Attorney David R. Wiksell is a highly esteemed criminal defense attorney in Sacramento and former adjunct law professor with an outstanding record in and out of the courtroom.
As a regular fixture in the Superior Courts of California, attorney Wiksell deals with the judges, prosecutors, and police officers involved in your case every day. As a trial tactician and aggressive negotiator, he knows what’s on the line, how to build your defense, and what it takes to achieve the best possible outcome.
Whether you are charged with DUI, theft, or a violent felony, the California justice system is intimidating and the consequences can upend your whole world. From possible incarceration to losing your driver’s license, and the far-reaching limitations of a conviction, it is essential to assert your rights from the beginning. Anything you say can be used against you. So, before making any statements or agreeing to a resolution, contact an experienced defense attorney who understands what you are going through, and is prepared to fight with all the skill and tenacity your case deserves.
Don’t wait or take unnecessary risks when you’re charged with a crime. With an exemplary reputation and unrivaled results, DRW Criminal Defense can counsel and guide you through even the most difficult criminal matters. For a free consultation with attorney Wiksell and an honest appraisal of your situation, call (916) 721-2132 or send us a message online.
You won’t be dealing with paralegals or assistants. Attorney Wiksell was hired for elite representation, and that’s what you’ll receive.
You’ll have the facts, know the significance of your choices, and can make decisions with confidence.
We are veteran trial attorneys with a record of success, and we bring every legal resource to bear for your benefit.
We know the critical nature of what you are dealing with. We’re here to help and are always available to you.
Mr. Wiksell has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his academic and professional career. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Society from the University of California at Santa Barbara in just three years from the date of his high school graduation, he received a scholarship to attend law school at the University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, right here in Sacramento.
Mr. Wiksell became one of the most decorated students to ever graduate from McGeorge School of Law. Many of these awards were based on his talents in the courtroom – winning Trial Advocacy competitions against some of the best schools in the nation. By the end of his time at McGeorge, Mr. Wiksell was named the American Board of Trial Advocates (“ABOTA”) Student Trial Advocate of the Year. He graduated near the top of his class with Great Distinction, and was named the Outstanding Graduating Senior for his class based on his outstanding academic achievements.
Attorney David R. Wiksell has extensive trial and litigation experience. We defend virtually every type of criminal offense, and are dedicated to providing vigorous representation at all stages of the California justice system. No matter the accusation, we utilize every available resource to achieve the best result.
In California, criminal charges are divided into two primary classifications based on severity: misdemeanors and felonies. While the type of charge largely dictates your potential penalties, like jail or prison, it should not be used to determine if legal representation is necessary.
If you are charged with misdemeanor hit and run or reckless driving, you will still benefit from a lawyer working to reduce the violation or avoid outcomes that could negatively affect your driving record, insurance premiums, and career. Likewise, if you are accused of felony domestic violence, an experienced attorney will be vital to clearing your name or mitigating the situation so the consequences have a minimal impact on your life.
Aside from the standard criminal penalties like time in custody, fines, and probation, there are also post-conviction restrictions that can have serious long-term consequences. Whether it is a misdemeanor or felony, a criminal conviction on your record will preclude you from certain jobs, and could cause lasting damage to your reputation.
Sacramento criminal defense attorney David R. Wiksell offers free and confidential consultations to people facing felony or misdemeanor charges. We understand what you are going through and can help address your concerns. Let us discuss your situation, explain your options, and guide your next steps forward.
Penalties include up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Common examples of misdemeanors in California include shoplifting, most DUI offenses, resisting arrest charges, and drug possession.
These are more serious criminal offenses and carry a penalty of more than a year in state prison, as well as fines, probation or parole, and other penalties. Typical felonies include robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, child abuse, and sexual assault.
These are offenses that can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the factors and your criminal record. Common wobblers include domestic violence, child endangerment, participating in gang activity, and various assault and battery charges.
In Sacramento, driving under the influence is one of the most common criminal charges you can encounter. Despite their frequency, Sacramento DUIs are not easily handled alone. These are serious offenses with harsh repercussions. Even after a first offense DUI, you will probably face time in jail, a license suspension, and damage to your permanent criminal record.
It can be hard to know what to do first, but remember, you only have 10 days to contact the DMV or your license will be automatically suspended. Act quickly and contact a lawyer who can handle the criminal DUI process and tailor an administrative strategy that best serves your needs.
