Criminal and DUI Attorneys in Dubin and Pleasanton, CA

phone: (925) 854-4400

ALAMEDA COUNTY CRIMINAL ATTORNEYS IN DUBLIN, CA, WITH NEARLY 20 YEARS OF REFUSING TO BACK DOWN

Since opening the doors to his Criminal Defense firm nearly two decades ago, seasoned trial attorney James Dunn and the legal team have always believed that every client is innocent until proven guilty. The firm is known in the legal community as the place to go when clients really want to fight their charges and don’t want to simply take the deal. Unlike other defense firms that handle more cases and perhaps charge smaller fees, Mr. Dunn’s firm refuses to back down and take the deal that the client most likely would have received from the district attorney without legal representation. Mr. Dunn is one of the few criminal defense attorneys who is almost always in trial. This is how the firm earned its reputation and how it gets such extraordinary results for its clients.

DUBLIN CRIMINAL ATTORNEY DUNN’S FIRM OFFERS THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS TO ALAMEDA COUNTY CLIENTS:

• Free initial case evaluation. We accept urgent calls 24/7.
• Nearly 1,500 cases resolved
• Criminal Law Specialist on legal team
• Perfect Avvo Rating of 10/10 Superb
• BBB A+ Rating
• Specialist Member and Board Member of the California DUI Lawyers Association

ARRESTED FOR A CRIME IN DUBLIN, PLEASANTON OR ELSEWHERE IN ALAMEDA COUNTY?  READ OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SECTION

The majority of the firm’s clients are successful people who have little or no experience with the criminal justice system.  They are unfamiliar with the legal process, but because of their careers and reputation, they have much to lose if their case is not properly defended.

If this describes you, know that you are not alone.  Having defended Alameda County clients accused of crimes for a long time, we know the questions that our clients usually ask.  The firm’s attorneys have put together this question and answer section to get you started.  Our goal is to help you understand the process of arrest, bail, court appearance and defending your case.  We prefer to work with clients who are informed because it helps us work together to develop the best defense strategy.

Every case in Dublin and other Alameda County courts is different and every client has a unique situation, so feel free to call or email our office any time. We recognize that our clients are anxious and we make every effort to be available outside of normal business hours including nights and weekends.  We have even been known to give a phone consultation after the dinner hour.

Where can i find my loved one, family, member or friend? he or she was taken away by police.

There are a few key strategies you should employ together.

If your loved one has been arrested very recently, they may not be at the station yet.  It is possible that they are being interviewed by police or simply waiting to be booked. It is important for every defendant or person under investigation to know their rights including their right not to answer questions. Work with an attorney such as Law Office of James Dunn to advise your family and the defendant being questioned.

If you think that your loved one has been booked, you can try looking at the inmate locator.  https://www.acgov.org/sheriff_app/

Often people either go to the jail or call the jail. To bail someone out at jail however requires a full bail fee, which is refundable so long as the inmate follows strict instructions regarding court attendance and other court imposed conditions.

More often, people, contract to pay a non-refundable fee with a bail bonds company. So, talking to such a company representative can give you real time access to bail information.  Seek out up to date information about bail bonds companies and understand the contractual obligation and terms before agreeing to the arrangement.

WHAT CRIMINAL COURTS ARE INCLUDED IN ALAMEDA COUNTY?

Many of the cases are being heard in Dublin East County Hall of Justice but we have listed all courthouses where a criminal matter can be heard.  The Alameda County Court System includes courts in Alameda, Berkeley, Dublin-ECHOJ, Fremont, Hayward, Oakland RCD, Oakland WWM, San Leandro – JGP and San Leandro – JJC  .

HOW CAN I SEARCH FOR AN ALAMEDA COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT RECORD?

There is a way to search for criminal cases in Alameda County, and you can additionally look at the docket by clicking on “criminal case” here although it takes time before the court enters this information into these online system. You will need specific information to confirm that a certain defendant has a case including a last name and/or case number.  If you are a client of the firm our office staff will help you with this process and keep you informed at each development in the case.  Clients of the firm have access to a client portal which is the portion of our website that we use to help keep you in the loop and facilitate communication.

IS THERE CHILDCARE at the DUBLIN COURTHOUSE.

There is a “children’s waiting room” at the new Dublin, California, courthouse and at Hayward, Wiley W Manuel Oakland and the Juvinile Justice center in San Leandro. There are some rules posted on the website, the waiting room is supervised and there are age appropriate games and activities there. The children’s waiting room can be used by “Any parent or guardian who has court business at the court facility where the Children’s Waiting Room is located including: defendants, witnesses, litigants, those with appearances before a judge, individuals filing papers, or those using Family Court services or the Family Law Facilitators Office. Infants are welcome at the Children’s Waiting Room as well as children ages 15 and younger (as of 10/23/2017).” Please check the court website for updates.

