Have you recently been arrested and charged with a criminal offense? No matter what type of crime you are facing, the penalties of a conviction could have a devastating impact on your life. If you hope to minimize the fallout, make sure you have an experienced Westlake criminal defense lawyer on your side.
Learn more about the severity of the penalties you will face and your defense strategy options when you contact our team for a confidential case review.
When to Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Westlake, CA
Having a criminal defense attorney in Westlake, CA working for you should be a top priority. However, you may not be sure whether you need to call a private criminal defense lawyer. After all, don’t you have the right to an attorney through a public defender?
Although you are entitled to work with a public defender, unfortunately, these attorneys are learned by significant caseloads, which makes it difficult or impossible for them to provide your case with the attention it deserves.
When your freedom is on the line, you need a criminal defense lawyer who will be ready to devote their time and energy to your defense strategy. With that in mind, our firm is prepared to take on a wide array of criminal defense cases. Some of the more common types of offenses we defend against include:
- DUI
- Vehicular manslaughter
- Homicide
- Arson
- Assault
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Theft
- Shoplifting
- White collar crimes
- Sex crimes
- Rico charges
- Other types of violent crimes
These are only a few of the different types of criminal charges you could be facing in the state of California. Your criminal defense attorney can review the circumstances of your case, the evidence obtained, and your criminal record to determine how to best approach your defense strategy.
Types of Criminal Charges
Although there are many different types of criminal offenses you could be charged with, often, these crimes are classified as being either misdemeanors or felonies. The extent of the penalties you will face will vary depending on whether you were charged at the misdemeanor or felony level.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are considered a lesser offense under California criminal laws. However, that does not mean they should not be taken seriously. Some examples of misdemeanor offenses you could be facing include:
- Indecent exposure
- Petty theft
- Assault
- Violating a restraining order
- Domestic battery
- Shoplifting
- Battery
Felonies
Misdemeanor crimes are a more serious offense under the California Penal Code. Your criminal defense lawyer in Westlake, CA will work diligently to get any felony charges reduced so you can avoid the often debilitating consequences of a guilty verdict. Examples of felony offenses you could be charged with include:
- Kidnapping
- Child molestation
- Rape
- Robbery
- Murder
- Child pornography
- Lewd acts with a minor
- Attempted murder
Potential Sentences for a Criminal Conviction in Westlake
There are many ways you can expect your life to be affected if you are found guilty of any type of criminal offense in Westlake. However, these penalties can be categorized as criminal penalties and collateral consequences. Here is more:
Criminal Consequences
Criminal consequences describe the sentence you receive when you are found guilty of a criminal offense. These often include, depending on the specific details of your case:
- Jail or prison time
- Fines or restitution
- Community service
- Probation restrictions
- Parole requirements
- Completion of anger treatment
- Completion of mental health counseling
- Court-ordered group therapy
- Court-ordered drug or alcohol treatment
- Registration as a sex offender
Collateral Penalties
The collateral consequences describe how your life will be turned upside down if you are convicted of a crime. Not only will you need to deal with the criminal penalties, but your personal and professional reputations could be destroyed if you are convicted.
This could make it challenging or impossible for you to find gainful employment or safe housing, maintain relationships with friends and family, and rebuild your life. Furthermore, there are several other legal issues you may find yourself dealing with, such as child visitation or custody issues, citizenship or immigration troubles, and the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license or professional license.
Since there are so many ways you could be affected by a conviction, preparing a powerful defense strategy may be the best way to put this experience behind you and take back control of your life.
How to Clear Your Name of the Charges Against You
If you are hoping to clear your name of the criminal charges you are facing, there are several potential ways you can do so. First, if you have never been charged with a crime before and the offense you are facing is non-violent, the prosecuting attorney may be willing to allow you to enter a pretrial diversion program or plea bargain.
Here, you will be required to meet specific terms. Once these requirements have been met, the prosecutor will either dismiss the charges against you or reduce them to a lesser offense. Some examples of the requirements you may need to adhere to include:
- Regular meetings with probation officers or core officials
- Abstaining from drug or alcohol use
- Agreeing to random drug or alcohol testing
- Finding a job
- Finding housing, despite any housing restrictions
- Staying away from certain friends or family members
- Attending group therapy or mental health counseling
However, if you have previously been charged with a criminal offense, are considered a habitual offender, a child was involved, someone was injured, or there are other aggravating factors present, the prosecutor may not be willing to work with you to secure a plea agreement or enter a pretrial diversion program.
Going to Trial
Instead, with help from your criminal defense lawyer, you may need to prepare to bring your case to trial. After carefully scrutinizing the evidence and the details of your case, your criminal defense attorney will have a better idea of which defense is most likely to result in a favorable outcome. Some of the more common defenses include:
- Lack of probable cause
- Lack of intent to commit a crime
- The elements of the offense have not been
- Lack of sufficient evidence
- Procedural errors
- Chain of evidence mistakes
- Police or prosecutorial misconduct
Reach Out to a Westlake Criminal Defense Attorney for Help Today
Are you ready to stand up and protect your future? Work with a reputable Westlake criminal defense lawyer to craft a powerful defense strategy. Find out which options are going to be most suitable to your case when you meet with our team to discuss the specific details of the allegations against you.
Fill out our secured contact form or call our office to take advantage of our confidential case evaluation today.