Criminal Defense Lawyer | San Jose Palo Alto | Jeffrey B. Hayden, Attorney at Law

Certified Criminal Law Specialist Representing Clients in San Jose & Palo Alto

The criminal justice system can be frightening and intimidating. A qualified criminal defense attorney who understands how the process works can protect your constitutional rights, pursue avenues to minimize any charges against you, and increase the chances that your name is cleared in court.

Jeffrey B. Hayden, Attorney at Law is a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. He has successfully handled a countless number of criminal defense and juvenile delinquency cases, defending both adults and minors charged with DUI and drunk-driving related DMV suspensions, assault and battery, domestic violence, robbery, burglary, theft, lewd conduct, rape, molestation, other sex crimes, drug possession, drug sales, weapons offenses and first-degree murder.

Drug Crimes

Even minor drug possession cases can lead to serious consequences in the state of California. Prosecutors continue to target narcotics offenders and have filled our prisons with nonviolent offenders. Perhaps more so than any other type of charge, attorney Jeffrey B. Hayden finds that his clients charged with drug offenses have often complained that their constitutional right to be free from unauthorized search and seizure has been violated due to illegal tactics used by law enforcement in drug cases.

Misdemeanors

While not as serious as felonies, a misdemeanor conviction still carries negative repercussions you don’t want to experience. You could face up to a year in jail, be ordered to pay steep fines, and mar an otherwise clean criminal record. If you are facing a misdemeanor charge for drug crimes, petty theft, or any other illegal action, you need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Domestic Violence

Charges for domestic violence are very serious due to the intimate nature of the relationship between the parties involved. Even if you are innocent, you have a steep hill to climb to prove your innocence if there are two people telling different versions of the same story. Our job as your legal counsel is to provide enough benefit of doubt to reduce or dismiss your charges. Our advice is to stay away from the other person, do not contact them at all, and contact our office as soon as possible to build a defense strategy that preserves your freedom and reputation.

Felony Crimes

Felony crimes carry a possible prison sentence of more than one year if convicted in the state of California. Felonies comprise the most serious class of offenses. Punishments often include probation, steep fines, and one year or more in either jail or state prison. Sentences for felony crimes are often followed by a long period of parole and state registration for specific offenses. For certain homicides, it may even include lifelong incarceration or the death penalty.

Juvenile Defense

Even just one juvenile offense conviction can send a minor child down a dangerous path, forever altering the potential and career opportunities in the future. Jeffrey B. Hayden, Attorney at Law is highly skilled in matters of criminal law. He is committed to defending the rights of Redwood City and San Mateo County minors, and brings more nearly three decades worth of experience to each juvenile defense case.

Expungement

In certain situations, California residents may be eligible for expungement. When expunging records, it doesn’t matter if the offense was a misdemeanor or felony as long as you have completed probation and are not currently facing criminal charges. Successfully completing a probationary period requires the payment of fines and/or restitution to be paid in full, along with participation in any counseling programs and community service required by the court. Recent changes in law have expanded the parameters of expungement and may be used to further clear your criminal record.

Sex Crimes

There are no offenses against which the public, courts, and government has taken a harder stance than those involving sex crimes. Juries are more likely to deliver convictions in this area than any other type of accusation. The California legislature has enacted rules of evidence which disenfranchise the defense and effectively lower the burden of proof, and prosecutors employ tools mandating long, draconian sentences without affording the courts the discretion to afford any relief.

Theft / Robbery / Burglary

Over the last 20 years, the proliferation of crime-related news stories has led a frightened public to take any crime — even petite (i.e. petty) theft — more seriously. Juries are more conviction prone, judges and prosecutors are imposing longer sentences. Anti-recidivism laws can lead to long sentences for acts that once would warrant a slap on the wrist or a small fine. At the same time, California’s legislature and courts have limited the application of many traditional defenses. If you have recently been accused of committing a theft-related crime, you need an effective attorney who understands the intricacies of criminal defense in the state of California.

DUI/Traffic Violations

The consequences of driving under the influence or other traffic related offenses continue to grow exponentially. At the same time, California’s legislature and courts alike have limited the application of many traditional defenses. If you have been stopped for driving under the influence, you have only ten days to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to request a hearing, or your license will be automatically suspended indefinitely. Other seemingly minor offenses such as letting your drivers license lapse can result in your car being impounded for weeks.

Contact Jeffrey B. Hayden Today

Anyone can be accused of a crime, but it takes a smart, experienced lawyer to apply the best possible criminal defense strategy. Sometimes this means taking the case to trial. Other times, it may mean filing motions, conducting a thorough investigation, or simply looking for a novel way to explain your circumstances.

In evaluating your case, Mr. Hayden will take into account everything that led to the offense in a culturally relevant manner. It may be that you were falsely accused, or that you have a legitimate defense, justification, or excuse. There may be mitigating factors, reasons for which the offense, even if true, should not be treated harshly. Finally, there may be a need to make the focus not just what happened, but who was involved. Simply put, Jeffrey B. Hayden, Attorney at Law can present you as a person to the court and prosecution alike.

Jeffrey B. Hayden, Attorney at Law has nearly 30 years of experience representing the good people of northern California. If you have recently been arrested and need skilled criminal defense, contact (650) 368-5700 as soon as possible to speak with a Criminal Law Specialist.

San Jose & Palo Alto Criminal Defense Attorney