We understand the high stakes associated with fighting criminal charges in California. A conviction for a criminal act can lead to fines, incarceration, and lifelong damage to your reputation. Fortunately, you can secure professional help immediately from the Simmrin Law Group. Reach out to a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer from our firm to discuss all aspects of your case.
We work with a variety of clients and handle a wide range of criminal charges, putting our experience and legal know-how into action. Find out more during a free discussion of your legal options.
Select a Law Firm that Understands Your High Stakes Case
The results of a criminal conviction can impact the rest of your life in Los Angeles. The state uses a “three-strike” sentencing procedure that can make your charges more severe if you have past convictions on your record.
Our team understands these charges. We handle infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. In addition, each of our attorneys has a background in a specific area of law, giving us a highly knowledgeable team that can take on your case with a high degree of confidence that we will be successful for you.
You can contact us for a free consultation. We listen to your story with compassion and no judgment. We work on building a careful, strategic defense. We fight for our clients and communicate with you clearly and frequently about the state of your case.
For a free legal consultation with a criminal defense lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (310) 928-9347
How Much Does a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Cost?
Not every criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles will charge the same price for their services as other attorneys. However, firms that are more established, have more experience, and can show a history of wins may charge more than an attorney who is just beginning to practice law.
Selecting a lawyer with the resources and knowledge to handle your claim can save you more than just money in the long run. Lawyers with a reputation for successfully resolving cases can help you avoid fines and years of incarceration. Trying to save money on the front end of your defense case can end up costing you more in fines, fees, and years of your life.
You can discuss the costs associated with hiring a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles from Simmrin Law Group when you contact us for your free consultation.
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 928-9347
How Can You Find the Right Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney?
Hiring a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your legal case. A conviction can have significant ramifications for the rest of your life. To be sure you are connecting with the right lawyer for your needs, it is crucial to do some research. Finding the right fit can make a difference in a defense case.
When you contact a law firm about taking on your claim, make sure that you ask probing questions, such as:
- How long have they been handling criminal cases?
- Do they have experience with cases like yours?
- Do they have experience representing clients in court?
- What do they charge for their services?
- How many individuals work in their office?
- How many cases are they currently handling?
Select a law firm that can offer you personalized assistance throughout your claim. You want a lawyer with experience with cases like yours and a history of success.
Click to contact our Criminal Defense Lawyers today
Why Choose Our Legal Team in Los Angeles
Our team always puts you first when you reach out to us after an arrest in Los Angeles. We have a reputation for beating prosecutors because we understand their strategies and limitations. Every one of the attorneys at our practice has the experience you want when handling legal charges. We focus on bringing in lawyers with a variety of backgrounds and areas of focus, allowing us to handle many different criminal charges with confidence.
Our team has a history of wins, and we always take your side when building a defense against criminal charges. We provide transparent communication and always stand ready to answer your questions. We are confident we can offer you the best criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles for your case.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
What Kinds of Charges Do Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyers Handle?
Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys can help you with various charges. Our team can handle infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. In addition, we provide a defense if you face state or federal charges.
You can reach out to us if you face charges for a traffic violation, including charges for driving under the influence (DUI). Our team takes on:
- Sex crimes
- Drug crimes
- Federal crimes
- White collar crimes
- Violent crimes
- Traffic violations
- Theft crimes
You can also reach out to us if you are interested in an expungement. Expungements remove criminal charges from your record, allowing you to move forward with your life in the event of a conviction.
What Can You Expect from the Legal Process in Los Angeles?
Being arrested can feel frightening, and the court process can last for months. We can help you get out of jail and then guide you through the system with the least stress possible. Here’s how we help at each stage of the criminal process:
After Your Arrest
The legal process begins when police officers arrest you. At this point, law enforcement officers hold you at a police station until the prosecution files formal charges. The Sixth Amendment gives you the legal right to request a lawyer at this point.
Our team provides a free consultation after your arrest. We answer your questions and provide you with guidance on the next steps to take.
During Your Bail Hearing
The court allows some people to stay out of jail or prison before their criminal trial if they pay bail. Generally, you receive a bail hearing within 72 hours of your arrest.
A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can represent you during the hearing to help secure a lower bail payment. Note that the court may deny bail in some cases, especially if an individual has a history of violating their probation.
Allow us to handle your bail hearing after a criminal charge in Los Angeles.
At Your Arraignment Hearing
You should also expect an arraignment hearing after a criminal arrest in Los Angeles. During this hearing, the judge informs you of the official charges you face. You also have a chance to enter your plea.
If you plead guilty or no contest, your case will move forward to the sentencing phase. Criminal defense lawyers generally advise clients to plead not guilty so that they can work on a defense.