IF SOMEONE IS ARRESTED IN THE ALAMEDA COUNTY, HOW LONG BEFORE THEY SEE A JUDGE?

According to law, someone arrested must see a judge within 48 (non weekend or holiday) hours or be released.  Upon release, that person may be rearrested or noticed to appear in court at such time that the Alameda County District Attorney is ready to pursue the case.   Therefore you should seek out legal advice even if you were released.  If you decide to wait in custody for your case, you will be brought into court in your jail attire.   Each case is different and many times an attorney can argue to get the bail lowered.

You should discuss the consequences of not immediately bailing out with an attorney at the Law Office of James Dunn. If you are a not a US Citizen, the Law Office of James Dunn has an immigration attorney on it’s team.  Keep in mind that there are immigration issues that could impact your decision.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I BAIL OUT?

If you bail out, a court date is given to you and you must appear unless your lawyer tells you otherwise.  The court date is usually set a few weeks out or more.

HOW DOES BAIL WORK?

Bail is refundable at the end of the case if you put the whole amount up with the jail, so long as you attend all required hearings.  However, many people use a bail bonds company – a private company in the business of bailing people out.  The company charges you a nonrefundable fee to bail you out.  While you then pay a fraction of the cost of bail, you do not get that money back. The bail bonds person gets that fraction as their fee.   Sometimes bailing out is quick and sometimes it takes hours. However, lawyers and bail bonds companies can update your family during the process.

If you hire our firm prior to obtaining bail, we may be able to recommend a bail bondsman and help you get a discount on your bail bonds fee.

DO I NEED A DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA, CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER TO APPEAR FOR ME IN COURT?

While it is a very good idea to have a lawyer with you, you are not required to do so.  Criminal defense lawyers are trained and experienced in navigating the criminal courts.  If you appear without a lawyer, you run the risk of making mistakes in handling your defense and giving the appearance to the judge of a lax attitude.  Also, there are times when a judge will strongly suggest that you do not talk but instead find a lawyer or at least work with the public defender’s office if you are eligible.

If you are accused of a crime, you should take it seriously.  In addition to fines and possible jail time, a conviction results in a permanent criminal record which will have lasting affect on your ability to get a job or qualify for a professional license.

CAN I USE THE PUBLIC DEFENDER?

If you are indigent or have no resources to hire an attorney, the Public Defender’s office will make themselves available to you.  People who qualify for the public defender program usually are unemployed and do not own a home.The first time you will talk with them is in court and they will be helping others at the same time.  They are independent from the District Attorney’s office and should be able to help better than if you represented yourself.  Keep in mind that they are a solution to a problem, but are extremely understaffed, and cannot carefully weigh all facts or discuss the case at length with you.

Note that if you are in a situation where you are under investigation, but have not yet been arrested, then the public defender will not be available to you. Instead you should contact a private defense attorney who can represent your interests.  The attorneys at the Law Office of James Dunn take a proactive stance by helping our clients avoid charges from being filed in the first place.

IF I HIRE A LAWYER, CAN HE OR SHE APPEAR FOR ME IN ALAMEDA COUNTY COURTS (INCLUDING DUBLIN) WITHOUT ME BEING PRESENT?

Often – Yes!  Please ask your lawyer. It truly depends on the situation and charges filed; however, there are times when lawyers can and do appear without their clients present.  You must check with your hired attorney on this matter, otherwise always plan on going yourself.

DO ALAMEDA COUNTY CRIMINAL CASES FALL UNDER STATE LAW OR FEDERAL LAW?

Most criminal cases are in the Superior Courts, which are county courts which apply State Law.  Federal cases and courts have a separate jurisdiction including cases involving the violation of Federal laws.  The Dublin office of the Law Office of James Dunn is licensed to handle both State and Federal cases.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED TO BE A CRIMINAL CASE IN DUBLIN?

Criminal cases range from minor offenses called infractions to more serious ones called misdemeanors which include shoplifting and some drug crimes.  The most serious classification of crimes are called felonies and include domestic violence, embezzlement, rape or homicide.  The State has the option to charge someone accused of committing a crime because a crime is considered an act against society, but they need not proceed with a police officer’s recommendation. Only the State, through the office of the District Attorney in each county, can charge individuals with criminal violations.

