Facing a robbery or burglary charge in Martinez can turn your life upside down. The stakes are high, with the possibility of jail time, long probation terms, and a permanent record that affects jobs, housing, and immigration. At the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed, our criminal defense team understands how Contra Costa County courts handle these serious accusations. We focus on protecting your rights from the moment an investigation starts and work to limit the damage to your future, your family, and your reputation throughout the process.
This page explains how robbery and burglary cases are treated in Martinez, what to expect from the legal process, and how a focused defense strategy can make a meaningful difference. Whether you are under investigation, recently arrested, or trying to help a loved one in custody, understanding the charges is the first step toward regaining control. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions, reduce confusion, and pursue the best outcome available under the facts and the law in your case.
Robbery and burglary charges in Martinez are prosecuted aggressively because they are labeled as violent or serious felonies under California law. A conviction can trigger a strike under the Three Strikes law, long prison sentences, and life‑changing collateral consequences. Having a dedicated robbery and burglary defense on your side helps ensure that your story is heard, evidence is challenged, and every legal option is explored. Strategic representation can lead to reduced counts, alternative charges, diversion in limited situations, or persuasive mitigation that influences negotiations and sentencing decisions.
The Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed is a criminal defense law firm serving clients throughout Oakland, Martinez, and surrounding communities in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. Over many years, our firm has handled a wide range of violent and serious felony cases, including robbery, residential burglary, commercial burglary, and related weapons charges. We are familiar with local court procedures, plea policies, and common prosecutorial approaches. Our practice is built on thorough investigation, motion work, and direct communication with clients and their families, always aiming to protect both immediate and long‑term interests.
Robbery and burglary are often confused, but they involve very different legal elements and potential penalties. In Martinez, robbery generally involves taking property from someone’s person or immediate presence, using force or fear. Burglary, by contrast, focuses on entering a building, room, or locked vehicle with the intent to commit theft or another felony inside. Prosecutors may file multiple counts based on the number of alleged victims, locations, or separate incidents. Understanding exactly what is being charged is critical because it shapes available defenses and possible resolutions in court.
In Contra Costa County, robbery and burglary can be charged as felonies with sentencing ranges that depend on factors such as weapons use, injuries, prior convictions, and whether the location was a residence or business. Some offenses may qualify as strikes, which can significantly increase exposure if you have prior felony history. Law enforcement reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and digital data often drive these cases. A careful review of how the investigation was conducted, from the initial stop to any searches and identifications, can uncover issues that may support motions or negotiation leverage.
Under California law, robbery is generally defined as the felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from their person or immediate presence, against their will, accomplished by means of force or fear. Burglary typically involves entering a home, business, or other structure with the intent to commit theft or a felony once inside. You can be charged with burglary even if nothing is actually taken. In Martinez, prosecutors closely examine the surrounding circumstances, including statements, video, and physical evidence, when deciding whether to file robbery, burglary, or both.
Every robbery and burglary case in Martinez turns on specific legal elements that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. These elements include identity, intent, use of force or fear, entry, and the nature of the property or location. The court process usually begins with an arrest and booking, followed by an arraignment where charges are read and bail is addressed. Later stages may include preliminary hearings, pretrial motions, settlement conferences, and, if necessary, a jury trial. At each step, there are opportunities to challenge evidence, negotiate terms, and seek improved outcomes.
Robbery and burglary law comes with technical language that can feel overwhelming when you are already under stress. Understanding a few core terms can make it easier to follow what is happening in your Martinez case and to participate meaningfully in your defense. Words like “strike,” “enhancement,” or “priorable offense” can have enormous impact on potential penalties. The following glossary introduces several common concepts you may hear from judges, prosecutors, probation officers, and your defense team while your case moves through the Contra Costa County court system.
A strike offense is a conviction that counts under California’s Three Strikes sentencing scheme, potentially increasing prison exposure for current and future cases. Certain robbery and residential burglary convictions are treated as serious or violent felonies and may qualify as strikes. When a charge is labeled as a strike, plea offers and sentencing ranges are often more severe, and probation may be harder to obtain. Understanding whether your Martinez case involves a strike allegation is important when weighing risks, evaluating negotiation options, and deciding whether to litigate or resolve the matter.
An enhancement is an additional allegation that, if proven, can add time to a base sentence for robbery or burglary. Common enhancements include use of a firearm, great bodily injury, gang allegations, or prior prison terms. In Martinez, prosecutors may file enhancements to increase leverage during plea negotiations or to seek longer prison terms at sentencing. Some enhancements can add several years, or even decades, to potential punishment. Effective defense work often focuses on challenging enhancements, negotiating their dismissal, or limiting their impact through factual disputes and mitigation.
