Redwood City Criminal Defense Attorney
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Even in a thriving city like Redwood City, criminal charges can upend your life. A conviction can affect more than just your career—it can impact custody arrangements, housing, and your everyday freedoms. Facing these challenges alone can be overwhelming, but the right criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the process.
Our team at Summit Defense handles cases of all types, from minor offenses to serious felonies. We know the San Mateo County courts, understand how the system works, and act quickly to review evidence, identify defenses, and build a strategy tailored to your situation. Call 650-409-2523 today to schedule a free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.
Why Hire a Redwood City Criminal Defense Attorney?
A skilled Redwood City criminal defense attorney proves their value from the very first call. We start by advising you on what not to do—posting on social media, discussing your case with friends, or trying to “clear the air” on your own. Taking the wrong steps early can make a difficult situation even worse.
From there, we focus on building a strong defense. Our attorneys carefully review the evidence, look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore every possible defense strategy. Whether it’s an alibi supported by witness testimony or location data, or evidence obtained improperly through an illegal search, we know how to protect your rights and challenge the case against you.
Navigating the San Mateo County court system can be confusing, especially if it’s your first encounter with the legal process. We guide clients every step of the way—helping you understand court appearances, daily requirements, and what to expect next—so you can face this stressful time with confidence.
Our team regularly assists individuals facing criminal investigations and charges in Redwood City, including:
- Arrests and investigations by the Redwood City Police Department
- Court appearances in the San Mateo County Superior Court
- Evidence review, including police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements
- Negotiations with prosecutors regarding jail time, probation, protective orders, or felony allegations
Criminal Charges Our Redwood City Defense Lawyers Handle
Criminal charges can arise from many different situations, and the consequences can be life-altering. Our Redwood City criminal defense attorneys have experience defending clients against a wide range of allegations. We focus on protecting your rights, reviewing evidence, and developing a strong strategy for your specific case. Below are some of the charges we regularly handle:
Redwood City Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic violence cases involve allegations of physical harm to a spouse, partner, or family member. These cases can also result in protective orders or other restrictions, making a strong defense critical.
We approach each case with discretion, thoroughly investigate the claims, and work to ensure the full context is considered, protecting both your rights and your future.
Sexual Assault in Redwood City
Allegations of sexual assault are taken very seriously under California law and can involve claims of non-consensual contact or other forms of sexual misconduct. These cases are often highly sensitive and may depend heavily on witness testimony, credibility, and the way evidence is presented.
Our attorneys carefully examine the details of the accusation, including investigative procedures, physical evidence, and communications between the parties. By identifying inconsistencies, evaluating the context of the allegations, and challenging unsupported claims, we develop a defense strategy focused on protecting your rights, reputation, and future.
Assault Attorneys in Redwood City
Assault charges generally involve threats or attempts to use force against another person. Many cases arise from misunderstandings, disputes, or situations where self-defense may apply.
Our team examines witness statements, medical records, and available video evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop the strongest possible defense.
Redwood City Drug Crime Lawyers
Drug-related offenses vary depending on the type and quantity of the substance involved and can include simple possession, possession with intent to distribute, or trafficking.
We challenge improper searches, procedural mistakes, and questionable evidence, and when appropriate, we advocate for alternatives such as treatment programs or diversion rather than incarceration.
DUI Attorneys in Redwood City
DUI charges arise from operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. First-time offenses can still result in jail time, fines, and license suspension.
We carefully review the details of the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and testing equipment to uncover errors or unreliable evidence. This often allows us to negotiate reduced penalties or dismissal.
Trespassing in Redwood City
Trespassing charges involve entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission. Depending on the circumstances, these cases can be treated as minor infractions or more serious misdemeanors.
Our attorneys carefully review factors such as property boundaries, posted warnings, and whether there may have been confusion or implied permission. With strategic guidance, we work to reduce the risk of penalties, including fines or short-term jail time.