After you enter your plea, the court sets up a preliminary (or probable cause) hearing. In some cases, defense lawyers can take steps during the arraignment hearing to have your bail lowered or even removed completely.
Throughout Your Trial
Our criminal defense attorneys can stand up for you throughout all parts of your trial. They represent your needs and protect your rights, working to resolve your case out of court. Our team uses our experience and history of courtroom wins to assist all clients who reach out to us for help.
What Should You Expect from Your Preliminary Hearing?
You may receive a preliminary hearing after an arrest in Los Angeles. Generally, the court uses preliminary hearings for felony cases. During the hearing, judges:
- Go over evidence presented by attorneys.
- Listen to witness testimony.
- Decide if there’s enough evidence for the case to go to trial.
Reaching out to a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney quickly after a felony arrest is essential, as these hearings usually happen within ten days of your arrest. Your lawyer can cross-examine witnesses on your behalf, develop arguments against the charges, and push back against the prosecution’s evidence.
Note that your defense lawyer can also petition the judge to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors as a preliminary hearing. Taking this step can help reduce the severity of the charges you face.
Do Lawyers Help at Your Pre-Trial Conference?
You can expect to attend a pre-trial conference if you face misdemeanor charges in Los Angeles. During this hearing, your lawyer may work to have your charges either dismissed or reduced. A criminal defense lawyer may also work with the prosecution for a plea bargain at this time.
Your case could end at your pre-trial conference if the court dismisses your charges or you accept a plea bargain.
How Do Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyers Handle Plea Bargains?
Many criminal charges never go to court in Los Angeles. Instead, lawyers resolve them through a plea bargain. In some cases, prosecutors offer plea bargains as a deal, allowing you to reduce the penalties you face by pleading guilty to a different charge.
However, some plea bargains work against your best interest. Allow a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles to review any deal before you agree, as some prosecutors offer deals just to get easy convictions.
Prosecutors are assigned a lot of cases, and they do not have time for all of them. So, when they get someone to take “the deal,” that is one less case they have to fight – or risk losing. Instead, allow us to assess the deal and negotiate on your behalf.
We Investigate the Facts of Your Case
The police aren’t the only ones who can do detective work. We will launch an investigation of our own, looking at what evidence the police have, how they gathered it, and how they treated and processed you.
We can identify rights violations that may help your case in many cases. In others, we find holes in their evidence or other ways to defend you. Contact us for:
- Unparalleled attention during every step of your case
- Dedicated legal representation backed by decades of experience
- Focused and aggressive help with your defense
At the Simmrin Law Group, we use hard-won lessons from past cases to make your defense as solid as possible. Our criminal defense lawyers refuse to provide you with anything less than dedicated, personalized support.
The criminal justice system is a tough place. Everything can feel stacked against you; we don’t believe anyone should face that alone.
How Criminal Defense Attorneys Challenge the Evidence
We do not have to wait until trial to challenge key evidence used against you. If the judge rules in our favor, the evidence will be blocked before the trial even begins. This situation leads to a much higher rate of success.
We may file a motion to block evidence gathered illegally or without a warrant. Blocking evidence can weaken the case against you, putting us in a stronger position to negotiate.
We may be able to get you an outcome with no jail, or we may even be able to get the judge to dismiss the case. If the court dismisses your case, you walk away free. Many criminal cases never go to trial. We can discuss this possibility when you meet with us for your free consultation.
What Can You Expect from Your Trial in California?
As we mentioned, many criminal cases do not go to trial. However, a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can stand up for you if your case goes before a judge and jury. During your trial, you can expect:
- Both sets of lawyers present evidence
- Your defense lawyer to question witnesses
- Closing arguments about your case
The jury deliberates over your case after both the prosecution and the defense rest. Once they return your verdict, you find out if they have found you guilty or not guilty. In cases that result in a guilty verdict, the court sets up a sentencing hearing to determine the penalties for the alleged crime.
What Are the Penalties for Criminal Convictions in Los Angeles?
The exact penalties you face will depend on the specific charges involved with your case. Even for a single offense, the penalties may differ depending on what happened, how it happened, and your prior criminal record.
When you meet with us during your free case evaluation, we can give you an exact answer based on the details of your situation. However, as a general rule, you can expect penalties in Los Angeles to look something like this:
Misdemeanor Penalties
Misdemeanors generally carry fines and the possibility of jail time. The jail sentence depends on the crime. Most misdemeanors have a maximum sentence of no more than one year in jail, and many are much less. In some cases, we can potentially negotiate no jail time for you.
Felony Penalties
Felonies usually carry larger fines and time in state prison. Prison sentences are often 16 months, two years, or three years, but they can be much longer depending on the offense (including life sentences). You can now serve some nonviolent felonies in county jail instead of state prison.