Residential burglary, sometimes called first‑degree burglary, typically involves entering an inhabited dwelling with intent to commit theft or a felony. It is treated more harshly than commercial burglary because it involves a home or place where someone lives. In Martinez, a residential burglary conviction can count as a strike and can lead to substantial prison exposure, especially if people were present or if weapons or violence are alleged. Defenses may focus on whether the building was actually inhabited, whether you had permission to enter, and whether there was any unlawful intent at the time of entry.
Force or fear is a key concept in robbery cases. To prove robbery, the prosecution usually must show that property was taken using physical force or by causing a reasonable person to feel frightened or intimidated. In Martinez, even brief struggles over property or threatening gestures may be argued as force or fear. Witness perceptions, lighting conditions, and the presence of weapons can all influence how this element is viewed. A strong defense carefully examines statements, video, and surrounding circumstances to challenge whether actual force or genuine fear occurred as the law requires.
When facing robbery or burglary charges in Martinez, you may have several legal paths: fighting the case at trial, negotiating a plea to reduced charges, pursuing diversion where available, or seeking creative sentencing options. Not every approach is appropriate for every situation. The strength of the evidence, your prior record, and your personal goals all play important roles. Some people prioritize avoiding a strike, while others focus on limiting custody time or immigration consequences. Understanding when limited negotiation is enough, and when a more aggressive defense is needed, can significantly influence the outcome.
In some Martinez robbery and burglary cases, a limited approach focused on targeted negotiations may be appropriate. This can happen when the evidence is relatively strong overall, but there are specific weaknesses that open the door to reduced charges or sentencing concessions. Examples include minor inconsistencies in witness statements, questions about property value, or limited involvement compared to co‑defendants. In these situations, carefully presenting mitigation, rehabilitation efforts, and family support can help persuade prosecutors and judges to consider reduced counts, non‑strike resolutions, or alternatives that significantly lessen the long‑term impact.
Sometimes the best realistic outcome in a Martinez case is minimizing harm rather than securing a complete dismissal. If the evidence includes clear video, multiple consistent eyewitnesses, or statements tying you directly to the offense, a narrow strategy may focus on damage control. This can mean negotiating to avoid strike consequences, limiting jail or prison time, or protecting employment and immigration interests. By addressing treatment needs, employment history, and community ties, your defense team can present you as a full person, not just a case file, and work toward a more manageable resolution.
If you are accused of robbery or residential burglary in Martinez and have prior strikes, serious felonies, or significant enhancements alleged, a comprehensive defense approach becomes especially important. The potential punishment may involve lengthy prison terms, mandatory minimums, or life‑impacting supervision. In these circumstances, your defense should include detailed investigation, consultation with investigators or forensic professionals when appropriate, extensive motion practice, and thoughtful sentencing planning. The goal is to challenge the prosecution’s narrative at every stage, preserve all legal issues, and position the case so that any outcome is as favorable as possible.
A full‑scale defense is often necessary when you firmly contest that you were involved, or when intent is at the heart of the case. In Martinez, robbery and burglary prosecutions may rely heavily on eyewitness identification, surveillance footage, or statements that can be unreliable or incomplete. A comprehensive approach looks closely at lighting, distance, stress, cross‑racial identification issues, and any suggestive procedures that might have influenced witnesses. Likewise, questions about why you entered a property or what you planned to do inside can be central to defending against burglary charges or negotiating meaningful reductions.
A thorough defense strategy in a Martinez robbery or burglary case can create opportunities that might otherwise be missed. By examining every piece of evidence, interviewing witnesses, and exploring legal challenges, your defense team may uncover issues that weaken the prosecution’s case. Even when evidence appears strong, careful preparation can lead to improved plea offers, reduced enhancements, or more favorable sentencing recommendations. A comprehensive approach also helps protect you from unintended consequences in areas like immigration, employment, professional licensing, and housing, which can linger long after the court case is over.
Beyond legal arguments, a wide‑ranging defense allows you to tell your full story to the court. This can include mental health history, substance use treatment, family responsibilities, and positive community involvement. In Martinez, judges and prosecutors often consider rehabilitation efforts, school or work performance, and detailed mitigation packages when making decisions. By presenting credible documentation and thoughtful support letters, your defense can show that you are more than the allegations. This can lead to outcomes such as reduced custody, alternative programs, or non‑strike dispositions that significantly change your long‑term prospects.