Redwood City Theft Lawyers
Theft allegations involve taking property that belongs to someone else without authorization. The severity of the charge usually depends on the value of the property involved.
We investigate all evidence, including witness statements and surveillance footage, to identify errors or misidentification. Our goal is to challenge the prosecution’s case and seek outcomes, such as reduced charges or dismissal, whenever possible.
Murder Charges in Redwood City
Murder charges are among the most serious offenses, with severe consequences. First-degree charges can carry life sentences, while second-degree charges also carry significant penalties.
Our attorneys perform comprehensive reviews of forensic evidence, investigative methods, and witness testimony. By examining every aspect of the prosecution’s case, we develop a strong, detailed defense strategy to protect your freedom.
Summit Defense – Redwood City Office
370 Convention Way Suite 316 Redwood City, CA 94063 650-667-4141Redwood City Practice Areas
Meet the Bay Area’s Most Experienced Criminal Defense Team
The Summit Defense legal team includes three former prosecutors, a former Police Officer, a Board Certified Appellate Specialist and attorneys who graduated from the country’s top law schools. Their accomplishments in the courtroom are well known in the legal community.
James Reilly
Attorney at Law
Rabin Nabizadeh
Attorney At Law
Ross Pytlik
Attorney at Law
Collin Moore
Attorney at Law
Aaron Palley
Attorney at Law
Patricia Campi
Attorney at Law
Scott Mossman
Attorney at Law
Deepti Sethi
Attorney at Law
Mario Andrews
Attorney at Law
Alison Adams
Attorney at Law
Todd Goodrich
Legal Assistant
Fara Karim
Legal Assistant
Practice Areas
Redwood City Criminal Charges We Defend
When you’re accused of criminal charges, you might think it’s better to just focus on defending against those allegations. However, other factors like where your case is filed and how local agencies approach these cases can affect the outcome.
A local Redwood City criminal defense lawyer understands how cases are prosecuted in San Mateo County, what issues tend to matter, and how to challenge weak or exaggerated allegations before they become harder to undo.
Redwood City cases often involve fast-moving decisions by police and prosecutors. If you wait too long to get legal defense, it becomes easier for the prosecution’s version of events to become the “official story.” Our goal is to disrupt that early, protect your rights, and create a defense strategy built for the realities of Redwood City courtrooms.
Our attorneys regularly help clients with Redwood City-area cases involving:
Defense Strategies Used in Redwood City Criminal Cases
In every criminal case, prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This means the evidence must be strong enough that jurors are left with no reasonable uncertainty about the defendant’s guilt.
Our criminal defense attorneys conduct detailed case reviews to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and develop defense strategies tailored to each situation.
Challenging the Evidence
A key part of many criminal defenses involves closely examining the evidence presented by the prosecution. This may include questioning the credibility of witnesses, identifying inconsistencies in police reports, or demonstrating that surveillance footage is incomplete or misleading.
A thorough investigation often reveals evidentiary gaps that can significantly affect the strength of the prosecution’s case.
Self-Defense and Legal Justification
California law allows individuals to use reasonable force to protect themselves or others when faced with immediate danger.
A self-defense argument may involve showing that:
- The individual reasonably believed they were in danger
- The response was proportional to the threat
- Force was necessary to prevent harm
- Another person’s actions escalated the situation
Our attorneys work to present the full context of the incident so the court understands the circumstances surrounding the event.
Alibi Evidence and Mistaken Identity
In some cases, the strongest defense is proving that the accused was somewhere else when the alleged offense occurred.
Evidence such as cell phone data, surveillance footage, GPS records, or witness testimony can help establish a person’s location at the relevant time. Mistaken identity can occur more often than people realize, particularly in stressful situations.
Constitutional Violations
Law enforcement must follow strict constitutional rules when conducting searches, traffic stops, and interrogations.
