The Simmrin Law Group can provide you with the help you want after an arrest. A West Covina criminal defense lawyer from our firm will provide you with the best experienced legal support as you face:
- Drug crime charges
- White-collar crime charges
- Property crime charges
- Theft crime charges
- Sex crime charges
- Violent or weapons crime charges
You can also count on us if the police arrest you for driving under the influence (DUI). We also have the know-how to deal with federal charges that could lead to decades of time in prison. We are ready to defend you, protect your rights, and minimize your penalties as much as possible.
Reasons to Hire Our Criminal Defense Legal Team
Many criminal defense lawyers promise to help you, which can make picking the right option difficult. You need legal assistance from a team with the resources and experience to build your case here in West Covina.
We built a reputation over the years for successfully winning cases. We have hands-on experience that we earned by fighting prosecutors in the courtroom. We understand how the legal system in West Covina works, and we’re ready to put that knowledge to work for you.
Every West Covina criminal defense attorney at the Simmrin Law Group has trained in all aspects of the law. We work to become experts in different fields so that we can support our clients no matter the charges they’re facing. Our legal know-how can help us build your defense effectively.
For a free legal consultation with a criminal defense lawyer serving West Covina, call (310) 896-2723
Why Hire a West Covina Criminal Defense Attorney?
You can have a long battle ahead if you face charges for a criminal act in West Covina. The Simmrin Law Group can help you no matter where you are in the legal process. We’re here for you:
After an Arrest
Legal challenges often begin immediately after an arrest in West Covina. First, you may have to deal with police officers and prosecutors who want to interview you. Prosecutors generally design these interviews to try to establish your guilt.
Prosecutors may also offer you a plea bargain after an arrest. Prosecutors can promise you less severe charges if you admit your guilt. While plea bargains are sometimes a good idea, they are often not fair to you.
A criminal defense lawyer in West Covina can look over any agreement for you before you accept. We will ensure you do not sign anything that works against your best interests.
Before Your Trial
Many of the legal challenges you’ll face occur before your case ever goes to trial. For example, you could have to deal with a bail hearing, where a judge sets a fee that you have to pay in order to remain free before your trial. Criminal defense lawyers can help you get the lowest possible bail.
Your legal team conducts an investigation and builds your case before you go to trial. West Covina criminal defense lawyers focus on the evidence gathered by law enforcement and prosecutors.
During Your Trial
We have years of experience defending clients in a court of law. We’ll handle questioning witnesses and building your defense in front of a judge and jury. We understand the strategies used by prosecutors in West Covina.
You might also be offered a settlement at some point in your case. This agreement with a prosecutor generally must be negotiated. Again, you can count on highly-trained criminal defense lawyers to argue on your behalf in any settlement negotiations.
West Covina Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
How Quickly Should You Hire West Covina Criminal Defense Lawyers?
The professionals generally recommend that you reach out to a criminal defense team for assistance immediately after an arrest. Do not speak with police officers or prosecutors without your lawyer present, as they can use what you say against you.
The Constitution gives you the right to request legal assistance immediately. Exercising this right allows your lawyer to:
- Investigate what happened
- Build a defense based on the facts of your case
- Monitor police officers to ensure they respect your rights
- Advise you during legal questioning
- Assist with your bail hearing
However, you can reach out to our team at any point throughout your legal case. Furthermore, we stand ready to assist you even if you waited to reach out to a criminal defense attorney in West Covina. If you tried to handle the charges independently in an attempt to save money, we can still assess and develop your case to fight for your freedom.
You may also contact us if you want to secure legal help for a loved one facing criminal charges in West Covina. We’ll go over the specifics of the case, provide guidance, and work on a personalized defense.
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Do You Have to Go to Court if You Have a Lawyer in West Covina?
We understand that you would like to avoid going to court after an arrest. A West Covina criminal defense attorney can step in to help you resolve your case outside of court, but legal teams cannot promise to keep your case out of court.
However, we focus on helping our clients by:
Having Criminal Charges Dismissed
Criminal defense attorneys often focus on having the court dismiss criminal charges for their clients. For example, the court may dismiss cases if the prosecutor produces insufficient evidence.