When prosecutors in Martinez see that a robbery or burglary case has been thoroughly prepared, they may be more willing to negotiate. Detailed investigation can reveal contradictions, missing evidence, or legal problems that raise doubts about a conviction at trial. This leverage can translate into reduced charges, dismissal of enhancements, or agreements that avoid strikes. Even if a case ultimately resolves through a plea, strong preparation can influence the terms in meaningful ways, including the length of custody, type of supervision, and conditions designed to support your ability to move forward with your life.
Robbery and burglary convictions can follow you long after your Martinez case ends, affecting immigration status, job opportunities, housing access, and future court matters. A comprehensive defense looks beyond the immediate sentence and considers these ripple effects from the beginning. This can involve negotiating for particular charge language, avoiding strike convictions when possible, and pursuing resolutions that better protect immigration or licensing prospects. Over time, having a record shaped by thoughtful advocacy can make a significant difference when you apply for work, seek loans, or face any future interaction with the criminal justice system.
After an arrest for robbery or burglary in Martinez, it can be tempting to explain yourself to police, alleged victims, or friends. However, statements you make can easily be misunderstood, taken out of context, or later used against you in court. Even informal conversations and jail calls are often recorded or repeated. It is usually safer to remain calm, provide basic identifying information, and politely decline to discuss details without legal guidance. Early, thoughtful communication with your defense team can help protect your rights and avoid unnecessary damage to your case.
In Martinez, missed court dates or violations of release terms can lead to warrants, higher bail, or harsher treatment by the court. Keep track of every hearing, arrive early, and dress respectfully. Follow any orders regarding protective conditions, search terms, or electronic monitoring. If transportation, work, or child‑care challenges make attendance difficult, communicate with your defense team in advance so they can help address issues. Showing the judge that you are taking the process seriously can positively influence bail decisions, plea negotiations, and sentencing outcomes throughout your robbery or burglary case.
Robbery and burglary allegations in Martinez will not simply go away with time. Court deadlines, evidence preservation issues, and charging decisions all unfold quickly, often before families fully grasp what is happening. Acting early allows your defense team to contact witnesses while memories are fresh, seek surveillance footage before it is erased, and engage with prosecutors before positions harden. Early intervention can also address bail concerns, protect your employment, and help you avoid missteps that might worsen your situation, such as talking to law enforcement or alleged victims without guidance.
Addressing these charges promptly also gives you space to start making positive changes that judges and prosecutors in Martinez may view favorably. This can include counseling, substance abuse treatment, job training, or community service, depending on your life circumstances. Documented efforts at self‑improvement can play a meaningful role in negotiations and sentencing. By taking proactive steps instead of waiting, you demonstrate responsibility and a commitment to moving forward, which can strengthen your defense, support more favorable resolutions, and help you rebuild stability for yourself and your loved ones.
Robbery and burglary cases in Martinez arise from many different situations, ranging from misunderstandings to serious confrontations. Some cases involve alleged street encounters over phones or wallets, while others center around vehicles, homes, or businesses where property was taken or disturbed. Alcohol, drugs, peer pressure, and financial stress often play a role. Sometimes, people are swept into cases because they were present at the scene or associated with others, even if their role was limited. Understanding how your situation fits into these patterns can help shape a defense that addresses both facts and context.
One recurring pattern in Martinez robbery cases involves arguments over property that quickly escalate. What begins as a disagreement about who owns a phone, clothing, or cash can turn into allegations of force or threats. In the heat of the moment, words and actions may be misinterpreted, and bystanders may not see the entire incident. When police arrive, they often hear only one side of the story. A careful defense can explore prior relationships, text messages, and witness accounts to clarify whether this was truly a robbery or a dispute that was improperly criminalized.
Burglary accusations in Martinez frequently involve homes or apartments where someone is suspected of entering without permission. These situations can be complicated by family disputes, roommate conflicts, or previous permission to be in the residence. Allegations may arise from neighbors who do not know the full background or from misunderstandings about who had a right to be there. In defending these cases, it is often important to look at lease documents, messages between the parties, and the history of the relationship. These details can affect whether a residential burglary charge is appropriate or overstated.
