Inland Empire Criminal Defense Attorney

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to let the police search my home or property if they ask?
You do not have to let law enforcement search your property unless they have a valid search warrant. However, it is the safest practice to consult an attorney immediately and get legal counsel regarding your particular situation.

Do I have to talk to the police and answer their questions?
Again, it is important to consult an attorney if the police have contacted you and want to ask you questions. The same applies if you are arrested and law enforcement officers want to interrogate you. It is important to remember that you have the right to remain silent and the right to consult an attorney. Exercise these rights, and you will stand a far better chance of reaching a positive outcome for your particular case.

How do I know if I really need a defense lawyer?
Well, this is a tricky question because it is hard to say whether you need a defense lawyer without understanding your particular situation. Fortunately, most law firms offer a free evaluation wherein they can review your legal matter and determine whether you need a lawyer in the first place. At the Law Offices of Richard Sudar, we offer an initial consultation free of charge. Inland Empire defense lawyer Richard Sudar will personally review your situation and make an informed decision of what he can do to help.

Can a lawyer help me even if charges have not been filed?
In most cases, yes. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to conduct an investigation, interview witnesses and begin building a case in your favor immediately, in an effort to help you avoid having formal charges filed in the first place. Even if this first attempt is unsuccessful, a great deal of work will have already been done and this will benefit the outcome of your criminal case.

What are some penalties that I may face if convicted of a crime?
Depending upon the specific offense, and the gravity of the charges (whether an infraction, felony or misdemeanor) an individual will face different penalties. These may include: imprisonment in state prison or county jail, fines, restitution, community service, probation, parole, registration as a sex offender, registration as a narcotics offender, property seizure, driver’s license suspension and more.

Are there any alternative sentencing options available?
For certain criminal offenses (particularly drug crimes) or for first time offenders, alternative sentencing may be an option in order to rehabilitate an offender, rather than punish him/her. Some forms of alternative sentencing include: substance abuse treatment, house arrest, community service, graffiti clean-up, “weekend” jail, anger management and counseling.

What types of crimes does your firm handle?
At the Law Offices of Richard Sudar, we handle all types of criminal cases throughout the Inland Empire, including: drug crimes, sex crimes, DUI, theft crimes, domestic violence, hit and run, embezzlement, assault and battery, kidnapping, arson, burglary, terrorist threats and murder charges. We also defend juvenile crimes.

What areas of the Inland Empire do you serve?
Criminal defense lawyer Richard Sudar handles cases for clients throughout all of the Inland Empire, including the Riverside County cities of: Blythe, Hemet, Indian Wells, Indio, Murrieta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs and Temecula, the San Bernardino County cities of: Barstow, Big Bear Lake, Chino, Chino Hills, Montclair, Ontario, San Bernardino, Upland and Victorville, and the Los Angeles Counties of Claremont, Diamond Bar, La Verne, Pomona and San Dimas.

Contact Inland Empire criminal defense lawyer Richard Sudar today regarding your criminal charges!