San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria Criminal Defense Lawyers
When caught in the criminal justice system and accused of a crime, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer in San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria to protect your rights and freedoms. The legal team at the Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C. has exceptional criminal defense skills and extensive experience in court. When you hire us, you get a team of dedicated and compassionate attorneys who will examine every avenue to get you the best possible outcome. You can be confident you will be defended by smart, battle-tested criminal defense lawyers with the knowledge and legal skills to develop a powerful case for your defense.
How may we help you?
Charged with a Crime in San Luis Obispo or Santa Maria?
Being accused of committing a criminal act is terrifying—and comes with extreme personal consequences, including incarceration, fines, and damaging your future opportunities. When the prosecutor files criminal charges against a person, it is because they believe they can prove the case against that person beyond a reasonable doubt. Prosecutors will listen to a good criminal defense attorney who presents additional evidence or a legal defense, such as a constitutional violation. Our San Luis Obispo criminal lawyers are proud to have earned a reputation for legal excellence in criminal defense law. We are skilled in uncovering the weaknesses and flaws in the case and relentlessly pursuing a favorable outcome, whether a dismissed charge, reduced charge, reduced penalties, or a “not guilty” verdict in San Luis Obispo Superior Court.
Beyond our legal skills, we profoundly believe our clients deserve to be treated with compassion, understanding, and respect. We understand that the mistakes people make should not define who they are and who they get to be. Attorneys Kara Conaway-Stein, Jeff Stein, and Carrie Winters have dedicated their careers to protecting the rights and interests of their clients. They are all driven by a passion for criminal law and are dedicated to their clients. We will not judge you for what you are accused of doing; instead, we will stand with you as you face one of the most brutal challenges of your life.
Client Success Stories
Kara is diligent and hardworking. When dealing with criminal charges you definitely want a fighter and she’s it. If you want an attorney that fights and knows what they’re doing then Kara is the one you’re looking for. 10 stars!
– Aaron S
Ms. Stein-Conaway earned my trust 100%! I was so impressed by how professional she was while at the same being kind and compassionate. She truly went the distance for me and left no stone unturned(…)
– Julie O.
You Need a San Luis Obispo or Santa Maria Criminal Defense Lawyer You Can Trust
When you need a criminal defense attorney, you need someone you can trust. You need to be assured that they have your back. We are those attorneys. You deserve to be protected by attorneys with a combination of legal talent, unwavering drive, and compassion. The defense strategies and legal actions taken for your defense significantly impact whether you will walk away with your life intact or face serious consequences. If you need a criminal defense lawyer in San Luis Obispo, we invite you to contact us. We are committed to fighting for every legal advantage we can find for you. We know you are facing severe risks if you are accused of committing a crime, whether a misdemeanor or felony. We bring experience, intelligent strategies, and the legal skills you need on your side in court.
Meet Our Team
Kara Stein-Conaway
Attorney, President
Jeffrey R. Stein
Attorney Of Counsel
Carrie Winters
Attorney
Kara Stein-Conaway
Attorney, President
Jeffrey R. Stein
Attorney Of Counsel
Carrie Winters
Attorney
Charged With a Crime in San Luis Obispo or Santa Maria? Don’t Take Chances.
When caught in the criminal justice system and accused of committing a crime, your first action should be to exercise your rights under the U.S. Constitution. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Everything you say to law enforcement can be used as evidence against you. Most people want to be helpful when asked questions by the police, and it can be extremely hard to say the words, “I am not answering questions or giving a statement without an attorney present.” But doing just that can make a difference in the outcome of your criminal case. Avoid answering questions or engaging in conversations with the police. Your first step is to seek legal advice. The earlier our legal team at the Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C. is involved in your defense, the better it could be for you. In some cases, early intervention from our firm can lead to the prosecutor declining to file any charges at all or deciding to file reduced charges. You can rely on us to look into every detail of the case against you to identify the weaknesses that could open the door to a successful outcome.
Why Choose Us?
Can My Case Be Defended Successfully?
Every criminal case has areas open to challenges that could be successful with a judge or jury. These areas include the following:
- Lack of Evidence: Insufficient or weak evidence that will make it difficult for the prosecutor to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Chain of Custody Errors: Errors may be identified in how evidence is handled or tracked, leading to questions about the integrity of the evidence presented.
- Inconsistent Witness Testimony: When a witness varies their testimony and doesn’t stay consistent, it casts doubt on the reliability and honesty of the witness.
- Improper Police Conduct: Procedure violations by law enforcement can include unlawful search and seizure, coerced confessions, or other violations.
- Suppression of Evidence: In some cases, improper conduct by law enforcement, like unlawful searches, can lead to having a judge order the evidence at issue excluded from consideration.
- Unreliable Witnesses: Cases built on testimony from unreliable witnesses with credibility issues, such as jailhouse informants or witnesses given a benefit by the prosecutor if they testify against you.
- Faulty Forensic Analysis: In some cases, errors are found in forensic testing procedures, putting the accuracy of the evidence into question.
- Flaws in Circumstantial Evidence: When the prosecution relies heavily on circumstantial evidence, and flaws can be found in that circumstantial evidence, and the prosecution lacks direct evidence, it increases reasonable doubt.
- Procedural Errors: When made, mistakes in charging decisions or other procedural mistakes can be used for your benefit.
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Do the Skills of Your Criminal Defense Lawyer Matter?
By holding a license to practice law, all attorneys in the state of California are able to represent people. But experience in the courtroom matters. At the Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C., we are proud to be known for our skills in presenting a persuasive defense case in court while working behind the scenes with the prosecutor to serve the interests of our clients. Over our years in practice, we are honored to have achieved a reputation for legal excellence. If you are facing criminal charges in San Luis Obispo, you deserve to know that everything possible is being done to defend you.
What to Expect From Your Criminal Lawyer at the Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C.?
When the Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C. represents you, you can expect more than just having a lawyer who shows up in court. You will have a team of dedicated advocates fighting for you. We operate differently than many other law firms, offering our clients the following:
- Attentive and Responsive: Open and transparent communication is a priority at our firm. Facing criminal charges is stressful, and you must know where you stand. We ensure you are always advised of the progress of your case and are never left in the dark.
- Proactive: Time is of the essence in criminal cases. We act immediately, investigating the facts and building a case for the defense. Our decisive actions help you avoid waiting months for court dates when it is unnecessary.
- Supportive Advocacy: Our clients are far more than just cases to us. We see every client as an individual who deserves compassionate support without judgment. You can expect encouragement and compassion and to be heard and respected.
Choosing the Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C. means you will be represented by criminal defense attorneys who are genuinely invested in your future. We defend our clients with integrity, tenacity, and a personalized approach.
