At the Simmrin Law Group, we understand California’s high stakes in fighting criminal charges. A conviction for a criminal act can lead to fines, incarceration, and lifelong damage to your reputation. Fortunately, you can secure professional help immediately by contacting a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer from our firm to discuss all aspects of your case.
Our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers work with various clients and handle criminal charges, putting our experience and legal know-how into action. Find out more during a free discussion of your legal options.
Why a Public Defender is Not Enough
When facing a criminal charge, many people assume that they can rely on a court-appointed public defender for legal representation. However, public defenders may not be able to dedicate the necessary factors that your case needs to win. The cons of hiring a public defender include:
- Heavy caseloads: Public defenders often handle a large number of cases simultaneously, limiting the time they can dedicate to each case.
- Limited resources: Public defender offices may have limited resources for investigations, criminal defense experts, and other case necessities.
- Less experience: Public defenders may have varying levels of criminal law experience and may lack effective courtroom defense strategies
- Conflict of interest: Public defenders are assigned to represent clients by the court, potentially raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
- One-size-fits-all approach: Public defenders may adopt a standard approach to cases due to workload, which may not account for the uniqueness of each case.
- Limited personal attention: Defendants might receive less individualized attention from public defenders compared to private attorneys.
- Potential for overlapping cases: Public defenders often handle multiple cases in the same court, raising the possibility of conflicts and cross-case issues.
- Case selection and eligibility: Public defender offices typically handle cases involving indigent defendants, and eligibility criteria may exclude certain individuals.
- Confidence and comfort: Some individuals may feel more confident and comfortable with a private attorney they choose based on their specific legal matters.
Public defenders play a vital role in the justice system, and they provide legal representation to many individuals who cannot afford private attorneys. However, it is crucial to consider if the factors listed are deal breakers for you.
For a free legal consultation with a criminal defense lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (310) 896-2723
Understand the Legal Options in Your High Stakes Case
The results of a criminal conviction can impact the rest of your life in Los Angeles. California uses a “three-strike” sentencing procedure that can make your charges more severe if you have past convictions.
Our experienced lawyers specialize in 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.
We fight for our clients and communicate with you clearly and frequently about the state of your case. At Simmrin Law Group, we understand the impact a criminal charge has on your life. We will conduct a thorough investigation of your case, provide an honest assessment, and fight to protect your rights throughout the entire legal process.
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Calculate the Cost of Retaining a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
Not every criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles will charge the same price for their services as other attorneys. However, an established criminal defense law firm has more experience, can show a history of wins, and may charge more than an attorney just beginning to practice law.
Selecting a lawyer with the resources and knowledge to create an aggressive defense will save you more than just money in the long run. Lawyers with a reputation for successfully resolving cases can help you avoid fines and having a criminal record. Trying to save money on the front end of your defense case can cost you more in fines, fees, and years of your life.
When you contact us for your free consultation, you can discuss the costs of hiring a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles from Simmrin Law Group. We will be upfront with you about costs, the chances of the misdemeanor or felony charges being dropped or reduced, and how we can build a legal defense to those charges on your behalf.
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Finding the Right Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Case
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?
- How successful is their track record?
- 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. The criminal defense lawyers at the Simmrin Law Group will fight to protect your rights so you can focus on your personal life during the case.
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Don’t Settle When Winning is a Free Consultation Away
At the Simmrin Law Group, our criminal lawyers always put 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 various backgrounds and areas of focus, allowing us to handle many federal offenses confidently.
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.
Common Criminal Charges Handled by Our Los Angeles Attorneys
Our 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 contact us if you face charges for a traffic violation, including driving under the influence (DUI). Our team takes on the following examples of crimes:
- Sex offenses
- Drug crimes
- Federal crimes, including misdemeanor or felony crimes
- White-collar crimes
- Violent crimes, including domestic violence and child abuse
- Traffic violations
- Theft offenses
- Internet crimes
You can also contact 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. Even if you do not see your criminal charge listed, we can help you fight to avoid prison time.
Our experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney has a long-standing record of success and can help you navigate the criminal court process.
What Can You Expect from the Legal Process in Los Angeles?
The legal process begins when police officers arrest you. 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.
Our team provides a free consultation after your arrest. We answer your questions about the criminal process 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 from Simmrin can represent you during the hearing to help secure a lower bail payment. In some cases, the court may deny bail, especially if an individual has a history of violating probation.
Allow us to handle your bail hearing after a criminal charge in Los Angeles. There is too much at stake when faced with a criminal charge in Los Angeles, California. You deserve a law office that has the legal experience to provide you with a successful outcome.
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 removed completely.
Throughout Your Trial
Our criminal defense attorneys can stand up for you throughout 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 is 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, 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 misdemeanor charges to a preliminary hearing. Taking this step can help reduce the severity of the charges you face.
Do Lawyers Help at Your Pretrial Conference?
You can expect to attend a pretrial 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.
If the court dismisses your charges or you accept a plea bargain, your case could end at your pretrial conference. Talk to the criminal defense lawyers at the Simmrin Law Group today about your case.
