Compton Criminal Defense Attorney

Compton Criminal Defense Attorney

Have you been charged with a crime in Compton, CA? If so, you should hire a lawyer as soon as possible. A Compton criminal defense attorney will fight for your freedom and help to protect your rights. A lawyer may be the difference between spending time in jail and going free.

The Rodriguez Law Group is a top criminal defense law firm in Los Angeles County. We have represented clients charged with almost every crime. It doesn’t matter if you are facing minor or extremely serious charges – we can help.

Attorney Ambrosio Rodriguez understands how California’s criminal justice system works. He is a former prosecutor and knows the tricks they use to try and take away your freedom. 

It can be scary to face criminal charges in Compton, California, but you don’t need to face them alone. Contact our law office at (213) 995-6767 to set up a free consultation and start building a defense today.

How Can The Rodriguez Law Group Help With Your Criminal Charges in Compton, CA?

How Can The Rodriguez Law Group Help With Your Criminal Charges in Compton, CA?

The Rodriguez Law Group has been defending Compton, CA residents since 1999. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience. Attorney Ambrosio Rodriguez is regularly interviewed on news stations like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC and asked for his opinion on high-profile cases.

Our lawyers frequently win non-guilty verdicts from juries in California, even in the most serious and complex cases. We aren’t afraid to go to trial and put in the work to secure your freedom.

While every criminal case is different, when you hire our Compton criminal defense lawyers, we generally will:

  • Explain the charges and your rights
  • Investigate the alleged crime
  • Review and collect evidence
  • Build a defense 
  • File pretrial motions (including bond motions)
  • Speak for you at all court hearings
  • Negotiate with the prosecutor
  • Go to trial 
  • File an appeal, if convicted 

Some criminal cases are resolved in a few weeks or months, while others may take a year or more. It’s best to speak with a Compton criminal defense attorney to understand what it will take to beat your charges. Call our law firm to learn more during a free consultation.

We Represent People Charged With All Types of Crimes in Compton, CA

Our lawyers have a wide range of experience in criminal defense. We represent people charged with all types of crimes in Compton, CA. 

Some of the most common types of charges include:

If you have more than one charge, we can defend you against each of them. Multiple charges can make a case more complex, so you’ll want a lawyer who is capable of taking on the challenge. Call our office to discuss your case today.

What Should I Do If I Am Charged With a Crime in Compton, CA? 

If you are charged with a crime in Compton, you should immediately look into hiring a lawyer or see if you qualify for a public defender. A lawyer can give you legal advice from the very beginning of your case. You should also refrain from talking to anyone about your case (including friends and family).

Hire a Compton Criminal Defense Lawyer 

The best strategy early in your criminal case will vary from person to person and case to case. You should look into hiring a Compton criminal defense lawyer as soon as you are charged with a crime. 

The sooner that a lawyer is involved, the better chances you have of a positive outcome. A lawyer can help you file a bond motion so that you don’t spend extra time in jail. They can also collect evidence that might not be available after a few days or weeks. Furthermore, a lawyer can explain what you should and should not do and who you can and cannot trust.

Many lawyers also begin talking with the prosecutor early in the case. This is an important way that they gather information about the charges, the evidence, and the details of the case. This information can help them build a defense and negotiate for a better outcome. 

Don’t Talk To Anyone

You have a Fifth Amendment right to remain silent if you are charged with a crime. This means that you are not obligated to speak with the police, prosecutor, or anyone else about your case. If you choose to talk to the police, you have the right to have a lawyer present for advice.

However, the Fifth Amendment won’t stop the police from trying to talk with you. They may ask you questions before you are formally arrested or after your arrest. After your arrest, they will read your Miranda rights. These rights will explain that you do not need to speak with them, you have a right to a lawyer, and anything you say can be used against you in court.

You might think it is in your best interest to talk with the police, especially early on in your case. Perhaps you want to explain what happened from your perspective, or the police give you the impression that you may walk free if you just talk to them. This is almost always deceptive. 

The police will rarely let someone who has been arrested go after speaking with them. They use this tactic to try and get statements to use against you later at trial. 

