AIRPORT COURTHOUSE CRIMINAL LAWYER

PROBATION VIOLATIONS

Most criminal case end in the defendant being placed on probation.  Probation is the judge's way of having jurisdiction/power over the defendant.  Most grants of probation last for three years and require the defendant to do or "not do" certain things while on probation.  Often times a defendant will break a term of probation by failing to perform community service or pay a fine.  When this occurs a probation violation is likely to be filed.  The prosecutor generally files a petition to ask the court to make a finding that the defendant violated probation.  The standard of proof is a "preponderance of evidene" and hearsay is admissible.  For further information on probation violations and defenses please call the Law Offices of Errol Cook at 562-209-1114.

Violent Crimes

Violent crimes penalties can vary from misdemeanors with short jail terms and small fines to felonies punishable by death. It is important that when you hire a criminal lawyer, you ensure your defense team is willing to do whatever it takes to help you fight the charges, no matter how minor or how serious the accusations against you are. Attorney Errol Cook will always work to do everything he can to ensure you receive the strongest defense possible. Depending on your situation, he may even work to hire expert witnesses and forensic scientists to work together with character witnesses to prove your evidence from every possible angle.
If you have been charged with any violent crime, please call Attorney Errol Cook today.

California drug laws are designed to crack down on the illegal possession, use, or distribution of prescription medications.

A drug can be legal when prescribed by a doctor, yet it can be illegal when someone uses it without a valid prescription. If you are being investigated for a prescription drug crime, you need to have a good California Criminal Defense Attorney on your side.
Prescription drug abuse is on the rise in Southern California. There are many possible ways for someone to acquire prescription drugs for illegal use. Some people obtain the prescription drugs from a person who has a valid prescription. Some people steal a doctor’s official prescription pad and forge the doctor’s signature for the medication, while some create a counterfeit prescription that resembles a doctor’s official prescription. Some people do what is called "Doctor Shopping," which is going to many different doctors complaining about a medical condition to get prescriptions from each of them.
Most prescription drugs that people abuse are pain medications. If taken in a high enough dosage, the sensation is similar to the use of an illegal drug. Sometimes, a person is legally prescribed a pain medication and he or she develops a prescription drug addiction after long-term use.
If you are facing a legal problem in Southern California involving criminal issues, please feel free to contact Attorney Errol Cook for help.  Free initial consultations are available by phone. 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - "VICTIM" REFUSES TO PRESS CHARGES

Attorney Errol Cook believes in fighting for what is right and ensuring the fair administration of law and due process in domestic violence cases. Attorney Cook will immediately begin his legal representation by evaluating whether witness statements need to be preserved by a private investigator and whether evidence needs to be preserved.

A frequently asked question is whether or not the case will be dismissed if the alleged victim decides not to press charges. The answer is no in most cases.  Charges will generally remain against the accused regardless of whether the victim decides not to press charges. However, the prosecuting agency will make a determination of what charges to file based on the evidence, either a felony or misdemeanor.  Prosecutors may also request the arresting police agency conduct a secondary investigation to gather more evidence. Thus, whether or not someone will be or is charged with a crime of domestic violence is up to the prosecutor, not the victim.

When do you need a criminal lawyer?

You don’t need to be arrested to need a criminal defense lawyer.  California law (and federal law) protects your rights long before you are charged with any crime.  Anyone stopped by the police, or briefly questioned by an officer, has specific legal rights which they may or may not know.   

If you are facing a legal problem in Southern California involving criminal issues, please feel free to contact Attorney Errol Cook for help.  Free initial consultations are available by phone.  

What are felonies and misdemeanors?

A felony is a crime usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. A misdemeanor is not considered as serious as a felony, and is usually punishable by a fine or a year or less of incarceration.  Both California law and federal law define actions they consider to be crimes, and then divide those crimes into felonies and misdemeanors.  It is possible that one event can violate both state and federal law.  

Criminal Defense

It is never too early to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney.  In fact,  the faster you have a criminal defense lawyer by your side, the better protected your rights become.  This is true for any type of criminal allegation, from the simplest traffic ticket to the most serious felony charge.  Attorney Errol Cook has the experience and knowledge to protect your interests at every step of the criminal process.

Call The Law Offices of Errol Cook

The Law Offices of Errol Cook prides itself on supporting our clients with hard work, hands-on service, and open communication.  We are committed to going the extra distance to defend your rights and ensure your peace of mind. We are here to help you and your family throughout a difficult and stressful process with the best possible result.
You need an attorney who is available to speak to you directly, at any time, in any emergency, 24/7/365 so you can receive the legal representation that you need and deserve. When you call the Law Offices of Errol Cook, you will receive an immediate response.  If you are incarcerated, Attorney Errol Cook will counsel you at the jail or prison so that you are not left alone in custody.  You will know what the ultimate fees for our services will be before you start.  We are here to protect your rights and support you in every way through the entire criminal process.

Don't wait to hire an attorney!

If you or someone you know was arrested, do not wait to hire an attorney. You need an experienced lawyer who can stand up for you in court and aggressively protect your interests regardless of whether it is merely in the investigatory stage or if criminal charges have already been filed. Experienced, Dedicated, & Reliable Criminal Defense Attorney

Involve a BUI Defense Attorney

Boating under the influence is a serious criminal offense that must be handled and addressed by an experienced attorney. Like a DUI conviction, if you are convicted on BUI charges you stand to face similar penalties, such as license suspension, probation, community service, fines, and mandatory attendance at a boating safety class, alcohol abuse class, alcohol education class, or all of the above.
If you have been arrested and charged with BUI, it’s important to contact a DUI lawyer who has experience in this more specialized area of California law. At the Law Offices of Virginia Landry, all of the attorneys at the firm are highly familiar with the BUI laws, and have years of experience successfully defending clients charged with BUI in San Diego. When you come to the firm, a trained and experienced San Diego BUI defense attorney will review your case, discuss your options, and develop a strong case to challenge the prosecution

BUI Laws

BUI laws are very similar to the state’s DUI laws. It is illegal for adults to operate a boat or watercraft with a BAC of .08% or higher. Minors cannot operate a boat or watercraft with a BAC of .01% or higher. However, boaters are permitted to have open containers of alcohol in the cabin of a boat or watercraft, unlike in the cabin of a vehicle. Furthermore, boaters are also permitted to consume alcohol while they are in the cabin of the boat or watercraft. You can also be charged with BUI if you are being pulled or towed by a motorized watercraft vessel and your BAC is .08% or higher. For example, if you are being towed while waterskiing and your BAC is .85%, you may be arrested for BUI. 
The only watercrafts that are not subject to BUI laws are those vessels that are self-propelled, such kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, etc. If the vessel has a motor, you can be arrested for BUI. 

San Diego BUI Lawyer- Defense for Boating Under the Influence (BUI) in the San Diego Area

Many people know that if they are caught driving under the influence they will be arrested and charged with DUI. However, what many people don’t realize is that they can also be charged with BUI (boating under the influence) if they operate a boat or watercraft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For San Diego residents, it’s especially important to be aware of California’s BUI laws. A large majority of the San Diego population takes advantage of the city’s close proximity to lakes and the Pacific Ocean. If you know you are going out on the lake or ocean, it’s important to refrain from excessive drinking if you are going to operate a boat or watercraft. You do not want a BUI conviction on your record!