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Hayden Gifford Smith

Hayden Gifford Smith

The Law Office of Hayden Smith
820 West 18th Street
Merced, CA 95340

Phone: (209) 384-8230  |  Fax: (209) 554-7983
http://www.mercedcriminaldefenselawyer.com

Contact Hayden Gifford Smith

I Will Fearlessly Represent Your Interests

Legal Topic

Criminal Defense

Preferred New Clients

We prefer to handle criminal defense including infractions, misdemeanors, and all felonies.

Sub-Categories

Criminal Defense
  • Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
  • Appeals
  • Environmental Violations
  • Felonies
  • Grand Jury Proceedings
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • False Identification
  • Truancy
  • Misdemeanors
  • Parole
  • Probation
  • Perjury
  • Plea Negotiation
  • Search & Seizure
Abuse
  • Animal Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
  • Elder Abuse
Automotive
  • DUI
  • Felony Auto Accidents
  • Parking Tickets & Towing
  • Traffic - Moving Violations
  • Open Container
  • Driving with a Suspended License
  • Driving without a License
  • DWI
Computer Crimes
  • Hacking
  • Malicious Code
  • Unauthorized Access
Criminal Records
  • Expungement or Expunction
Drugs
  • Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
  • Drug Possession
  • Intent to Distribute Drugs
  • Intent to Sell Drugs
  • Medical Marijuana
Firearms & Weapons
  • Constitutional Rights Defense
  • Illegal Possession or Transportation
  • Other Weapons & Devices
Fraud & Financial Crimes
  • Bank Fraud
  • Checks & Credit Cards
  • Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
  • Embezzlement
  • Extortion
  • Forgery
  • Identity Theft
  • Insider Trading
  • Insurance Claims
  • Money Laundering
  • Public Offerings
  • Racketeering & RICO
  • Securities Fraud
  • Smuggling
  • Tax Evasion & Fraud
  • Trade Secrets
  • Wire Transfer
Property Crimes
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Embezzlement
  • Larceny
  • Shoplifting
  • Theft
  • Trespass
  • Vandalism
Sex Crimes
  • Abduction
  • Child Abuse
  • Child Pornography
  • Indecent Exposure
  • Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
  • Rape
  • Sexual Assault
  • Stalking
  • Trafficking in Women
Violent Crimes
  • Assault & Battery
  • Domestic Violence
  • Extortion
  • Kidnapping
  • Manslaughter
  • Murder
  • Robbery

Bar Admissions

CA, Feb 2006
Bar Number: 241606

Other Court Admissions

All California State courts.

Association Memberships

American Bar Association, National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers, California Public Defender Association.

Continuing Education

I attend California Public Defenders Association seminars.

Example Cases

• Client charged with aiding and abetting a drive-by shooting; misdemeanor plea.

• Client charged with assault and rape. Result: probation violation for drinking.

• Most recent trial: client charged with assault and gang enhancement, was looking at nine years in prison. The result was a hung jury, so the DA dismissed the case.

Education

Degree:

B.A. in Philosophy

School:

UCLA

City:

Los Angeles

State:

CA

Year:

1999

 

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

University of San Diego SOL

City:

San Diego

State:

CA

Year:

2004

Honors:

Law Review, Cali Award in Criminal Law, Dean's Merit Scholarship

Focus and Accomplishments:

Ranked first in class after first year of study.

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

Our firm was established in August of 2008.

We focus on criminal defense in both plea negotiations and trials.

Previous Employment Summary

I spent three years as a Deputy Alternate Public Defender in Fresno. I handled cases of murder, rape, DUIs, etc.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I love it when clients educate themselves on legal issues.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I never pass up a chance to review documents prepared by my clients.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I do not act as advisory counsel. I represent, or I do not represent.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

My dad was a troubled man who spent many years in prison. Maybe I am unconsciously helping him.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

I like people, and am a top-notch arguer.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I chose criminal defense because it is an exciting area of law.

What do you like best about your career?

There's never a dull moment, and I enjoy meeting people.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am a solo practitioner, so all of my clients deal directly with me.

What are your strengths and style?

My strengths are knowledge of the law, amiability, and ferocity at trial. My style is to talk softly and carry a big stick. Most of the time, disagreements can be settled. However, if one cannot, and it must go trial, I look forward to saying, "Ladies and gentleman..."

Personal Interests:

I like lifting weights and swimming, philosophy, literature, and law.

Fax

(209) 554-7983

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

No

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

No. I negotiate a fee based on the difficulty of the case, likelihood of trial, etc. I usually charge a flat rate.

Hourly Rates

$200 per hour.

Free Initial Consultation?

I typically charge $50 for an initial consultation, but waive this fee most of the time.

Typical Retainer

$1,000 to $1,500.

Understanding Fees

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