Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney

Yes. The police don’t need an arrest warrant to take you into custody or charge you with a crime. However, it’s easier to fight the legitimacy of an arrest if it was made without a warrant. Be sure to tell your criminal defense attorney everything you can remember about the arrest to help lay the groundwork for a motion to dismiss the charges against you.

Generally speaking, the answer is “no.” However, there are exceptions – like when an officer has reasonable suspicion or believes there are certain extenuating circumstances (e.g., a present threat of violence or that evidence will be destroyed if a search is delayed) or if something is in “plain view.” Officers can also conduct a search if you provide consent. Absent any of these things, however, a search must be supported by a warrant. A warrantless search can lead to a dismissal of the charges against you or, at the very least, devastate the state’s case by leaving the prosecution without evidence.

The police must absolutely read you your rights before you are taken into custody and questioned. If you’re interrogated without being “Mirandized,” that’s a serious violation of your Constitutional rights – and grounds for having the charges against you dismissed. A skilled attorney will work hard to make that happen.

It certainly helps to have an attorney represent you, regardless of whether or not you’re guilty of a crime. Hiring a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles can help to ensure that your rights are respected and decrease the odds of getting convicted for a crime you didn’t commit. Remember, state and federal prosecutors have tons of experience trying criminal cases. The best way to protect yourself is to have a skilled attorney in your corner, too.

Absolutely. Even if you are guilty of a crime, there are a lot of factors at play that can influence a criminal case. With an attorney represents you, it can potentially reduce the level of the charge(s) you face (misdemeanor vs. felony), set the stage for favorable plea negotiations, and help you minimize the penalties that might be included in your sentence if convicted. Remember, the state has to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt – which is much tougher to do when an attorney is fighting them every step of the way.

It’s true that an attorney can be appointed to defend you. However, public defenders in Los Angeles tend to be overworked and are often navigating several criminal cases at once. This means that your case might not get the time and attention it really needs. And, if you’re facing charges for a sex crime, domestic violence, or federal offense, it’s likely that the state-appointed lawyer won’t have the in-depth experience and expertise that’s required to give you a well-rounded and comprehensive defense. Hiring a private defense attorney can give you the edge you need to walk away with a successful outcome.

If you’re arrested, there’s a chance that the state might hold in lieu of bail. This simply means that you (or a family member or bail bondsman) has to pay a certain amount of money to secure your release. It’s essentially collateral to ensure that you return for your hearings and court date. There are times when you might be released on your own recognizance or detained without bail, depending on your record and/or the charges you face.

A plea bargain is an offer extended to a defendant by the prosecution in a criminal case. Typically, the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a reduction in charges and/or reduced penalties. A plea bargain means that a guilty plea will be on the defendant’s permanent criminal record – so it is important to give a lot of thought as to whether or not to accept a deal. An attorney can help you weigh the pros and cons and figure out the best course of action for your particular case.

Misdemeanors are crimes that are punishable by up to one year in county jail. Felonies, on the other hand, carry the possibility of considerably more time behind bars in a county jail or state prison – ranging from 16 months to three years to life. Crimes of a more serious nature – typically those that involve an act of violence or physical harm to another person – are often charged at the felony level, while less serious offenses are tried as misdemeanors. However, whether or not you have a criminal record can certainly affect what level charge you ultimately face.

Yes. Under the Golden State’s Three Strikes Law, serious felonies are classified as “strike” offenses. Every time you’re convicted of serious felony, you’ll get a strike on your record and face increasingly harsh penalties for subsequent crimes. For instance, let’s say you have two strikes on your record. When you’re charged with a third strike offense, you’ll automatically face 25 years to life in prison – regardless of what the penalty typically is for the underlying crime.