Many Martinez robbery and commercial burglary cases begin at retail stores, parking lots, or workplaces. A shoplifting allegation can escalate to robbery when loss prevention staff claims force or fear was used during an encounter. After‑hours entries into businesses or storage areas can lead to commercial burglary charges, even if nothing significant is taken. Surveillance video, body‑camera footage, and incident reports are central in these matters. A thorough defense examines whether security staff followed proper procedures, whether identifications are reliable, and whether the alleged conduct truly supports the charges being pursued.
The Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed understands how overwhelming a robbery or burglary charge can feel for you and your family. From our Oakland‑based criminal defense practice, we regularly work with individuals facing violent and serious crime allegations in Martinez and throughout Contra Costa County. We focus on listening to your concerns, explaining each stage of the process in clear language, and tailoring defense strategies to your goals. Our team is committed to thorough preparation, open communication, and standing with you as you navigate a system that often feels confusing and intimidating.
Choosing a law firm for a robbery or burglary case is an important decision. Our Oakland criminal defense practice has spent years handling serious felony matters across Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, including Martinez. We are familiar with local judges, prosecutors, and common plea practices, which helps us anticipate how cases may unfold. Our approach emphasizes careful investigation, honest case evaluations, and direct communication. We take time to understand your background, priorities, and concerns, and we aim to build a strategy that not only addresses legal issues but also supports your long‑term stability.
Clients and families often appreciate that we stay accessible, provide regular updates, and explain options in straightforward terms. We encourage questions, welcome input, and work collaboratively toward the best available resolution. Whether that means fighting charges in court, negotiating for reduced counts, or focusing on mitigation, we remain committed to thorough preparation. Our Martinez robbery and burglary defense work is driven by the belief that each person deserves a fair process and a defense that reflects their unique circumstances, rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all approach.
When you contact the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed about a Martinez robbery or burglary charge, we begin by gathering the basic facts, court information, and your immediate concerns. From there, we obtain police reports, recordings, and charging documents, and we map out the stages of your case. Our process emphasizes early investigation, timely motion work, and realistic conversations about risks and options. Throughout, we keep you informed, help you prepare for each court appearance, and look for opportunities to challenge the case, negotiate favorable terms, or pursue alternative resolutions.
The first step in handling a Martinez robbery or burglary case is a detailed consultation and case assessment. We review how the arrest occurred, what you said to law enforcement, and any documents you have already received. We also discuss your criminal history, family situation, employment, and immigration concerns. This information helps us evaluate the charges, identify urgent issues like bail or protective orders, and outline immediate next steps. At this stage, our focus is on stabilizing the situation, preventing avoidable mistakes, and beginning to craft a defense plan tailored to your circumstances.
During the early meetings, we take time to understand what matters most to you. For some Martinez clients, avoiding prison is the priority; for others, protecting immigration status, employment, or housing is at the forefront. We listen closely to your concerns and those of your family members, when appropriate. We also gather information about mental health history, substance use, medical conditions, and support systems, as these can all influence strategy. By building a full picture of your life, we can better evaluate how different potential outcomes might affect you now and in the future.
Once we have basic background information, we closely review the robbery or burglary charges filed in Martinez. We explain what each count means, how enhancements and strike allegations can affect sentencing, and what ranges might apply under different scenarios. Our goal is not to alarm you, but to provide a realistic understanding of the stakes so you can make informed decisions. We also discuss possible defenses, including identity challenges, issues with force or fear, consent to enter, or lack of intent. This conversation sets the foundation for the strategy we develop together.
After the initial assessment, we move into active investigation and legal work. In a Martinez robbery or burglary case, this may involve requesting body‑camera footage, surveillance videos, 911 recordings, dispatch logs, and forensic reports. We interview witnesses when appropriate and look for inconsistencies that may support motions to suppress evidence or challenge identifications. At the same time, we engage with the prosecutor to learn their perspective and begin exploring possible resolutions. This dual approach—litigating legal issues while negotiating strategically—aims to create leverage and open the door to better outcomes.
A central part of our work in step two is carefully analyzing the evidence and comparing it to your account of what happened. We look for gaps in the timeline, inconsistencies among witnesses, and any signs that procedures were not followed correctly. Where appropriate, we may consult with investigators or other professionals to assess the reliability of identifications, the accuracy of reports, or the handling of physical evidence. At the same time, we develop your personal narrative, gathering records and letters that show your history, responsibilities, and goals, which can be vital in negotiations and court.
