Law Office Of Jack J. Boltax
About
I have been a practicing criminal defense attorney since 1984. I have handled well over 2000 felony and misdemeanor state and federal criiminal cases, including approixmately 200 trials. The cases I have represented people on involve charges such as murder, manslaughter, arson, violent crimes, drug smuggling, distribution, conspiracy and possession, felony and misdemeanor assault, robbery, bank robbery, felony and misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI), domestic violence, to name a few. I am also familiar with alternative sentencing options that can minimize or keep people out of jail.
For me, no matter what the charge, I devote my time to each client as if it were the most important case in my office. You get 42 years of experience when you hire me. hope I can be of service,.
Work as an attorney involves contact and representation with people of all walks of life. The contact and relationships that I have developed with my clients keeps me engaged in this profession. It is the most enjoyable aspect of my practice. Additionally, being a criminal defense attorney is very educational as I have learned about many topic areas such as anatomy, autopsies, DNA, exotic birds, ballistics, drug manufacturing, self-defense, fire science, use of force, etc.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
An initial interview is crucial. It provides information when it is fresh in the client's mind. Next, is a review of the discovery to determine if the evidence fulfills the elements of the crime(s) the client is charged with. Form this review, I determine what, if any motions, might heed to be filed, what investigation might need to be done and whether any expert is needed to assis with the preparation of the case.
Next I meet with the client again and review the discovery to see whether there are any inconsistencies between the reports and the client recitation of events and whether ay additional motions are applicable. I obtain the names, addresses and contact informtion of potential witnesses. I get paperwork from the client that may be relevant.
Then, If necessary I go to the crime scene to view it. I contact potential witnesses that my client provides as well as witnesses listed in the police report. If possible either I or my investigator will interview them to determine the accuracy of the report and how truthful they appear. Sometimes, witnesses listed in in these reports provide information that is inconsistent with the police report.
After this is done, I make an assessment of the case and advise the client what I think should be done on it (i.e. go to trial, plea bargain or provide information to and reasons for the prosecutor to dismiss the case.
If the case resolves by a plea bargain I participate in a probation interview if requested by the report. I then gather detailed background information about the client, supportive documentation and letters of recommendation.. I prepare a sentencing memorandum attaching these items and submit it to the court. If sentencing alternatives are feasible (such as public serives, community confinement, drug rehabilitation, mental health participation, house arrest,etc), I contact the appropriate agnecies to place the client. These things are presented to the court at sentencing, where I try to get the best possible outcome for the client.
If the case goes to trial, I prepare mitions (i.e. to suppress evidence) for the court in order to improve the chances of winning at trial. I subpoena witneeses and prepare them tfor their testimony at trial.. I also prepare the client for his testimony if he wants to testify. Finally, I prepare juror question for jury selection, openeing statement, jury instructions and closing argument.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a B.S. in Biology (1979), was in the M.S. Biology program at the University of Michigan from 1978-79 and I attended Law School at the University of San Diego from 1979 - 1982, I passed the California Bar Exam in 1982 and was sworn in to the state bar in 1982. SInce that time, I have kept up with the law and related subjects by attending educatinal classes, programs and seminars several times a year.