Malibu Criminal Defense Attorney

Malibu Criminal Defense Attorney Are you or one of your loved ones facing criminal charges in Malibu, California? If you are, it’s paramount that you have solid legal representation with you throughout the criminal justice process. Whether you’re facing a minor charge or a serious offense in Malibu, CA, having an experienced Malibu criminal defense attorney by your side can make a huge difference in the long run. 

 

At The Rodriguez Law Group, our Malibu criminal defense lawyers have the experience and grit to handle any criminal charge you may be facing. We’ll put our experience to work for you to help reduce or beat your charges. Contact our law office online or at (213) 995-6767 to speak with one of our representatives. Your initial case evaluation is free. 

How The Rodriguez Law Group Can Help if You’ve Been Charged With a Crime in Malibu, CA

How The Rodriguez Law Group Can Help if You’ve Been Charged With a Crime in Malibu, CAOur highly skilled Malibu criminal defense attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience and a track record of achieving not-guilty verdicts for numerous high-profile charges, including murder, DUI, and sex crime charges. 

 

Our firm’s founding attorney, Ambrosio Rodriguez, has been featured on television stations such as CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC because of his unique background as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney.

When you hire an attorney from The Rodriguez Law Group, we will: 

  • Gather exculpatory evidence to build a strong defense
  • Scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence and, if possible, challenge it 
  • Interview witnesses and interested parties to uncover evidence
  • Advise you of your rights and offer sound legal advice
  • Conduct up-to-date legal research
  • Prepare and file motions and other court documents on your behalf
  • Negotiate with the prosecution to seek dismissal, reduction, or a favorable plea deal
  • Defend your case at trial, if necessary
  • File an appeal or any other post-trial motions if you’re unhappy with the outcome

To learn more about how we’ll execute an aggressive defense strategy for your case in Malibu, California, reach out to The Rodriguez Law Group today for a free consultation.

Understanding Your Rights if Accused of a Crime in Malibu, California

It’s important to know your rights in case you’re ever investigated, questioned, or arrested by the police or required to appear in court for a criminal proceeding. 

Ideally, you will have an experienced Malibu criminal defense attorney at your side throughout the process, but it’s always important to keep the following in mind. 

Your Rights With the Police

If you are accused of a crime, you have the following rights when interacting with law enforcement:

  • Right to due process
  • Right to be informed of your arrest and the charges against you
  • Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures
  • Right to notify someone of your arrest
  • Right to see a judge promptly after arrest
  • Right to be informed of your Miranda rights if under arrest
  • Right to remain silent or cease answering questions
  • Right to consult with an attorney privately
  • Right to a court-appointed attorney if unable to afford one

Keep these rights in mind if you are dealing with the police. Then, call our seasoned criminal defense attorneys in Malibu as soon as possible so we can guide you through any additional encounters or proceedings. 

Your Rights in Court

Once you’re charged with a crime, you will usually be required to appear in court. 

You have the following rights during this stage of the criminal justice process: 

  • Right to due process
  • Right to be represented by an attorney
  • Right to adequate representation
  • Right to a speedy and public trial
  • Right to a jury trial
  • Right to defend yourself, confront witnesses, and present evidence at trial

The emphasis placed on your right to have an attorney and to have adequate representation underscores the importance of having a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney if you are charged with a crime. Legally, you aren’t required to have an attorney, but you will almost certainly be at a disadvantage if you fail to do so. 

The Steps in a Criminal Case in California

In addition to knowing your rights, understanding the basic timeline of a criminal case in California can be beneficial if you are ever charged with an offense. 

Charges Are Filed

Formal charges are filed by a prosecutor by filing a complaint in court. The complaint will outline the basic facts of the offense, including the date, time, and parties involved in the offense. Depending on the circumstances of the offense, an arrest may occur before or after charges are filed. 

Arraignment

You will be formally advised of the charges against you at an arraignment hearing. At this hearing, the defendant can enter a plea stating their response to the charges, such as guilty or not guilty. If the defendant pleads guilty, their case will proceed to sentencing. If they plead not guilty, it will proceed to the pre-trial phase. 

Pre-Trial

During the pre-trial stage, the prosecution and the defense exchange information relevant to the case. The parties will try to negotiate a plea deal in most cases. Further, if the charges include felony charges, a preliminary hearing will occur. 

Trial

If the parties don’t agree to a plea deal and the defendant maintains their not guilty plea, then the case will proceed to a trial. At trial, a jury will decide if the defendant is guilty of the charges. 

The prosecution must prove these charges beyond a reasonable doubt. If the jury returns a not guilty verdict, then the defendant is acquitted, and the case ends at this stage. 

Sentencing

If the defendant is found guilty at trial or pleads guilty before trial, the case will proceed to sentencing.

Post-Sentencing and Appeals

If you believe that errors occurred regarding your conviction or sentencing, you can raise these challenges during the post-sentencing stage. You can also appeal your conviction under certain circumstances.

Possible Penalties for a Crime in Malibu, CA

If you’re convicted of a crime in California, a judge may impose one of the following penalties at sentencing: 

 

  • Fines
  • Probation
  • Jail time or prison time
  • Alternative sentences

The penalties you will receive depend significantly on the facts and circumstances of your case.

Do I Need To Hire a Private Defense Attorney in Los Angeles County?

It’s crucial that you have adequate legal representation if you’re facing criminal charges. Depending on your financial circumstances, you may qualify for free legal representation based on financial need.

However, while highly trained and hard-working, Los Angeles public defenders are often overextended by heavy caseloads and limited resources. A private defense attorney has greater control over their workload and can devote the time and resources needed to your case. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Malibu Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you’re facing criminal charges in Malibu, CA, you need a seasoned Malibu criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights. Our attorneys will guide you through the California criminal justice process and fight for your rights at every turn. To schedule a free case review with one of our representatives, contact The Rodriguez Law Group today.