Ojai Criminal Defense Attorney

Fighting for Your Freedom & Your Future

Being accused of a crime is often a frightening and overwhelming experience. You may be wondering what your rights are, what to do next, and whether or not you will go to jail, not to mention what impact a conviction will have on your long-term future.

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a crime, it’s important that you seek assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney in Ojai as soon as possible. Depending on the nature of the alleged offense, you could be facing severe penalties, ranging from steep fines to probation to imprisonment. At Ryan Blatz Law, I understand what is at stake. I can assist you with a wide range of criminal law matters, including DUI, theft, drug charges, and more. As your attorney, I take the time to listen to your story and understand every detail of your situation. From there, I work tirelessly to build a strong defense on your behalf.

To speak with an attorney about your case, call my office at (805) 798-2249 or fill out an online contact form. I offer free in-person or over-the-phone consultations, and all correspondence is completely confidential.

What Should You Do if You Have Been Arrested?

One of the most important things to remember if you are facing criminal charges is that you still have rights. One of these rights is the presumption of innocence. In other words, under California Penal Code 1096, you are not considered guilty of an alleged crime until proven otherwise. You also have the right to be read your Miranda rights at the time of arrest, one of which is the right to remain silent. This means you do not have to answer or respond to any questions without an attorney, and law enforcement officials, detectives, and others cannot punish you for remaining silent.

If you are arrested, there are a few things you should do:

• Be Cooperative: This does not mean that you have to answer questions, but you should not resist arrest or lie to police officers. In fact, doing so can result in repercussions and further charges for providing false information.
• Stay Silent: While it can be tempting to try to assert your innocence, you should remember that anything you say can be used against you later in court. It is in your best interest to remain absolutely silent until you have spoken with an attorney.
• Remain Calm: Being arrested causes many people to react instinctively or aggressively. Although it can be a frightening experience, it is best to remain calm and treat police with respect during an arrest to avoid further charges.
• Do Not Consent to a Search: If you provide consent to a search, whether it be a search of your person, your car, or your home, the police may do so without a warrant. By saying you do not consent to a search, police are not legally allowed to search you.
• Contact an Attorney: One of your rights is the right to an attorney. After being arrested, it is wise to get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer in Ojai as soon as you can, as time is a crucial factor in many criminal cases.

Whether you have been arrested for a misdemeanor or a felony, it’s important that you take the charges seriously. Even if you are not facing jail time, a conviction can have many negative effects on your future, including making it difficult to secure employment, obtain housing, or join the military. Regardless of the complexity of your situation, it’s wise to enlist the help of an attorney who can fight for your rights.

I am here to listen to your story and provide the personal legal counsel you need. Contact Ryan Blatz Law at (805) 798-2249 for a case evaluation today.