Redlands Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing criminal charges in Redlands, California, can disrupt your life, threaten your freedom, and jeopardize your career.

Whether you're facing a first-time DUI near the University of Redlands, a complex white-collar case, or a serious felony, you don't have to confront the legal system alone.

Prompt, vigorous legal defense can be crucial in determining whether you remain free or face jail time. 

As a seasoned Redlands criminal defense firm, we offer expert, high-quality legal support customized for the courts of San Bernardino County.

We act quickly to defend your rights, scrutinize law enforcement's evidence, and advocate for dismissing or reducing your charges.

Eisner Gorin LLP can help you. Schedule your consultation by calling (818) 781-1570 or using the contact form.  

Why You Need Immediate Defense in Redlands

Once you're arrested by the Redlands Police or the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, the countdown starts right away. The period from your arrest to your initial court hearing—the arraignment—is the most vital phase of your case.

Many people mistakenly think they should wait until their court date to hiring a lawyer. However, obtaining legal representation before filing enables your defense team to communicate directly with the San Bernardino County District Attorney.

By submitting mitigating evidence, pointing out constitutional violations, or revealing gaps in the police report early on, we can often persuade the prosecutor to dismiss the case entirely or to file much lighter charges before it becomes part of the public record.

Comprehensive Quick Reference Chart

Navigating a criminal case involves understanding how local procedures, charges, and defense motions interact. This summary offers a brief guide to common legal challenges and tactics used in San Bernardino County courts.

Charge / Legal Issue	Key Statute / Mechanism	Local Defense Strategy & Impact
Domestic Violence	Penal Code § 273.5	Push for a pre-filing rejection or reduction by uncovering false accusations or demonstrating self-defense.
Drug Offenses	Health & Safety Code § 11350	Leverage diversion programs like PC 1000 or Prop 36 to achieve treatment and complete case dismissal.
Illegal Search & Seizure	Penal Code § 1538.5	File a Motion to Suppress to throw out any evidence obtained by police without valid probable cause or a warrant.
Prior Strike Enhancement	Romero Motion	Request that the judge "strike" a past serious or violent felony to save you from severe Three Strikes sentencing.
Police Untruthfulness	Pitchess Motion	Compel the disclosure of an arresting officer's personnel file to look for history of misconduct, racial bias, or lying.

Navigating the San Bernardino County Court System

If you are cited or arrested in Redlands, your criminal case will be processed and heard at the San Bernardino Justice Center (SBJC), located in downtown San Bernardino:

San Bernardino Justice Center – Criminal Division

247 West Third Street

San Bernardino, CA 92415

The SBJC manages all stages from your initial arraignment to pre-trial modifications, preliminary hearings, and jury trials.

Our legal team benefits from a deep understanding of the local court layout, culture, and judges' preferences, which gives us an edge in filing motions and negotiating plea deals.

The Misdemeanor Process

For offenses that can result in up to one year in county jail, such as standard DUIs, petty theft, or simple battery, the case moves from arraignment through a series of pre-trial hearings.

During this phase, our main focus is to review the prosecutor's discovery materials, look for constitutional issues, and negotiate a beneficial resolution or get ready for trial.

The Felony Process

Felony charges result in state prison sentences and involve a more formal process. After your initial arraignment, the court will set a Preliminary Hearing.

This is a crucial stage where the prosecution needs to provide evidence to demonstrate "probable cause' that you committed the offense. We view the preliminary hearing as an essential opportunity to cross-examine government witnesses, scrutinize police statements, and reveal flaws in the state's account.

Advanced Defense Tactics & Motions

We do not take the police report at face value. Successful criminal defense requires a proactive, motion-based strategy to challenge and weaken the prosecution's case.

Suppressing Illegally Obtained Evidence (PC 1538.5)

The Fourth Amendment safeguards you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If Redlands officers stopped you without reasonable suspicion, or searched your home or phone without a valid warrant, we will file a Penal Code § 1538.5 Motion to Suppress.

If the motion is successful, the court will exclude the illegally obtained evidence. Without that evidence, the prosecution's case often falls apart.

Defeating "Three Strikes" Enhancements (Romero Motion)

California's Three Strikes law can significantly increase your prison time if you have a previous serious or violent felony.

By using a tailored Romero Motion, we craft a detailed account of your life, character, and the context of your past offense to persuade the judge to dismiss the prior strike for sentencing, helping you avoid an unjust automatic sentence increase.

Real-World Case Summaries

Example 1: Dismissal of Felony in Possession for Sales

• The Scenario: A driver was pulled over near downtown Redlands. Officers reported smelling marijuana, conducted a search, and found packaged narcotics, charging the person with felony possession with intent to sell.

• The Strategy: Our firm filed a PC 1538.5 Motion to Suppress, demonstrating through body-cam footage that the officers extended the traffic stop beyond what was legally allowed without any independent reasonable suspicion.

• The Outcome: The judge approved the motion, leading to the suppression of all physical evidence. As a result, the District Attorney dropped all felony charges.

Example 2: Pre-Filing Intervention in a Domestic Violence Case

• The Scenario: A neighbor called 911 following a heated domestic dispute. When Redlands Police arrived, they arrested our client under Penal Code § 273.5 (Corporal Injury on a Spouse), based solely on conflicting statements.

• The Strategy: Within hours of the arrest, our legal team collected independent witness statements and text message logs proving the client acted solely in self-defense. We then submitted a formal mitigation packet to the deputy District Attorney handling the case.

• Outcome: The District Attorney chose not to pursue formal charges, ensuring our client avoided having a permanent criminal record..

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the Redlands Police want to question me?

Assert your rights right away. Politely refuse to answer questions or give a statement unless an attorney is present. Clearly state: "I am exercising my right to remain silent, and I want my attorney here." Law enforcement officers often use casual questioning to obtain incriminating admissions before making an arrest.

What is a "wobbler," and how does it affect my case?

A "wobbler" is an offense under California law that can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Examples include grand theft, commercial burglary, and some domestic violence charges.

We work diligently to persuade prosecutors—or the judge through a Penal Code § 17(b)) motion—to have the offense treated as a misdemeanor, thereby avoiding prison and safeguarding your civil rights.

Can a past conviction from San Bernardino County be removed from my record?

Yes. According to California Penal Code § 1203.4, if you have successfully completed your probation terms, did not serve time in state prison, and are not currently facing charges, you may petition for expungement.

This process reopens your past conviction, sets it aside, and dismisses the case, allowing you to legally inform most private employers that you have not been convicted of that crime.

Speak with a Redlands Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one are dealing with criminal allegations, investigations, or charges in Redlands, acting quickly is crucial. Don't leave your future to chance or wait for prosecutors to take the initial step.

Our legal team is prepared to intervene, defend your constitutional rights, and develop a strong defense strategy customized for San Bernardino County's courts. We recognize the high stakes and are committed to fighting tirelessly to achieve the best result for your case.

Do Not Wait: What you say or do right after an arrest can have long-lasting effects on your case. It's important to consult with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer at Eisner Gorin LLP before talking to law enforcement.