Many crimes are considered to be wobblers which means that they can be charged by the district attorney either as a felony or a misdemeanor.  Effective criminal defense attorneys can make the argument to get a crime originally charged as a felony reduced to much less serious misdemeanor.

• A felony is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment in a state prison or by death.
• A misdemeanor is a lesser offense than a felony and generally is punishable by fine or imprisonment in county jail rather than in a state penitentiary. Most misdemeanors can be negotiated so that a first time offender would serve no jail time.

WHERE CAN I FIND INMATES ARRESTED FOR CRIMES IN DUBLIN OR ELSEWHERE IN ALAMEDA COUNTY?

The Inmate Locator for Alameda County will help you look up information regarding individuals in custody. You can find this tool at https://www.acgov.org/sheriff_app/

ALAMEDA COUNTY JAILS

Santa Rita Jail, Dublin, CA. The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Custody Division runs the jails of the county and is the [size] in CaliforniaGENERAL INFO.  The new jail hold approximately 4000 inmates and is considered the fifth largest jail in the United States. The original Santa Rita jail was built in 1947 and was on a former WWII military base called Camp Schumacher. For more information about Santa Rita, Dublin, click on the link here. https://www.alamedacountysheriff.org/dc_srj.php or call (925) 551-6500.

Santa Rita Jail
5325 Broder Blvd.
Dublin, CA 94568

A smaller jail is called Glenn E Dyer, Oakland facility and there is more information about that jail here.  https://www.alamedacountysheriff.org/dc_gdj.php or call (510) 268-7777.

Glenn E. Dyer Detention Facility
550 6th Street
Oakland, CA 94607

If you believe that someone you know is in custody and you would like to bail them out, you should contact the jail or look into contacting a bail bonds’ company who will often provide information. However, before this, it makes sense to talk to an attorney so you understand the general process.  If someone you know has been in custody for a while, they might be listed on the following Alameda County Inmate Finder Search Tool, which may help you locate them.

However you look for an inmate, you will be asked general information such as their exact name and date of birth.  If you have booking numbers, including a PFN or CEN number, searching will be faster but date of birth will usually work.

For more information about visiting an inmate in Dublin, CA, you can consult the site at https://www.alamedacountysheriff.org/dc_srj_visiting.php or call the jail at (925) 551-6500.

If you hire a Dublin criminal defense attorney, the attorneys can visit your friend or relative outside of regular visiting hours.

The New Dublin Courthouse is the Hub of the Alameda Criminal Court System

In June, 2017, the Alameda County Superior Court opened the newly constructed Alameda County Courthouse in Dublin, CA.  Some have debated the pros and cons of this courthouse but undoubtedly it is an ambitious state of the art facility located mid-county. It is about 30 miles south of Oakland and all but replaces the function of the two Oakland Courthouses and the nearby Pleasanton court which has been placed out of commission. There are ongoing questions as to how this will affect Hayward Court case load and Fremont court. Generally, those courts will be functioning but taking a smaller role.  According to an article in the Pleasanton Weekly, the courthouse was county-financed and cost $122 million (more for the adjoining building).   Construction began in fall of 2014. The courthouse is estimated to hear about 3,000 criminal cases and 54,000 traffic cases annually.

WHERE IS THE NEW DUBLIN COURT?

 

Dublin – East County Hall of Justice
5151 Gleason Dr.
Dublin, CA 94568

510-891-6387

http://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/Pages.aspx/East-County-Hall-of-Justice

Why is My Court Assignment in Dublin, CA?

Alameda County has recently reorganized after opening a main court in Dublin, California and this explains why many cases in other parts of Alameda County will end up in Dublin.  If you have a court assignment in Dublin, you likely had a case that started somewhere in Alameda County, including Oakland, Berkeley, Dublin, Pleasanton, Hayward or Union City. Some cases are being heard in a separate court in Fremont.  Others might still be held in Oakland.  However Dublin is considered the main court hub in the county and our practice is located close to the courthouse in Dublin.

HOW DO I GET TO THE DUBLIN COURTHOUSE? HOW MUCH DOES PARKING COST?

Parking is free and it is next to the courthouse.  There is a DUBLIN PLEASANTON  BART station nearby.and people can take a Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority bus to and from the courthouse. For more information, review the BART website at https://www.bart.gov/ see http://www.wheelsbus.com/rider-information/dublinpleasanton-bart-station-transit-information/

RETAIN DUBLIN CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY JAMES DUNN TODAY!

A complimentary consultation with Attorney Dunn is your first chance to explain your circumstances and share your side of the story without being judged. No matter what, it is Attorney Dunn’s goal to get you fair treatment under the law.

 

Attorneys Available 24/7 to Answer Your Questions