A DUI is likely the first time you encountered the criminal justice system. These can be complicated cases with various elements and aggravating factors that can influence the outcome. It is important to work with a criminal defense attorney with experience challenging chemical and field sobriety tests, finding flaws in how evidence was collected, determining if an initial stop was lawful, and negotiating for favorable results.
With a history of successfully handling DUI charges in California, DRW Criminal Defense will review the unique aspects of your case, and develop a plan that puts you in the best possible position.
When you are arrested for a DUI, the arresting officer will usually take your license and give you an order of suspension (Form DS367). This triggers an administrative process separate from the criminal case to determine the status of your driver’s license. The form provided should indicate that you have 10 days to request a hearing. If you do not request a hearing within this period, the DMV will suspend your license 30 days after the date of the arrest. However, if a request is made on time, a DMV hearing will be scheduled where the DMV will present their case. This is an administrative process with its own set of rules and procedures, outside of what’s permissible in a criminal case.
Dealing with a DMV hearing that could result in the suspension or revocation of your license can be complicated and overwhelming. These are best handled by a knowledgeable attorney. At DRW Criminal Defense, we not only understand the DMV hearing process after a DUI, but we also have an excellent track record of successfully challenging and defending against DMV suspensions.
Don’t lose your license automatically. Contact us now.
Facing criminal charges, whether for a minor offense or major felony, is very serious with sweeping consequences including jail, a mark against your criminal record, fines, loss of employment, and a damaged reputation among others. This makes it vital to find and hire an experienced and highly skilled criminal defense attorney to assist you. The constitution guarantees your right to legal counsel, and if you cannot afford a private attorney, the court will appoint one. However, criminal cases can be very complex, requiring considerable effort. Court appointed lawyers have incredible caseloads, and usually won’t have the time or resources to properly defend your case.
Instead, the decision to retain a private lawyer should be seen as an investment in your future. Most criminal defense attorneys base their fees according to various factors, including:
We understand you are looking for an attorney you can trust who will work tirelessly to address your concerns. At DRW Criminal Defense, we will always discuss our fees up front, and they will be based on the seriousness of your situation, the complexity involved, and the time necessary to secure the best possible result. There are no surprise fees. We also offer free, initial consultations, where we can go over your options and what you can expect.
While members of law enforcement can make various false or misleading statements as part of a criminal investigation, they must follow certain procedures during and after an actual arrest. It’s important to note that not every police interaction qualifies as an arrest. An arrest officially occurs when you are taken into custody as a suspect, and are no longer free to leave.
Individuals who are under arrest have certain rights that must be explained before any questioning. These are referred to as Miranda rights, designed to protect your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and indicate that:
If you are ever charged with a crime or believe you are the target of criminal investigation, do not make a statement or agree to be questioned without consulting an experienced Sacramento criminal defense attorney. We will ensure your rights are respected and your statements do not cause more harm to your situation.
Under California Penal Code 1203.4, some offenses are eligible to be cleared from your record.
A criminal record can seriously hold you back in life. Under California Penal Code 1203.4, some offenses are eligible to be cleared from your record. This will effectively release you from many of the ill-effects of a criminal conviction. One particular benefit is that an expunged conviction may not be disclosed to potential employers.
While not every offense is eligible for expungement, if you were convicted in state court rather than federally, did not serve any state prison time, are no longer on probation after completing the terms of your sentence, and are not currently facing any new charges or on active probation for another offense you are entitled to petition the court for an expungement.
Probable cause is the statutory requirement within the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution that must be met before law enforcement can make an arrest, conduct a search, or issue a warrant. It is usually based on a belief that a crime may have been or is being committed. For instance, in a DUI case, an arrest must be justified by law enforcement having evidence that supports probable cause that you were driving under the influence. Examples of this can be weaving in traffic and the smell of alcohol or open alcohol containers being visible.
As veteran a trial lawyer and accomplished Sacramento criminal defense lawyer, DRW Criminal Defense provides highly aggressive representation for those facing criminal charges across Sacramento County. Whether it involves DUI, domestic violence, theft, drug crimes, or major strike felonies, our legal services also extend to Placer County, Yolo County, and Nevada County.
When Experience Counts & Results Matter
Contact DRW Criminal Defense and attorney Wiksell for a Free Consultation 24/7.