1. What areas of California do you provide legal assistance to?
We practice all over Southern California. We have two physical Offices in Palm Desert and in Banning. But we handle cases in every Courthouse in Riverside County - Blythe, Indio, Riverside, Murrietta, Banning, Corona, Hemet, & Palm Springs; and in every Courthouse in San Bernardino County - Downtown, Victorville, Joshua Tree, Rancho Cucamonga. We also handle cases in Imperial County.
2. Do I need a criminal defense attorney's help if I am accused of a crime?
YES! Of course, you are entitled to represent yourself, but as Abraham Lincoln said "he who represents himself, has a fool for a client". The right Attorney can calmly and intelligently guide you through the process while examining each and every possible defense, ensuring the absolute best results for you in your case. Our firm brings the unique combination one of the best trial attorneys in Southern California with the prior Chief of the very District Attorney's Office prosecuting you in your case. That skill and inside information make us the best firm to handle your matter.
3. Why should I choose your firm to take on my case?
The Law Offices of Soda & Greenberg brings unmatched advantages to you in your case. Consistently awarded the best attorney's in your area - Rod Soda has tried hundreds of cases to excellent results and is well known as the best criminal defense attorney litigator in the greater Inland Empire. While, David Greenberg spent 20 years in the very District Attorney's Office that will be prosecuting you, the last 4 as Chief Deputy District Attorney - running the day to day operations of the Office. Those relationships, along with that insight and inside information is invaluable to defending your case.
4. How can you help my case?
We have the time and the expertise to painstakingly review every minor detail in your case - leaving no stone unturned. Every issue, every possible defense, and all factors in mitigation will be brought to bear in a comprehensive thorough defense of your case. Whether it be informally meeting with the prosecutor in your case personally, or taking the gloves off and fighting the issues in the courtroom - you can be sure that there is no better firm than the Law Offices of Soda and Greenberg to help you in your case.
5. How much experience do you have?
The law Offices of Soda and Greenberg boasts over 60 years of winning experience in our courtrooms.
6. What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
Simple - a misdemeanor is a more minor crime for which the maximum punishment is a year in County jail; a felony is a more serious crime that can land you in prison for the rest of your life. With that said, both can have serious consequences on your future employment, ability to own or possess a gun, and many other issues. If you are charged with either type of crime - it should be taken seriously and handled by the best attorneys you can find.
7. What if I was just charged with a misdemeanor charge. Can I just plead guilty?
Of course - you can always just roll over, plead guilty, and take whatever the Court and the DA's Office gives you. But why ? Why would you ever do that? Let the law Offices of Soda and Greenberg examine your case and do better. At a minimum, we would hope to at least be able to get you a better deal that what you are initially offered; and at best - we may be able to beat your case all together.
8. I was asked to go to the police station for questioning; Do I have to go?
NO! You do not need to go to the police station if you were asked to do so. That is almost always a bad idea! Instead, if you get asked to "come down to the station and talk, just to give us your side of the story" - Come meet with The Law Offices of Soda and Greenberg first, and immediately. Let us review your specific situation and advise you and how to respond. Too many "volunteer talks at the station" - end with you in handcuffs, not going home.
9. What is restitution in the criminal law context?
Restitution is money that was lost by victims or those associated with them. It is money that is "actually" lost. The CA Constitution mandates that a Court will order restitution in a case where it exists if you are found guilty.
10. Do I have to show up to court?
In most misdemeanors, and in many felonies where we can secure a 977 waiver (Attorney appears for and on behalf of the client), you will not have to show up to Court. We will handle all of your court appearances. This will prevent unnecessary missing of work, and stressful moments spent at the Courthouse.
11. What services do you provide outside of criminal defense?
The Law Offices of Soda & Greenberg also successfully handles Civil Litigation matters of all types. We bring the same experience, sense of urgency, and excellence in representation. Please contact us for a consultation.
12. How long will a consultation last?
Consultations normally take about an hour. However, they can take more or less. Regardless - they are free! There is no cost to sit down and talk about your case.
13. How do I schedule a consultation?
13.Scheduling a consultation couldn't be easier. Call us at 760-320-2000 or 951-922-1009. Email us through our website at Lawofficesofsodandgreenberg.com or email us directly at dgreenberg@sodalaw.net or rsoda@sodalaw.net. We would be happy to meet with you at your convenience!