Navigate Your Plea Bargain Options with Our Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyers
Many criminal charges never go to court in Los Angeles. Instead, lawyers resolve them through a plea bargain. In some cases, prosecutors offer plea deals as a deal, allowing you to reduce the penalties you face by pleading guilty to a different charge.
However, some plea agreements work against your best interest. You should always hire a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles to review any deal before you agree, as some prosecutors offer unfavorable deals just to get easy convictions.
Enter a Pretrial Diversion Program With the Help of a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles
In addition to plea bargains, you may have the option of entering a pretrial diversion program. Here, the court is more focused on rehabilitating you than punishing you. For this reason, typically, only non-violent and first-time offenders will qualify for pretrial diversion programs.
You will need to meet specific requirements if you enter a pretrial diversion program. Similar to probation requirements, you may have required meetings with court officers, complete random drug or alcohol testing, and complete a specified number of community service hours. However, this is not all.
You may also be required to pay restitution and court costs, find a job, obtain safe housing, and attend mental health counseling, group therapy, or a rehabilitation program. Failure to follow the criteria of your pretrial diversion program gives the prosecutor the authority to move forward with the initial criminal charges against you.
Experience Investigative Experts Handling the Facts of Your Case
We are experienced in finding ways to poke holes in the reasonable doubt that may be holding your case together. You can anticipate that our criminal law firm will provide:
- 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, but at the Simmrin Law Group, we do not believe anyone should face that alone.
How Criminal Defense Attorneys Challenge the Evidence
A criminal attorney does not have to wait until trial to question legal issues and challenge key evidence used against you. If the judge rules in our favor, the evidence will be blocked before the trial begins.
Our district attorneys 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 no jail time, or we may even get the judge to dismiss the case. Many criminal cases never go to trial. We can discuss this possibility when you meet 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 the following:
- Both sets of lawyers present evidence
- Your defense lawyer to question witnesses
- Both attorneys to make closing arguments about your case
The jury deliberates over your case after the prosecution and the defense rests. 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 criminal penalties you face depend on the severity and type of charges. Experienced defense counsel considers the potential sentencing outcomes when advising on plea deals and trial strategy. Below are common categories of criminal offenses and associated penalties:
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors typically carry fines and up to 1 year jail time. Misdemeanor sentences usually involve probation, community service, rehabilitation programs, or short county jail terms.
Felonies
Felonies equate to heftier fines and multi-year prison terms of 16 months, 2 years, or more based on severity. Some felonies carry possible life sentences.
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. However, most sex offenses require registering as a sex offender, which brings significant lifelong restrictions.
Federal Crimes
Federal crimes prosecuted under U.S. statutes often result in harsher penalties compared to equivalent state crimes – sometimes decades in prison along with sizable fines.
Traffic Violations
Traffic offenses may warrant only fines. But serious infractions lead to license suspension or jail time. Accumulating tickets raises insurance costs and risks license revocation.
Knowing sentencing repercussions allows for informed legal decisions when fighting criminal allegations. Our attorneys consider possible penalties at every phase when advising clients.
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.
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. 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 you want to speak with your lawyer and then keep silent.
Silence is your constitutional right, as is the right to a lawyer present during police questioning. They can hold you and ask you questions but 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
Avoid attempting to outwit law enforcement authorities. Police undergo training in tactics that may be deceptive, and they possess extensive experience in this regard.
Refrain from providing false information, provoking, or attempting to outmaneuver the police. Instead, exercise your right to remain silent and await legal counsel.
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?
Navigating the complexities of warrants, searches, and your Miranda rights can be challenging. However, if law enforcement breaches your rights, you may secure a case victory or the exclusion of evidence.
Law enforcement must have a valid cause to stop, pull over, or detain you and a more specific suspicion of a crime to make an arrest.
Notably, when you’re arrested, there’s no requirement for police to recite your rights immediately. Surprisingly, for many, they must inform you of your rights before conducting an interrogation. Failure to do so may render your statements inadmissible in court.
Conversely, any statements made before arrest remain admissible, regardless of whether your rights were read to you at the time.
What Laws Govern Police Searches in Los Angeles?
If the police have not arrested you, police officers cannot search you without a warrant. However, if they notice things in plain view, they can perform a search if you invite or allow them to. Our professional legal team would advise you never to agree to a search voluntarily.
Once police arrest you, they can search your car (if they pulled you over) and 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 only worsen it.
- They suggest confessing will get you a lighter sentence, even with no jail time.
- They say your friend already turned on you and said you did it.
The police are not trying to help you after an arrest. Officers work to secure convictions, and they use what you say against you. Reach out to a skilled attorney with the legal acumen to get you a lesser charge or better before talking about any parts of your case.
Experience the Benefits of a Skilled Legal Defense Team Today
No matter if you are facing a misdemeanor charge or a felony offense, our criminal defense firm is composed of lawyers who have the resources and aggressive representation that get our clients positive results.
The Simmrin Law Group offers fast legal services 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) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form