Criminal Law in San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County is the largest county by area in the contiguous United States, encompassing diverse communities from the Inland Empire cities of San Bernardino and Fontana to the desert towns of Victorville and Barstow. With a population exceeding two million residents and a wide range of urban, suburban, and rural environments, the county sees a significant volume of criminal cases each year. The region faces challenges including property crime, drug-related offenses, and traffic violations tied to its major interstate corridors. Anyone facing criminal charges in San Bernardino County needs experienced legal representation to navigate California's complex criminal justice system and protect their rights.
Courts Handling Criminal Law Cases in San Bernardino County
Criminal cases in San Bernardino County are handled by the San Bernardino Superior Court, which operates multiple courthouses across the county. Felony and serious misdemeanor matters are heard at the main courthouse in the City of San Bernardino, while branch courthouses in Rancho Cucamonga, Victorville, Joshua Tree, and Big Bear handle cases from their respective regions. The Juvenile Court in San Bernardino handles cases involving minors who are alleged to have committed criminal offenses under the jurisdiction of the California juvenile justice system.
Common Criminal Law Situations in San Bernardino County
Residents of San Bernardino County most commonly seek criminal defense lawyers for DUI and driving under the influence charges, drug possession or distribution offenses, domestic violence allegations, theft and burglary charges, and assault-related matters. The county's proximity to major freeways including Interstate 10, Interstate 15, and Highway 395 contributes to a high rate of vehicle-related offenses and drug trafficking arrests. Gang-related charges and weapons offenses are also frequently prosecuted in the county, particularly in the cities of San Bernardino, Fontana, and Rialto.
Penalties and Outcomes in California
Under California law, criminal penalties vary widely depending on whether the offense is charged as an infraction, misdemeanor, or felony. Misdemeanors can result in up to one year in county jail and fines up to $1,000, while felonies can carry state prison sentences ranging from 16 months to life depending on the crime and any applicable enhancements such as prior strike convictions under California's Three Strikes Law. Certain offenses, including drug convictions and domestic violence findings, may also carry collateral consequences such as mandatory treatment programs, restraining orders, loss of professional licenses, or immigration consequences for non-citizens.
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Why Go To Court for Criminal Law in San Bernardino County
Go To Court Lawyers connects people in San Bernardino County with experienced criminal defense attorneys who understand California law and the local court procedures of the San Bernardino Superior Court. Our network is committed to providing accessible, informed legal representation to help clients achieve the best possible outcomes in their criminal matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in California?
In California, a misdemeanor is a less serious criminal offense punishable by up to one year in county jail, whereas a felony is a more serious offense that can result in a state prison sentence of more than one year. Some crimes in California are classified as wobblers, meaning the prosecutor has discretion to charge them as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances and the defendant's criminal history. The distinction matters greatly because felony convictions carry more significant long-term consequences, including the loss of voting rights while incarcerated, restrictions on firearm ownership, and impacts on employment and housing opportunities.
What should I do if I am arrested in San Bernardino County?
If you are arrested in San Bernardino County, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney under the Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the US Constitution, as well as California law. You should politely invoke these rights by stating that you wish to remain silent and that you want to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions. Avoid making any statements to law enforcement without legal counsel present, as anything you say can be used against you in court, and contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after your arrest.
Can a criminal record be expunged in California?
California law allows for the expungement of certain criminal convictions under Penal Code Section 1203.4, which permits a court to dismiss a conviction after the defendant has successfully completed probation or received an early discharge from probation. Expungement does not completely erase the record but allows the individual to legally state in most contexts that they have not been convicted of that offense. Not all convictions are eligible for expungement — for example, certain sex offenses and serious felonies may be excluded — so it is important to consult with a criminal defense attorney to determine your eligibility.
How does California's Three Strikes Law affect criminal sentencing in San Bernardino County?
California's Three Strikes Law, codified in Penal Code Sections 667 and 1170.12, mandates significantly enhanced sentences for defendants who have prior serious or violent felony convictions, known as strikes. A defendant with one prior strike conviction who is convicted of a new felony faces double the standard sentence, while a defendant with two or more prior strikes convicted of a new serious or violent felony faces a minimum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison. In 2012, California voters passed Proposition 36, which reformed the law so that a life sentence is generally only imposed when the new felony is also serious or violent, though prosecutors in San Bernardino County can still seek harsher sentences in certain circumstances.
What are the potential consequences of a DUI conviction in California?
A first-offense DUI conviction in California under Vehicle Code Section 23152 can result in penalties including up to six months in county jail, fines and fees totaling several thousand dollars, a six-month driver's license suspension, mandatory completion of a DUI education program, and the possibility of having an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle. Subsequent DUI convictions within a 10-year period carry increasingly severe penalties, and a DUI causing injury or death can be charged as a felony with the potential for state prison time. A DUI conviction also appears on your driving record for 10 years and can significantly impact your insurance rates and, in some professions, your professional license.