Frequently Asked Questions about Our Criminal Defense Law Firm in Chico, CA

• How much for an initial consultation?  
  It costs nothing to come in to consult us following your arrest.  Simply call Sandi, our administrative assistant at 530-345-1396 to set up an appointment.  If you have any paperwork in relation to your case, bring it with you.  We’re happy to sit down with you and talk through your situation.
   
• How do I find details about my case in the legal system?  
  The best way to do this is to go to the website of the Butte County Superior Court.
   
• What if I am contacted by police?  
  If you are contacted in any way by police, you need to talk a criminal defense attorney, even if you don’t believe you should be arrested.  You should invoke your “right to counsel,”  which means “I want/have an attorney.”  After that, you are “lawyered up” and the police may not continue to question you without an attorney present. 
   
• Should I talk to the police? 
  You have an absolute right to have your attorney present any time the police seek to speak with you about a crime.  Remember, you have the right to remain silent, and ANYTHING you say can be used against you.  Thus, it is in your absolute best interest to remain silent until you have the chance to speak to your attorney, and have your attorney present for any police interviews.
   
• Do you know where I can get more information about my DUI /DWI / DUID / DWAI? 
  The website of the California DMV provides basic information about the consequences of a DUI arrest, but does not provide legal assistance and is not comprehensive.  Please come in to consult about the legal ramifications of your case. Visit our DUI /DWI / DUID / DWAI Defense Page for more information.
   
• What steps do I need to take after getting arrested?  
  If you get arrested you need to get a great defense attorney.  If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent you.   
   
• How long will this process take? 
  One of the most challenging aspects for people accused of crime is not knowing when the case will end.  Since each case presents entirely different facts and legal issues, the duration of each case will be different.  The important thing is to choose a lawyer who will stand by your side from the beginning to the end, and who will be available to you throughout the process.  Latimer & Kenkel has built their name on their steadfast commitment to every client, the whole way through. 
   
• I’m innocent--how can I prove it?  
  The first thing to remember is that ALL people are presumed innocent until PROVEN guilty.  This means that the government has the burden of proving any charges that are pending against you.  They try to do this by collecting and presenting physical evidence such as statements, video, audio, and eyewitness accounts, among other things.  The best thing you can do is hire an attorney committed to relentless investigation and vigorous advocacy on your behalf.