If officers violated these protections—such as by conducting an unlawful search or using coercive interrogation tactics—certain evidence may be challenged and potentially excluded from court proceedings.
Negotiating Reduced Charges
Many criminal cases are resolved through negotiations rather than a full trial. Our attorneys carefully assess the strength of the prosecution’s case and work with prosecutors to pursue outcomes that may reduce the charges or penalties.
These negotiated outcomes may include reduced charges, lighter sentencing recommendations, or agreements that avoid felony convictions.
Plea Bargaining in Redwood City Criminal Cases
Negotiated resolutions are common in cases handled through the San Mateo County Superior Court Southern Branch. However, the initial plea offer from prosecutors is not always the most favorable option.
Accepting a plea agreement can carry long-term consequences. Even a reduced charge may create a criminal record that appears on background checks and affects employment or housing opportunities.
Our defense attorneys approach negotiations strategically, highlighting weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence to pursue outcomes that best protect our clients’ futures.
Possible negotiated results may include:
- Reduced criminal charges
- Lower fines or penalties
- Avoiding jail time
- Preventing felony convictions
- Minimizing long-term effects on employment or professional licensing
Before any agreement is accepted, we ensure that every client fully understands the potential consequences.
After an arrest, you may face:
- Booking and release (with bail, or release on your own recognizance)
- A court date for arraignment
- Conditions of release, such as stay-away orders, travel restrictions, or check-ins
- A no-contact order in domestic violence-related cases
- The beginning of formal evidence review and negotiations
Let us help you fight for your future
Answers to Key Criminal Defense Questions in Redwood City
Facing criminal allegations in Redwood City often raises many questions. Below are answers to some of the concerns people frequently have.
What Should I Do if Redwood City Police Want to Question Me?
If officers from the Redwood City Police Department ask to speak with you, you have the right to remain silent and the right to request an attorney before answering any questions. Even casual conversations with police may later be used as evidence. It is usually best to politely state that you would like to speak with a lawyer first.
Where Are Redwood City Criminal Cases Heard?
Most criminal matters arising in Redwood City are handled by the San Mateo County Superior Court. Hearings typically take place at courthouses within the county that process criminal cases.
What Happens During an Arraignment in San Mateo County?
During an arraignment, a judge formally reads the criminal charges and explains your legal rights. You will then enter a plea—typically guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court may also address bail, release conditions, and future court dates.
Can Criminal Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?
In certain cases, charges may be reduced or dismissed. This often depends on factors such as the strength of the evidence, the reliability of witnesses, and whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the investigation.
How Long Does a Criminal Case Take in Redwood City?
It depends on the complexity of the case. Some misdemeanor cases may resolve in a matter of weeks or months, while felony cases can take several months or longer as evidence is reviewed and hearings are scheduled within the San Mateo County court system.
Can Criminal Charges Affect Employment or Housing?
Yes. Criminal charges may sometimes impact employment or housing opportunities, particularly when background checks are conducted. However, many cases resolve without a conviction, and California law provides certain protections regarding how criminal history may be considered.
What Is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?
Misdemeanors are generally less serious offenses that may carry penalties of up to one year in county jail, along with fines or probation. Felonies are more serious crimes that can lead to longer prison sentences and more significant long-term consequences.
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?
It depends. In most cases, legal fees will vary depending on various criteria. Some of these criteria include the overall severity of the criminal charges and the legal team’s or law firm’s track record.
What Happens if I Miss a Court Date?
Failing to appear for a scheduled hearing in San Mateo County Superior Court can result in serious consequences. A judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest and additional charges for failure to appear.
Do I Need a Lawyer if I’m Innocent?
Yes. Even individuals who believe they are innocent can face criminal charges due to misunderstandings, inaccurate reports, or incomplete investigations. An experienced criminal defense attorney can review the evidence, protect your legal rights, and ensure your side of the story is properly presented in court.