Sex Crime Penalties
Sex crimes may be felonies or misdemeanors but almost always carry sex offender status as well. This means you must register as a convicted sex offender, and neighbors, as well as employers, will be aware of this status.
Federal Crime Penalties
Federal crimes are felonies prosecuted by the federal government under federal U.S. law. The penalties are often much more severe than the equivalent crime under state law. These charges often result in several years or more in prison, along with fines ranging from tens of thousands to millions depending on the offense.
Traffic Offense Penalties
Traffic offenses may carry only a ticket and a fine but may also count as criminal offenses and even carry jail time. Additionally, you can lose your license if you rack up too many traffic offenses, even non-serious ones. Some serious traffic offenses can cost you your license immediately.
Can You Work with a Free Lawyer in Los Angeles?
In some cases, you may work with a free lawyer known as a public defender. However, most public defenders have a hard time spending more than 15 minutes on a client’s case before meeting with that client. Often, they will only meet with you minutes before a court hearing.
Due to their extensive caseload, they simply cannot provide you with the level of defense a dedicated lawyer will provide. Even public defenders will tell you: unless you absolutely have to, do not go with the free lawyer. Hire a private professional. An experienced criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles can help you handle some of the most severe charges you could face.
What Should You Do if a Loved One Gets Arrested?
We can help you locate your loved one. For example, if the police arrest a teenage family member, they may be in a juvenile center. Adults get held in a variety of jail facilities in the Los Angeles area, and we make sure you find them.
Meanwhile, do not answer police questions about the alleged crime or try to explain what happened. You cannot talk your son, daughter, or loved one’s way out of the charges.
Instead, call a lawyer and tell them what happened. Your lawyer can help you:
- Get in contact with your loved one.
- Find out what exactly happened and what charges they face.
- Get bail money if needed.
- Get your loved one out of jail.
- Defend their case and help them stay out.
Reach out to a criminal defense lawyer quickly to secure professional assistance.
How Can You Protect Your Rights After an Arrest in Los Angeles?
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your rights.
Avoid Speaking to the Police
Do not answer questions about your charges when asked by police officers or prosecutors. Instead, politely tell them that you want to speak with your lawyer and then keep silent.
Silence is your constitutional right, and so is the right to a lawyer present during police questioning. They can hold you and ask you questions, but they can’t require you to talk.
Avoid Fighting or Resisting
If you are required to take a chemical test, take it. If you are being moved or processed, be polite. Fighting the police does not improve your case and usually makes it worse.
Avoid Trying to Outsmart Police Officers
Don’t try to outsmart them. Police receive training to trick you and have years of experience doing it. So, don’t lie, taunt, or try to outsmart the police. Instead, just use your right to remain silent and wait for a lawyer.
Immediately Get Professional Legal Help
Hire a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer immediately. Many people make the mistake of waiting weeks into their case to get a lawyer. The sooner you have professional legal advice, the better your chances of a satisfactory outcome.
What if the Police Failed to Read You Your Rights?
The rules around warrants, searches, and your “Miranda rights” are complex. It’s true, however, that you can win your case or get evidence thrown out if the police violate your rights. Police need a valid reason to stop you, pull you over in your car, or otherwise detain you. They also need a more specific, solid suspicion of a crime to arrest you.
When police arrest you, they do not have to read your rights. This may come as a surprise to most people, but police do need to tell you your rights before they start to interrogate you. If they do not, the statements you give may not be admissible in court. On the other hand, anything you said before being arrested is admissible whether you had your rights read to you or not.
What Laws Govern Police Searches in Los Angeles?
If the police haven’t arrested you, police officers can’t search you without a warrant. But they can notice things in plain view and search if you invite or allow them to. So, never agree to a search voluntarily.
Once police arrest you, they can search your car (if they pulled you over) and search your person. They no longer need a warrant to do so. This can be confusing and many defendants have their rights violated without even realizing it. Your lawyer will examine each step of the arrest process to see if the police violated your rights.
Should You Talk to the Police After an Arrest?
No, you should generally avoid speaking with police officers about your legal situation. Police use several tactics to try to get you to make a mistake:
- They pretend to be friendly or want to help you.
- They say they can offer you a way out.
- They pretend the offense is not as severe as it is.
- They say they already have hard evidence against you, and you’re only making it worse.
- They suggest that confessing will get you a lighter sentence, even no jail time.
- They say your friend already turned on you and is saying you did it.
The police are not trying to help you after an arrest. Officers work to secure convictions, not protect you, and they use what you say against you. Reach out to a lawyer before talking about any parts of your case.
The Simmrin Law Group offers fast legal assistance from our experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers. We provide you with a 100% free consultation. Fill out our online contact form or call us to get started.
Call or text (310) 928-9347 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form