Many robbery and burglary cases in Martinez resolve through negotiated agreements rather than trials. During this stage, we use what we have learned from investigation and motion practice to engage in meaningful discussions with the prosecution. We may seek dismissal of certain counts, removal of enhancements, or reductions from strike offenses to non‑strike alternatives. Throughout, we explain each offer to you in detail, outlining potential consequences and comparing them to the risks of trial. The decision is always yours, and our role is to provide clear guidance, not pressure, as you weigh your options.
If your Martinez robbery or burglary case proceeds toward trial, or if a negotiated resolution leads directly to sentencing, we focus on thorough preparation for the courtroom. Trial preparation may include drafting motions, preparing cross‑examinations, organizing exhibits, and meeting with you to practice testimony if you choose to testify. If the case is likely to resolve through a plea, we shift attention to sentencing advocacy, assembling a strong mitigation package. In either scenario, our goal is to present your case thoughtfully and persuasively, highlighting both legal arguments and your personal story.
When a Martinez robbery or burglary case heads toward trial, we treat preparation as a continuous process. We refine themes, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and consider which witnesses to call. We may conduct mock questioning to help you feel more comfortable in the courtroom environment and to anticipate how the prosecutor might approach the case. Jury selection planning, exhibit organization, and response strategies for possible evidentiary rulings are also key. This preparation aims to present your defense clearly and confidently, giving jurors a full picture of the facts and reasonable doubt.
Even when a conviction or plea in a Martinez robbery or burglary case is likely, sentencing remains a critical stage where strong advocacy can significantly influence the outcome. We work with you and your supporters to collect letters, treatment records, employment documentation, and other materials showing your strengths and progress. We may also outline a realistic plan for rehabilitation, community involvement, or continued counseling. Presenting this information thoughtfully to the court can help humanize your situation, highlight your potential, and persuade the judge to consider options that reduce custody and support your long‑term success.
Robbery and burglary are separate crimes with different elements. Robbery in Martinez generally involves taking property from someone’s person or immediate presence, against their will, using force or fear. It focuses on a direct confrontation with a person and is often treated as a violent offense. Burglary, by contrast, usually involves entering a building, room, or locked vehicle with the intent to commit theft or another felony inside, whether or not anything is actually taken. The distinction matters because the penalties, strike consequences, and available defenses can differ significantly. For example, residential burglary is usually punished more severely than commercial burglary, and certain robbery convictions can carry enhanced sentencing exposure. Understanding exactly how your charges are framed is an important first step in evaluating your Martinez case, assessing potential defenses, and considering negotiation options or trial strategies that may be available.
Yes, certain robbery and burglary convictions can count as strikes under California’s Three Strikes law. In Martinez, many forms of robbery and residential burglary are categorized as serious or violent felonies, which means a conviction can serve as a strike. This can significantly increase potential sentences for future cases and may limit eligibility for some alternatives to custody. Strike allegations also influence plea offers, as prosecutors may be less flexible when they believe the conduct falls within these categories. However, not every charge automatically becomes a strike. The specific statute, the way the complaint is written, and the facts of the case all matter. In some situations, negotiations can focus on reducing allegations from strike to non‑strike offenses or altering enhancements that increase exposure. Understanding whether your Martinez case includes strike charges is essential when deciding whether to pursue settlement, file certain motions, or take the matter to trial.
If you are arrested for robbery or burglary in Martinez, the most important immediate steps are to remain calm, avoid arguing with officers, and decline to discuss the facts of the case without legal guidance. Anything you say can be used in court, even if you believe you are clearing up a misunderstanding. You should provide basic identifying information but politely decline further questioning. You also have the right to contact a lawyer and a trusted family member or friend to let them know where you are. It is also wise to avoid discussing the case on recorded jail calls or through messages that could be screenshotted or forwarded. These communications are often reviewed by law enforcement and prosecutors. Instead, focus on gathering contact information for potential witnesses and any details you remember about the incident, then share this privately with your defense team. Taking these steps early can help protect your rights and support a stronger defense as your Martinez case moves forward.
Whether you will have to serve jail or prison time for a robbery or burglary charge in Martinez depends on many factors, including the specific charges, any strike allegations, your criminal history, and the strength of the evidence. Some cases carry mandatory minimums or strong presumptions in favor of custody, especially when weapons or injuries are involved. However, not every case results in a lengthy sentence, and in certain situations, options like reduced charges, probation, or alternative programs may be available. A thorough evaluation of your case can reveal opportunities to argue for a non‑custodial or shorter custodial outcome. Presenting mitigation—such as work history, family responsibilities, treatment participation, or lack of prior record—can influence how prosecutors and judges in Martinez view the appropriate sentence. While no attorney can guarantee a specific result, focused advocacy can make a meaningful difference in the final outcome and in how much time, if any, you spend in custody.
