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Questions we hear at the start of a case
What happens at the first court date?
The judge reads the charge, you enter a plea, and release terms are set. It is short. We prepare you the day before.
Do I have to come to court?
Sometimes a lawyer can appear for you on a misdemeanor. We tell you which dates need you there, and put them in writing.
How long does a case take?
Many misdemeanors take a few months; felonies can take much longer. We give you a realistic range on the first call.
Can you get my charges dismissed?
We can't promise any result. We can promise to test every piece of the case and to tell you the truth about it.
Will my case be public?
Court records are generally public. Some can later be sealed or cleared, and we tell you what may be possible in yours.
What should I bring to the first call?
Anything you were handed: the citation, release terms, court notices. Photos of them are fine.
Do you speak Spanish?
Edmundo Quijano does, and our intake line answers in Spanish on weekdays. Meenakshi and Leif work in English, and Edmundo joins any call that needs Spanish.
Do you take cases outside Santa Clara County?
Sometimes, in neighboring counties. Ask us, and we will tell you plainly if another lawyer would serve you better.
Still wondering about one thing?
Call or text. If we can't answer it in a minute, we'll set up a longer call.
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