Defense Strategies Used in Redwood City Criminal Cases
To obtain a conviction, prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In other words, the evidence must be strong enough that jurors have no reasonable uncertainty regarding the allegations.
Our attorneys thoroughly evaluate every aspect of a case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments and to build a defense that challenges the charges.
Challenging the Evidence
One of the most important defense strategies involves closely examining the prosecution’s evidence. This may include questioning the reliability of witnesses, identifying inconsistencies in police reports, or showing that surveillance footage is incomplete or misleading.
Careful investigation often reveals gaps in the evidence that can significantly affect the outcome of a criminal case.
Self-Defense and Legal Justification
California law allows individuals to use reasonable force to protect themselves or others when facing immediate danger.
A self-defense claim may involve demonstrating that:
- The person reasonably believed they were in danger
- The response was proportional to the perceived threat
- Force was necessary to prevent harm
- Another person’s actions escalated the situation
Our attorneys present the complete context of the incident so the court can understand what actually occurred.
Alibi Evidence and Mistaken Identity
In some situations, the strongest defense is demonstrating that the accused was not present when the alleged offense occurred.
Evidence such as phone records, GPS data, surveillance footage, or witness testimony can establish a person’s location at the relevant time. Mistaken identity is more common than many people realize, particularly in stressful or chaotic situations.
Constitutional Violations
Law enforcement officers must follow strict constitutional guidelines when conducting searches, traffic stops, and interrogations.
If these rights were violated—for example through an illegal search or coercive questioning—certain evidence may be challenged and potentially excluded from court proceedings.
Negotiating Reduced Charges
Many criminal cases are resolved through negotiation rather than trial. Our attorneys evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case and work with prosecutors to pursue resolutions that may reduce charges or penalties.
Negotiated outcomes may include lesser charges, reduced sentences, or agreements that avoid felony convictions.
Plea Bargaining in Redwood City Criminal Cases
Negotiated resolutions are common in cases handled through the San Mateo County Superior Court system. However, the first plea offer presented by prosecutors is not always the most favorable option.
Accepting a plea agreement can have lasting consequences. For instance, agreeing to a reduced charge may still result in a criminal record that appears on background checks and affects employment opportunities. Our attorneys approach negotiations strategically, focusing on weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to pursue outcomes that best protect our clients’ futures.
Possible negotiated results may include:
- Reduced criminal charges
- Lower fines or penalties
- Avoiding incarceration
- Preventing felony convictions
- Minimizing long-term consequences related to employment or professional licensing
We ensure every client fully understands the implications before accepting any plea agreement.
Preparing for Trial in San Mateo County
If a case proceeds to trial within the San Mateo County Superior Court, extensive preparation becomes essential.
Trial preparation may include:
- Filing and arguing pretrial motions
- Challenging evidence through suppression hearings
- Preparing witnesses for testimony and cross-examination
- Consulting expert witnesses when appropriate
- Developing a detailed courtroom strategy
Thorough preparation helps ensure every possible defense option is considered before presenting the case to a jury.
Possible Outcomes in Redwood City Criminal Cases
An arrest or criminal charge does not automatically lead to a conviction. Many cases are resolved in ways that reduce or eliminate serious penalties.
Possible outcomes include:
- Dismissal due to insufficient evidence
- Reduced charges through negotiation
- Diversion programs or alternative sentencing
- Plea agreements with limited penalties
- Not-guilty verdicts at trial
- Convictions resulting in probation, fines, or incarceration
For many individuals, the most significant concern is the long-term impact of a criminal record. Even cases that do not involve jail time can affect job opportunities, housing applications, and professional licensing.
Our goal is always to pursue the outcome that best protects your reputation and future.
Protecting Your Rights After a Redwood City Arrest
If you have been arrested or contacted by the Redwood City Police Department, your actions in the early stages of the case can be extremely important.
To protect yourself:
- Exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say to law enforcement can potentially be used as evidence later, so it is often best to avoid making statements until you have spoken with a lawyer.