Robbery and burglary charges can have serious immigration consequences for non‑citizens, even if the case is handled in state court in Martinez. Certain offenses may be considered crimes involving moral turpitude or aggravated felonies under federal immigration law, which can affect your ability to remain in the United States, apply for status, or reenter if you leave. Sometimes, the way a charge is worded or the specific section of the statute used can make a significant difference in how immigration authorities view the conviction. Because the overlap between criminal and immigration law is complex, it is important to inform your defense team about your status as early as possible. This allows them to consider immigration consequences when negotiating plea offers or advising you about trial risks. In some cases, it may be possible to pursue alternative charges or outcomes that better protect your ability to stay with your family and continue your life here in California.
You can be charged with burglary in Martinez even if nothing was actually taken from the property. Under California law, the key question is often whether you entered a building, room, or locked vehicle with the intent to commit theft or a felony inside. Prosecutors frequently rely on surrounding circumstances—such as time of day, possession of tools, or statements made—to argue that there was unlawful intent, even when no property is missing or the attempt was interrupted. Defending against this type of allegation often involves challenging the claim about what you intended to do at the time of entry. Your defense team may point to lawful reasons for being on the property, prior permission, or behavior that is inconsistent with planning a crime. Witness accounts, messages, and your history with the location or people involved can all be relevant. Clarifying the true purpose of your presence is often central to resisting a burglary conviction or negotiating a reduced charge in Martinez.
Yes, it is possible to be charged in Martinez even if you did not personally take property or enter a building. Under California law, individuals who aid, encourage, or assist others in committing a robbery or burglary can sometimes be treated as participants. This might include acting as a lookout, providing a vehicle, or helping plan the incident. However, the prosecution must still prove that you had the required intent and were more than a passive bystander or someone merely present at the scene. A strong defense focuses on drawing clear lines between association and participation. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time, having friends or relatives involved, or lacking knowledge of what others planned can all be important factors. Witness statements, messages, and the sequence of events before and after the incident often matter. By carefully analyzing the evidence, your defense team can challenge assumptions about your role and argue for dismissal, reduction, or more appropriate treatment of the charges.
The length of a robbery or burglary case in Martinez can vary widely. Some matters resolve within a few months through early negotiations, while others may take a year or more, especially if there are complex legal issues or the case is headed for trial. Factors that influence timing include how quickly discovery is provided, whether there are co‑defendants, the court’s calendar, and whether motions need to be litigated. It is common for serious felony cases to involve multiple court dates over an extended period. While the process can feel slow and frustrating, the time is often used productively to investigate, negotiate, and build mitigation. Rushing to resolve a case without fully understanding the evidence or exploring options can lead to outcomes that are difficult to change later. Your defense team should keep you updated about what is happening between court dates and explain why certain strategic decisions might take additional time in your Martinez robbery or burglary matter.
Talking directly to police or alleged victims about your robbery or burglary case can create serious risks, even if you feel misunderstood or want to apologize. Statements you make can be recorded, repeated, and later used as evidence in Martinez court. Attempts to influence a witness’s statements or persuade someone to drop charges can also be misinterpreted as intimidation or obstruction. Because emotions are high on all sides, casual conversations can quickly become problematic and harm your defense. It is generally safer to let your defense team handle communication with law enforcement and the prosecution. They understand how statements may be perceived and can convey information in a way that protects your rights. If there are reasons you believe a witness may change their account or new information exists, share this privately with your lawyer rather than addressing it yourself. Taking this cautious approach can prevent avoidable complications and help preserve your options as your Martinez case unfolds.
Our firm assists people facing robbery and burglary charges in Martinez by combining thorough preparation with clear communication. From the outset, we obtain and review police reports, recordings, and other discovery to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We investigate the facts, challenge problematic identifications or searches when appropriate, and explore whether enhancements or strike allegations can be reduced or dismissed. Throughout, we keep you informed about developments, potential strategies, and the pros and cons of negotiation versus trial. We also focus on who you are beyond the charges. By gathering information about your background, responsibilities, and goals, we can build a mitigation package that humanizes you in the eyes of the court. Whether the case resolves through a plea or proceeds to trial, we advocate for outcomes that protect your future as much as possible, considering custody exposure, immigration concerns, employment prospects, and family needs in Martinez and the wider East Bay community.
