The Van Nuys community and Los Angeles Police Department are dedicated to promoting and maintaining safety for Van Nuys residents. This means those involved in or accused of being involved with committing unlawful acts can expect to face criminal charges and potentially significant legal repercussions.
If you have been charged with a crime, contacting a Van Nuys criminal defense lawyer from Simmrin Law Group should be your first priority. Simmrin Law Group is committed to upholding the rights of and providing superior legal representation to anyone accused of a criminal act.
Criminal Charges and Consequences
Convictions for criminal charges bring a range of consequences depending on the nature and seriousness of the alleged crime.
Misdemeanor Charges and Consequences
Misdemeanors are considered less serious and in some cases “minor” crimes. Convictions can bring jail sentences of a maximum of 364 days and fines of up to $1000. There are specific misdemeanor crimes, such as assaulting a health care provider, that incur fines of up to $2000 upon conviction.
Misdemeanor crimes fall into two possible categories: standard or aggravated (also called “gross.”). Standard misdemeanor convictions can carry jail sentences of up to six months and/or fines of $1000. Aggravated misdemeanor convictions can raise that sentence to up to 364 days.
Sometimes, judges sentence convicted misdemeanor offenders with summary or “informal” probation, allowing them to avoid jail time as long as they honor the conditions of their probation.
Felony Charges and Consequences
Felony crimes are more serious than misdemeanors, often involving some element of violence, and the consequences are more serious as well.
Felony convictions can result in sentences of a year or more in prison and/or fines amounting to $10,000. In California, for more serious crimes, such as first-degree murder or a second conviction for rape, offenders can spend life in prison. Convictions for felonies classified as “violent” also count as a “strike” under the three-strikes-sentencing law.
Further, a conviction for some felonies can lead to deportation, loss of the right to own a firearm and other civil rights, and loss of employment opportunities
Wobbler Charges and Consequences
Wobblers are crimes that can count as either misdemeanors or felonies. Usually, the prosecutor determines the type of charges to file based on factors including:
- The offender’s history
- How cooperative the offender is with law enforcement
- Whether victims were injured during or because of the alleged crime
- The extent of property damage caused by the criminal act
- The offender’s age and mental capacity
- The specific circumstances of the crime
All convictions bring consequences that will affect your life in some way. They may cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars, reduce your independence, or even take away your freedom. It is essential that you have a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Van Nuys fighting to limit those consequences, prove your innocence, or have your charges dismissed completely.
For a free legal consultation with a criminal defense lawyer serving Van Nuys, call (310) 896-2723
How a Van Nuys Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You
You have the right to remain silent after an arrest. You also have the right to three phone calls within three hours of your arrest. Exercise those rights.
Do not speak to law enforcement about your alleged criminal act, and call for legal representation as soon as possible. Whatever charges you are facing, your Van Nuys criminal defense attorney from Simmrin Law Group has got your back.
Communicate
From the start, your lawyer will communicate with you and for you. Criminal charges can leave you feeling scared and isolated. Your lawyer will make sure you are kept informed of what is happening with your case, and that you know your options for fighting the charges or consequences.
Your lawyer will also be present any time you are required to speak to law enforcement and will speak on your behalf and advise you on what to say or not say to ensure your words will not be used against you later.
Investigate
An experienced criminal defense lawyer in Van Nuys knows how to investigate the events of your alleged crime thoroughly. Your attorney will gather evidence to support your innocence or mitigate your involvement and will examine the prosecutor’s case for weaknesses and inconsistencies. Your lawyer will
- Track down and interview witnesses and prepare them to testify on your behalf
- Request potential video or photo evidence of the alleged incident and the crime scene
- Examine the prosecution’s evidence against you, including the witnesses’ testimony
- Obtain cell phone records or other third-party documents relevant to your case
Negotiate
Your criminal defense attorney in Van Nuys has the expert legal knowledge and sharp negotiating skills you need to secure the most favorable outcome possible. Depending on your situation, your lawyer may argue to have your charges reduced, showing your alleged actions do not rise to the level of seriousness the prosecution has attributed to them or that the prosecution has not provided sufficient evidence to allow the charges to stand.
If applicable, your attorney may negotiate a plea bargain. For example, if you are charged with a felony, your lawyer can negotiate to have the charges reduced to a misdemeanor in exchange for a guilty plea. As a result, you avoid having felony charges on your record as well as the most life-altering penalties.
Your lawyer can also negotiate your consequences. For example, if you are charged with a misdemeanor, your attorney can argue that summary probation is the more appropriate punishment than a fine or jail time.
Represent
If your case goes to trial, your criminal defense lawyer in Van Nuys will stand by you and fight for you at every court proceeding. Your lawyer will ensure your fair treatment by the criminal justice system at large and present a powerful defense to the judge and/or jury.
Van Nuys Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Talk to Us Today
Those confronting criminal charges tend to feel confused, scared, and isolated–as if they do not have a friend in the world. The truth is, you are not alone. At Simmrin Law Group, you have a friend who knows the law.
Contact us today to speak to a Van Nuys criminal defense attorney who will give you the personal and legal support you need and deserve.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form