Contra Costa County Criminal Defense Attorney
The volume of injustice is deafening, and you need Seth Morris in your corner.When the legal system fails you, you can’t leave yourself or your child at the mercy of a judge and 12 jurors. Seth Morris has saved his clients from the grasp of the system, time and time again by securing dismissals and no-time deals on murder cases and people facing life in prison.
A Defense Attorney That Brings Passion to Your Case
Seth Morris is one of California’s most skilled and talented trial lawyers. He is committed to keeping his clients out of custody and bringing them home to their families because this isn’t just his job; it’s his life’s work. Whether it’s reducing bail to go home that night or challenging flaky evidence from the prosecution, he puts his gloves on and fights for what you deserve.
As a Contra Costa County criminal defense lawyer practicing in California trial courts and federal courts, Seth understands the uphill battle you face when entering the criminal justice system. When the court looks at you with contempt, it is your sixth amendment right to have an unbiased representative to ensure a fair trial and uphold your constitutional rights.
Seth has built a reputation for being a dependable attorney you can trust to be there when you need him. Criminal charges require quick action and a sense of urgency that sadly not every attorney can offer. When you’ve been robbed of your freedom, he will provide unrivaled dedication to your case. He is your helping hand to guide you through the criminal court process.
How a Contra Costa County Criminal Attorney Benefits You
From resources like expert witnesses to negotiating with the prosecution, a skilled criminal defense attorney in Contra Costa County is invaluable to your case.
Here’s How:
Experience in Local Bay Area Courts
A Contra Costa County criminal defense attorney has experience defending clients in local courts throughout the Bay Area. You can expect to appear in one of the following courts:
Wakefield Taylor Courthouse
725 Court Street
Martinez, CA 94553
A. F. Bray Courthouse
1020 Ward Street
Martinez, CA 94553
Richmond Superior Court
George D. Carroll Courthouse
100 – 37th Street
Richmond, CA 94805
Pittsburg Superior Court
Richard E. Arnason Justice Center
1000 Center Drive
Pittsburg, CA 94565
Thorough Understanding of California Law
Seth has worked in the California legal system for years as a public defender, litigation associate, and private criminal defense attorney. All of which have given him extensive experience and a broad understanding of California law as well as the U.S. constitution.
Attorney Morris is aware of your rights and won’t stand by and watch them be violated.
Exploiting Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Case
Although the odds may seem stacked against you, the prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence isn’t compelling enough for a conviction, your charges will be dismissed, and you’ll be free to go.
A skilled criminal defense attorney can challenge the evidence against you and fight to have it thrown out.
Providing Dedicated Representation
A criminal defense attorney can provide unmatched experience and dedication to fighting the charges against you. When police are making an arrest or raid, they will try to use anything to incriminate you. This includes anything you say.
Attorney Morris can speak on your behalf and prevent self-incrimination.
Types of Criminal Offenses
Morris Law has handled hundreds of cases as an experienced Contra Costa County criminal defense firm serving all nine Bay Area counties. Whether you were charged with a felony or misdemeanor, we’ll build a solid defense for the following offenses:
- Domestic Violence – We can protect your rights, whether you are charged with violating a restraining order, spousal abuse, or another domestic violence offense.
- Drug Crimes – We defend against a variety of drug crimes, including possession, possession for sale, transportation, and manufacturing. We can also defend against charges concerning a variety of drugs, like cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana.
- DUI – We can defend you against charges for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs so you can avoid time behind bars, fines, license suspension, and a restricted future.
- Federal Crimes – These crimes carry significant sentences. We can defend you when your charges are escalated to federal offenses. We will help with your case involving drugs, firearms, or any other conduct that falls within the jurisdiction of the federal government.
- Murder – From manslaughter to murder in the first degree, you’re facing a serious charge. We’ll mount a robust defense to help you fight your charges by analyzing every detail of your case and supporting you along the way.
- School suspension and expulsion – we can help you deal with suspensions or expulsions when your student is accused of wrongdoing.
- Sex Crimes – These crimes are complicated and range in severity. We will defend you against charges of rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, child abuse, and other offenses.
- Theft – We defend against robbery, grand theft, shoplifting, embezzlement, and other offenses related to theft.
- Violent Crimes – Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony, we defend against charges of assault, battery, criminal threats, kidnapping and false imprisonment, and stalking.
- Weapon Crimes – From unlawful possession to assault with a deadly weapon, we will explain your rights under California’s gun laws and explore your legal options.
- Felony Crimes – Although sentences range in length, a felony conviction can disrupt your life and damage your reputation. We can defend you against many felony charges and protect your rights in court.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Contra Costa County
Although you may feel like your case is too far gone, you don’t need to accept your fate. Attorney Morris knows your future is riding on the court’s decision, and it’s his job to ensure a reduction or dismissal of your charges.
Misdemeanor Offenses
The penalties for a misdemeanor offense range and can be different depending on the type of misdemeanor. However, misdemeanors that don’t have a set punishment listed in the statute could have a maximum penalty of six months in jail and fines up to $1,000. These crimes include the following:
Possession of drugs like cocaine, heroin, or meth for personal use
Shoplifting of property worth $950 or less
Simple assault or battery
Felony Offenses
Felony criminal offenses have low term, mid-term, and high term prison sentences that range depending on the statute. For a charge like drug possession transportation, you could face a sentence of 3, 4, or 5 years instead of a sentence of 3 to 5 years. The judge must choose a specific number of years for a jail sentence. Your charges could be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor if you were charged with a wobbler crime.
Wobbler Crimes
Wobbler crimes could be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. It is up to the prosecution to decide whether a crime should be charged as a felony or misdemeanor. This decision is often impacted by the circumstances of the crime and if the defendant has had prior convictions. Domestic violence assault is a common wobbler crime. If the assault caused severe injuries, you could be charged with a felony and face 2, 3, or 4 years in prison. If the assault was charged as a misdemeanor, you might face jail time of 1 year and fines up to $6,000.
The Three Strikes Law
California’s three strikes law aims to prevent individuals with prior convictions for violent felonies from reoffending. Under the three-strikes rule, the penalties progress after each strike:
First serious or violent felony – Normal statutory penalty
Second violent felony – Mandatory sentence of double the normal statutory penalty
Third violent felony – Mandatory sentence of 25 years to life
Without a qualified criminal defense attorney, the outcome of your case is unclear. It takes a skilled lawyer like Seth Morris to discredit the evidence against you, effectively negotiate with the prosecution, and highlight a path to the best possible outcome for your case.
Serving Clients Throughout The Bay Area
As a California law firm, Morris Law proudly serves clients throughout the Bay Area, including:
Click a location in blue for more information.
Martinez
Richmond
Pittsburg
Vallejo
Fairfield
Santa Clara County
San Jose
Palo Alto
Marin County
San Francisco County
Napa County
Sonoma County
San Mateo County
Redwood City
South San Francisco
Publications & Appearances
Attorney Morris has been interviewed and called upon to comment on topics and events impacting the legal industry throughout his career. From publications in the Washington Post to speaking at local Universities, Seth Morris has positioned himself as a thought-leader covering today’s legal issues.
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