- Do not answer questions without an attorney present. Even questions that seem routine or harmless can become part of the prosecution’s case, which is why having legal counsel present is important.
- Do not consent to searches or volunteer information. Politely declining a search request preserves your legal rights and may allow your attorney to challenge improperly obtained evidence later.
- Avoid discussing the situation with anyone other than your lawyer. Conversations with friends, family members, or coworkers are not protected and could be repeated or used against you in court.
- Write down everything you remember about the incident. Recording details such as the timeline, people involved, and what officers said or did can help your attorney evaluate the circumstances of the arrest.
- Stay off social media and avoid posting about the situation. Posts, photos, or comments can easily be misinterpreted and may be reviewed by investigators or prosecutors.
- Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Early legal guidance allows your lawyer to begin reviewing the case, protecting your rights, and preparing a defense strategy right away.
While cooperating with law enforcement may seem helpful, speaking without legal guidance can sometimes create unintended problems. Protecting your rights and seeking legal advice early can make a significant difference in your case.
Our defense process often includes:
- Reviewing police reports and charging documents in detail
- Examining how evidence was gathered and whether your rights were violated
- Investigating witness statements, timelines, and inconsistencies
- Gathering surveillance footage, phone records, or other supporting evidence
- Identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s burden of proof
- Negotiating aggressively when the evidence supports dismissal or reduction
- Preparing for trial early when the case requires litigation
Areas We Serve on the San Mateo County Peninsula
We represent clients throughout Redwood City, San Mateo County, and the surrounding Peninsula communities, including:
- Menlo Park
- Palo Alto
- Belmont
- San Carlos
- Atherton
- East Palo Alto
Driving Directions to Our Redwood Criminal Law Office
From Redwood Shores (North)
From Redwood Shores, get onto Marine Pkwy heading East. Along the way, you’ll pass Lighthouse Cove, Shorebird Park, and Redwood Shores Lagoon. Merge onto US-101, driving South for 5 miles passing San Carlos Airport and REI on the way. Take exit 409 and merge onto Veterans Blvd. Take a left onto Convention Way, after .3 miles, our office will be on your left.
From East Palo Alto (East)
From East Palo Alto, drive South on University Ave until you reach US-101 (right behind IKEA). Merge onto Highway 101 going North, passing Menlo Park Hospital, Flood Park, and Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center. Take exit 409 for Whipple Ave, driving past Boardwalk Chevrolet and Toyota 101. Take a left onto Whipple Ave, going under the highway. Take a left onto Veterans Blvd, and another left onto Convention Way. Across the street from Satellite Healthcare, our office will be on your left.
From Downtown Menlo Park (South)
From Downtown Menlo Park, merge onto El Camino Real going North-West, passing Holbrook Palmer Park, Lloyden Park, and Redwood Junction along the way. At Redwood Junction, take a slight right onto Main St, following for 1.2 miles, passing In-N-Out Burger and the Redwood City DMV. Take a left onto Convention Way, and our office will be on your right.
From Edgewood Park (West)
From Edgewood Park, start driving North on Edgewood Rd, driving around Wellesley Crescent Park, then take a right onto El Camino Real at Stacks restaurant, followed by a quick left onto Whipple Ave going North-West. Pass Mezes Park and AAA Redwood City, and take a right onto Veterans Blvd. Take a quick left onto Convention Way, passing the Land Rover and Lexus Dealerships. Our office will be on your left.
Contact a Redwood City Criminal Defense Attorney at Summit Defense Today
When facing criminal charges, having experienced legal representation from the start is critical. Our attorneys carefully review the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and develop a strategy tailored to your situation to protect your rights and your future.
The Summit Defense team has handled a wide range of cases, including serious felonies, and we are prepared to fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf. Call today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a Redwood City criminal defense attorney.
Contact Us Now For a Free Consultation