You should also apply this rule to friends and family. Even though they may be supportive of you, you don’t want to tell anyone the details of your case. In some cases, they may be called as a witness later in court to testify against you about your statements. Furthermore, you never know who is truly on your side when you are charged with a crime. 

Common Defenses To Criminal Charges in Compton, California

Every crime is made up of elements. When you are charged with a crime, the prosecutor has the burden to prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt. This is called the burden of proof. If the prosecutor doesn’t meet their burden, you will not be convicted. 

A good lawyer will present the best defense based on the facts of your case. This may be a defense to all of the elements of a crime or just one element. You might even have multiple defenses. You need a lawyer who can present the strongest case for you.

You may have heard of these common defenses:

  • Alibi 
  • Mistaken identity 
  • Self-defense 
  • Lack of intent 
  • Necessity 
  • Mistake of fact 
  • Entrapment

You may also have a defense based on an element that is specific to the crime charged. For example, if you are charged with possession of a controlled substance, the prosecutor needs to prove that it is a controlled substance. If they don’t have lab results, this may be a strong defense to that specific charge. 

What Are the Consequences of a Conviction in Compton?

When someone is convicted of a crime, there are many different potential consequences. Often, the exact penalties will vary depending on the severity of the charge. For example, a felony conviction will usually have more severe consequences than a misdemeanor conviction.

However, other factors can influence the punishment, such as your previous criminal history and the facts of the case. A lawyer is your best resource for understanding the consequences you might face if convicted.

Felony Consequences

A felony is a type of crime that can be punished with a year or more in jail. The jail time for many felonies in California is categorized by severity – usually low-term, medium-term, or high-term. Each category of severity has a sentencing range. Some charges will have mandatory minimums or exceptions to the general term.

Felonies often come with many other consequences, such as:

  • Probation upon release
  • Fines and fees
  • Restitution
  • Loss of the right to own a firearm
  • Loss of the right to vote
  • Difficulty finding employment or housing
  • Immigration consequences
  • Inability to qualify for certain loans
  • Trouble accessing educational opportunities

Even after you are released from jail, the collateral consequences of a felony conviction can follow you forever. That’s why it’s important to fight against any felony charge. 

Misdemeanor Consequences

A misdemeanor is a type of crime that can be punished with less than a year in jail. 

The consequences of a misdemeanor conviction are often less than a felony, but can also include:

  • Probation
  • Fines and fees
  • Restitution 
  • Loss of certain rights (depending on the charge)

Even though a misdemeanor is less serious than a felony, it is still a conviction on your criminal record. You should take it seriously as it may affect aspects of your life in the future, like employment.

What Is a Plea Deal?

A plea deal is an agreement between a defendant and the prosecutor to end a case. Usually, the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a lesser sentence or charge. A plea deal is only appropriate if you know that the prosecutor has enough evidence to prove their case if you were to have a trial.

Some clients hire us knowing that they want a lawyer to negotiate a plea deal, while others are adamant that they will never plead guilty. There is no right or wrong approach. 

A lawyer should never pressure you into a plea deal but should always honor your decision to take or reject one. An attorney’s job is to explain the plea and the consequences and to give their opinion on whether or not it is reasonable in light of the evidence.

If you plead guilty to a crime, even according to a plea deal, it will be on your criminal record. Simply because you may get less jail time, or none at all, doesn’t mean there are no consequences. Make sure that you understand all of the consequences of the plea before accepting it.

Call The Rodriguez Law Group To Discuss Your Compton Criminal Case 

There’s no downside to speaking with a Compton criminal defense attorney during a free consultation. If you are on the fence about hiring a lawyer, this will allow you to ask questions and learn more about what you could be facing down the line. 

For most people who are charged with crimes, hiring a lawyer is the best decision that they make. The outcomes are significantly better for people who have a lawyer than those who do not. Now is not the time to hire an average lawyer. You deserve someone who will give 100% to fight for your freedom.

Call The Rodriguez Law Group to set up a time to talk today.