A criminal charge is a daunting experience. These are high-stakes charges that will alter your life. Depending on your criminal charges, you may have to pay fines, serve jail time, lose your license, and be required to register as a sex offender.
Your life and freedom could hang in the balance, and you need a criminal defense lawyer in East Hollywood, CA, from the Simmrin Law Group. We work hard to help you avoid as many of these consequences as possible. Our firm focuses on providing the best criminal defense services throughout California.
Criminal Law Practice Areas
There are many criminal practice areas, but the Simmrin Law Group focuses on helping clients with the following:
- Sex crimes
- Violent crimes
- Drug crimes
- White collar crimes
- Federal crimes
- Traffic violations
- Theft crimes
- DUI
- Domestic violence
If you do not see your crime listed here, you should still call our firm. Our team has wide experience and can provide a criminal defense attorney in East Hollywood, CA, who may be able to help you during this challenging time.
For a free legal consultation with a criminal defense lawyer serving East Hollywood, call (310) 896-2723
Types of Crimes
Three types of categories exist for criminal offenses. You will need an East Hollywood criminal defense lawyer for two, but you can review your legal options for all categories. The categories are:
- Infractions: These are lighter offenses and are often referred to as a slap on the wrist. A typical example is a speeding ticket.
- Misdemeanors: You must speak to a criminal defense lawyer because the punishment for these crimes is severe. You can spend up to a year in jail with fines and other repercussions.
- Felonies: The most severe criminal offense you can face is a felony, leading to over a year in prison and steeper fines. Examples of felonies include manslaughter, murder, and DUIs with injuries to others.
While these categories exist to help everyone decide what to do next, there are also wobbler offenses that can fall into misdemeanors or felonies. A wobbler offense is challenging, and your best option is to work with a criminal defense lawyer toward a misdemeanor charge.
East Hollywood Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Federal Crimes Defense
Most criminal offenses are handled in local and state jurisdiction except in some instances where the crime is a federal offense. Federal crimes result in harsher sentences because they are considered more severe. Federal crimes have different regulations, and you need legal counsel that knows how these cases work and how they can help you fight these charges.
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Drug Crimes
Non-violent drug crime arrests are prevalent nationwide, with many individuals serving time for these convictions. There are many complexities with drug crimes, especially since marijuana is being legalized to varying degrees across the country. In East Hollywood, you can face drug charges like:
- Prescription drug crimes
- Drug possession
- Importing drugs
- Drug possession with the intent to sell
- Possession of illegal drug paraphernalia
- Selling drugs or drug trafficking
- Manufacturing, cultivation, or distributing of drugs
If you are facing a drug charge, you must immediately contact our criminal defense lawyers to stay out of jail. Even though marijuana is legal in California for some uses, such as medical and recreational purposes, you can still be arrested for DUI if you are caught driving while high.
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Penalties for Criminal Convictions
Your penalties will vary by individual factors, but prosecutors will use baselines outlined by law to determine your possible outcome and future. Your criminal record and the specific circumstances of your charge will be considered when determining your penalties.
Misdemeanors carry fines and shorter jail sentences. Felony convictions carry steeper fines, prison times over a year to a life sentence.
Sex crimes can be felonies or misdemeanors and will require that you register as a sex offender where your neighbors and employers can access this information. The most severe penalties are for federal crimes, with fines in the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars depending on individual factors.
Alternative Sentencing
Some cases in California allow for alternative sentencing when it benefits society and the defendant. There are a few alternative sentencing options available for eligible defendants:
- Fines
- Drug or alcohol rehab
- Probation
- Ankle monitor
- Voluntary house arrest or home detention
- Community service
The court will consider various factors to determine your eligibility for alternative sentences. They will look at your criminal history and potential for being a flight risk. Your criminal defense lawyer can fight for alternative sentencing if you qualify.
The Three Strikes Rule
All states have different rules regarding repeat offenders, and California uses the three-strikes rule. If you have three felony convictions, the state can seek a sentence of 25 years to life. The previous crimes must be violent or severe.
However, a DUI resulting in injury or harm is a serious offense, and wobbler offenses can be misdemeanors or felonies. You must disclose your criminal history with your attorney to determine how the three-strikes rule applies to you.
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer for Your Case
Hiring a criminal defense attorney in East Hollywood, CA, offers you many advantages during your criminal case. As the name suggests, criminal defense lawyers defend people who face criminal charges. Your Simmrin lawyer will advocate for you during bail hearings, interrogations, preliminary hearings, and other legal proceedings.
Your criminal defense lawyers have a multitude of duties:
- Analyzing evidence
- Getting your side of the story
- Representing you in court
- Negotiating plea deals
- Interviewing and cross-examining witnesses
- Negotiating your release on bond or own recognizance
We have many other duties when we represent our clients, and we must do them precisely and swiftly so you can keep your freedom. If you have a criminal record, we can also work on expunging your record if you meet the qualifications.
Call the Simmrin Law Group Today
The time after your arrest is vital because it can determine the outcome of your case and your life. You must move quickly to build a solid case and avoid official charges. The faster you get representation, the better your chances.
At the Simmrin Law Group, our qualified legal professionals can help you at every stage of the criminal process. Contact an East Hollywood criminal defense lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group to start your criminal defense today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form