Being arrested and charged with a crime can be a terrifying experience, and you must take these situations seriously. When you are facing criminal charges, do not try to handle them alone. Enlist the help of skilled and professional West Hollywood criminal defense lawyers.
Contact Simmrin Law Group for a free consultation. We understand how challenging it can be to move forward, but action is required. Your reputation and freedom could be on the line.
Do Not Talk to the Police After an Arrest in West Hollywood
One of the best things you can do for your case is not to talk to the police. Even if you have done nothing wrong, sometimes the police will twist your words and force you to face a criminal case. Often, even the most well-meaning police officers can become fixated on finding a confession when you are not the one to confess.
If you are charged with a crime, you have an absolute right to an attorney. Your attorney will then act as your proxy, meaning they will speak and negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf and will be at your side whenever you are called to be questioned by the police.
If you are denied your right to an attorney, or if the police do not tell you that you have the right to a lawyer, this might be grounds for the dismissal of your case. Your criminal defense lawyer in West Hollywood will help you by speaking to the police for you. They will ensure that nothing is said to the police that will hurt your case.
For a free legal consultation with a criminal defense lawyer serving West Hollywood, call (310) 896-2723
Your Miranda Rights
The Supreme Court of the United States ruled in the 1950s that the 5th and 6th Amendments to the United States Constitution require the police not only to protect your rights and inform you of them. The case is called Miranda v. Arizona, where the warnings get their name. Miranda warnings are a set standard of warnings that are given under certain situations.
These warnings will be given to you if you are in police custody and about to be questioned. During this time, provide a clear statement that lets the officer know that you do not waive your rights.
It is also at this time you can demand an attorney. This demand must also be made clear. You should simply tell the police, “I do not wish to speak with you. I want an attorney.”
At this point, the police must immediately stop questioning you, and you will soon be allowed to contact an attorney. You should use that time to contact a skilled and highly professional criminal defense lawyer in West Hollywood.
West Hollywood Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Your Rights Under the Law
The Constitution guarantees you several rights that may not be violated during a criminal case. The violation of one of your constitutional rights is likely to result in the complete dismissal of your case, or at the very least, dismissal or “exclusion” of some of the evidence against you. It is important for you to know your rights.
Unreasonable Searches and Seizures
The 4th Amendment protects your right to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures. This means the police must have reasonable suspicion to begin a search. However, there are circumstances where the police need a warrant, like when entering a private home for nonexistent situations.
Even then, there may be some exceptions. Do your best not to give the police permission to search you, even if you are not carrying any illegal items.
Double Jeopardy
If you are tried for a crime that ended in your favor, you can not be tried again. There are circumstances where a case ends with a hung jury or a mistrial due to manifest necessity, like when a defendant is too sick to attend, a retrial is allowed, and you can be charged with the crime again.
You can also be tried for the same crime in different states. This is why it is so important to have a defense counsel by your side.
Legal Counsel
Once you have been arrested, you have the right to have an attorney advise you and appear on your behalf. This is also included in the Miranda rights. This right is so strong that if you are too poor to afford an attorney, the government must appoint you one at their expense.
Jury Trial
For all criminal proceedings, you have the right to demand to be tried by a jury of your peers. You also have the right to be present during the selection of the jury and other important steps in your case alongside your attorney.
No Excessive Bail
The 8th Amendment to the Constitution protects your right to be free of any cruel and unusual punishments or excessive bail. This also means that the court will not impose excessive fines upon you if you are convicted. The amount of bail you can be required to pay must be the smallest amount possible, ensuring you will come to court.
Your criminal defense attorney in West Hollywood will fight hard to defend your rights and ensure that any violation of your rights is accounted for and presented to the court. They will also use any mistakes made by the prosecution or police to help your case. Contact a skilled and professional West Hollywood criminal defense lawyer to ensure your rights are not violated.
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Contact a West Hollywood Criminal Defense Attorney
Facing an entity as large as the State of California can be a scary experience. You are just one person, and the State has nearly infinite resources to take away your freedom. People who do not consult attorneys often find their lives destroyed by criminal charges – do not let that be you.
You deserve the best possible representation in your defense. When you face criminal charges in California, you need to contact a highly-skilled, experienced, and professional criminal defense lawyer in West Hollywood. If you are facing criminal charges in California, contact Simmrin Law Group for a completely free consultation and case review.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form