruz County area. A simple mistake or a few too many drinks can have devastating consequences on your future and your driving privileges. We know that good people end up in bad situations, and we don’t fault you for it. We will use our backgrounds and experience to get you a positive resolution in your criminal defense case.

When you work with our team, we’ll build you a unique legal defense strategy that meets your needs. We know that all criminal defense cases are different, which is why we don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we create a defense strategy with you in mind, making the strategy work for you, not the other way around. If you’d like to avoid a conviction on your record or reduce the penalties you’re facing, it’s imperative to speak to a criminal defense attorney on our team right away.

With our years of experience navigating the California justice system, we have built proven strategies that resonate with juries and judges alike. We are confident that with our commitment to your case, you can safeguard your future and face any legal challenges head-on.

Your freedom, your future, and your reputation may be on the line when facing criminal charges. We understand how crucial it is to protect our clients, and we are dedicated to serving the people of Santa Cruz. If you’ve already been convicted or you’ve served your time, we can help you submit an appeal or a petition to expunge your records. Even if you’ve faced a trial and a guilty verdict already, you still have legal options that we can help you explore.

Criminal defense cases require experienced legal professionals to protect your rights and defend you against criminal consequences. If you’d like to talk to an attorney on our team, contact us today by calling 831-480-9217. We’ll learn more about your case and the evidence against you before creating a personalized legal strategy that’s right for you.

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