Category: Criminal Defense

Can I change my lawyer? What about a public defender? Yes, you can change your legal representation during your criminal case. The law allows defendants to switch lawyers, but you need to follow the right steps. Timing matters and the process differs depending on whether you have a private attorney...

At Summit Defense Criminal Attorneys, our team often helps clients who ask, "Can I see the criminal record of someone else?" This question comes up when you need to check if someone has a criminal background for jobs, housing, or safety reasons. Criminal records are often public, but there are...

When do I need a lawyer for a criminal case? If you've been arrested or charged with a crime, you need a lawyer right away. The first few hours after facing criminal charges can greatly affect your case's outcome. Quick legal help might be the difference between jail time and...

At Summit Defense, our criminal defense attorneys know that the exclusionary rule protects your Constitutional rights when facing criminal charges. This legal rule stops police officers from using evidence they got through illegal searches. When a law enforcement official breaks the law while gathering evidence, courts can order the evidence...

Police searches of vehicles are common in criminal cases. But many people don’t know their rights when a car gets towed or impounded. A big question we often hear is: Can police officers search a towed vehicle without a warrant? This question involves your constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment. Police may claim...

If the police arrest you and ask questions without reading your Miranda Rights, anything you say might be tossed out. But what if that statement leads to a gun, drugs, or other tangible evidence? Can that still be used in court? The answer isn’t simple. Courts often treat statements and physical evidence differently. While a statement...

At Summit Defense, our criminal lawyers help people who talk to law enforcement officers. Knowing your legal rights prevents you from giving bad answers when police take a suspect into custody. We'll explain when police must read Miranda warnings, why these legal protections matter, and what to do if officers...

At Summit Defense, our criminal defense attorneys help people charged with crimes in the Bay Area. The differences between corporate or white-collar crime and blue-collar crime can greatly affect your case. This guide helps you understand these differences and why you need good legal help. What is White Collar Crime?...

When police officers request to search your apartment, knowing who can legally consent could distinguish between a lawful or illegal search. At Summit Defense, our criminal defense attorneys understand that search warrant requirements protect your privacy rights. The question of who can consent to an apartment search often arises in...

The Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable searches by law enforcement officers. In most cases, police need a valid search warrant before searching private property. However, there are legal exceptions that allow for warrantless searches under certain conditions. Without a warrant, police searches must comply with strict constitutional standards. If officers conduct an illegal search, any illegal items they find may be excluded from court....