We can file motions to block evidence associated with your claim, weakening the case against you. We may also take steps to show that police officers who arrested you may have violated your rights during their investigation, which could result in the dismissal of your charges.
Reducing Criminal Charges
Criminal defense lawyers can also take steps to reduce the charges you face. Generally, you can reduce charges by accepting a plea bargain or a deal offered by the prosecution.
We recommend that you only accept a plea bargain after allowing your lawyer to look it over. Some of these deals do not represent your best interests. However, in some cases, they allow you to reduce the penalties you would otherwise face.
Requirements of Plea Agreements and Pretrial Diversion Programs
One of the top ways you may be able to avoid the harsh consequences of a conviction in West Covina is by working with the prosecutor to enter a pretrial diversion program or obtain a plea agreement. However, if you hope to get your charges reduced or dismissed, you will need to be prepared to fulfill the requirements of the program.
Since these are designed for rehabilitation purposes as opposed to punishment, the terms must be met for the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Some of the most notable requirements you should be prepared for include:
- Regular meetings with a probation officer or mental health counselor
- Abstaining from drug or alcohol use
- Completing random drug or alcohol testing
- Participating in an inpatient or outpatient drug or alcohol treatment
- Completion of anger management courses
- Completion of group therapy classes
- Attendance of a driver retraining program
- Completing a HAM or MADD course
- Agreeing to and attending supervised visits with your children
If you do not take steps to fulfill the terms of your pretrial diversion program, you can bank on the prosecutor moving forward with the criminal charges against you. However, despite the restrictions of a pretrial diversion program, the alternative would be significantly worse.
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What Happens if You Can’t Afford a West Covina Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Under the protections offered by the Sixth Amendment, you have the right to legal counsel after an arrest in the United States. Therefore, you have the legal right to hire a lawyer to protect you, build your defense, and answer your legal questions.
However, some people worry about the costs of working with a professional criminal defense team. While lawyers do charge to take on your defense, in many cases, they can save you money in the long term. West Covina criminal defense attorneys can help you avoid:
- Fines
- Restitution payments
- Time in jail or prison
You also have the option of working with a public defender after your arrest. However, keep in mind that public defenders often have a vast caseload that prevents them from providing personalized attention to all their clients.
What Do the Police Do After an Arrest in West Covina?
After an arrest, a law enforcement officer will likely detain you. They may take you to the West Covina Police Department Jail to await sentencing and a bail hearing.
Both law enforcement officers and prosecutors will likely question you. You can weaken your case by talking to these individuals without a criminal defense lawyer present. Everything you say can be turned against you.
Generally, the police release individuals on bail or bond until the date of their criminal trial. However, depending on specific court orders or arrest warrant details, you may have to stay in jail.
What Penalties Can You Face After a West Covina Conviction?
The court uses many punishments for criminal acts in West Covina. For example, you could be fined, sentenced to time in jail or prison, or placed on probation. Generally, lawyers focus on reducing the repercussions of criminal charges.
For example, your criminal defense lawyer may advise you to accept a plea bargain to lower the penalties for a criminal act. Taking probation instead of jail time allows you to go on with your life while following a few regulations handed down by the court system. Requirements for probation may include:
- Attending regularly scheduled meetings with a probation officer
- Maintaining your employment
- Avoiding additional criminal charges
- Attending court-ordered educational programs or community service
We can also step in to help if you face accusations of violating your probation in West Covina.
Depending upon the kind of charges you face, a lawyer may also help you secure penalties like community service instead of incarceration. If you face drug charges, you may even enter a drug diversion program, which can help you avoid criminal charges on your record.
Contact a West Covina Criminal Defense Attorney Now
You can improve your chances of winning in court by getting professional help as soon as possible. The Simmrin Law Group is here for you right now. We offer a free consultation to assess your case. This allows us to understand your situation more fully so that we can start focusing on building the strongest case for you.
Get ready to face your legal battle by calling a West Covina criminal defense lawyer or contacting us online now.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form