Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Salinas

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Salinas, California?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Salinas Police Department is (831) 758-7321.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Salinas, California?

  You can get a copy of the police report related to your case by completing the form in their secure portal at https://secure.coplogic.com/rar/en/filing/showdisclaimer?dynparam=1678645091221. For further inquiries, you can contact the Salinas Police Department's Records Unit at (831) 758-7090 (option 2 for Police Services Group).

• What is the three-strikes sentencing law in Salinas?

  Salinas adheres to the state's three-strikes sentencing law, which stipulates that if the defendant was convicted of a serious or violent felony with two or more prior strikes, they will be penalized with a prison term of at least 25 years to life. The law also imposes that a defendant who is currently serving a third-strike sentence can petition the court to reduce their term to a second-strike sentence if they are eligible.

• What should you do when you are stopped by the police while driving in Salinas?

  Some of the things to do when being stopped by the police while driving in Salinas are as follows:

  • Be polite. The police officer is most likely recording the stop and will report the behavior of the driver
  • Prepare for a DUI stop. The driver can roll the windows down to reduce the scent of alcohol in the car
  • Politely decline to answer questions
  • Undergo field sobriety or specimen test (these tests may be declined)
  • Contact a criminal defense lawyer

• What are the preferential treatment programs for misdemeanor and felony cases involving veterans in Salinas?

  In Salinas, eligible veterans or current servicemen may enter a pretrial diversion program, for a duration not to exceed two years, in lieu of suffering a criminal conviction. Successful completion will result in the dismissal of criminal charges, otherwise, the charges will be reinstated. For felony cases, the defendant may be granted probation if they are proven to be suffering from TBI, PTSD, substance abuse, sexual trauma, or mental health problems as a result of their service.

• What are the penalties for a hit-and-run offense in Salinas?

  The penalties for hit-and-run offenses in Salinas are as follows:

  • Resulted in property damage only: classified as misdemeanor (up to 180 days in county jail, six months of license suspension, and $1,000 in fines)
  • Resulted in injury: may be charged as a misdemeanor (up to one year in county jail and $5,000 in fines) or felony (two to four years in state prison and up to $25,000 in fines)
  • Resulted in death: classified as a felony punishable by 4-10 years in state prison and up to $25,000 in fines

• What is the statute of limitations for criminal offenses in Salinas?

  The general statute of limitations for criminal offenses in Salinas is one year for misdemeanors and three years for felonies. The deadline will vary depending on the severity of the crime. If a felony is punishable by eight or more years in prison, the limit becomes six years. These include firs-degree robbery and arson. Violent felony offenses, such as murder, rape, and kidnapping, have no statute of limitations.