Dealing with criminal charges is not easy. Nobody wants to be placed in such a situation, but if you find yourself dealing with criminal charges, the best thing you can do is seek professional legal help. Retaining the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney is the best way to protect your rights and ensure that you have the strongest defense possible.
Secure the Help of the Highest Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Los Angeles
A criminal conviction puts you at a high risk of losing everything you love and care about. It will have a detrimental impact on every aspect of your life, including your social status, job, and relationships.
You might even lose your freedom. In other words, the consequences of a criminal conviction are dire and life-changing.
This is why you mustn't try to go through the criminal justice system alone. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side who knows how to navigate the complex criminal justice system and get the best possible outcome for your case.
At the Olen Firm, our experienced Los Angeles criminal attorney has a proven track record of success in handling all types of criminal cases, including DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, assault and battery, theft crimes, sex crimes, and more.
We will thoroughly review the details of your case to build the most vigorous defense possible and work tirelessly to dismiss or mitigate the negative impact of your case.
Understanding the Basics of Criminal Law in
Los Angeles, CA
Unlike personal injury cases, the legalities surrounding criminal defense cases are much more intricate and harder to comprehend. If you're facing criminal charges in Los Angeles, California, understanding the fundamentals of the law is essential.
Tiers of Criminal Offenses in California
In California, criminal cases are classified into three categories depending on the gravity of the offense.
- Infraction: The least serious criminal offense you can be charged with in California. These are non-jailable offenses that are punishable by a fine. The most the court can charge you is a $250.00 penalty fine. Some examples of infraction offenses are minor traffic offenses, like speeding.
- Misdemeanor: A misdemeanor is a criminal offense with a maximum penalty of one year in Los Angeles county jail and a $1,000.00 fine. Most first-time, non-violent crimes are charged as misdemeanors. Examples of misdemeanors include simple assault and petty theft.
- Felony: A felony is the most serious criminal offense in California. These are crimes punishable by more than one year in California state prison and a $10,000.00 fine or more. Some examples of felonies include murder, rape, and armed robbery.
Another tier of a criminal offense in California you need to know about is the "wobbler" offense. By definition, wobbler offenses are criminal offenses that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
The prosecutor will make the final call for your case, depending on the severity of your case and criminal history. But if your case is filed as a felony, your criminal defense lawyer can make a motion for the judge to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor.
Secure the Help of the Highest Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Los Angeles
Criminal defense lawyers provide an in-depth insight into the law and can guide you through the criminal justice system. The difference between you standing behind bars and a life of freedom often depends on your lawyer's ability.
Here's what you can expect when you work with our experienced Los Angeles criminal lawyer:
Understand Your Legal Rights
Our top-notch Los Angeles criminal lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and ensure they're protected throughout the criminal justice process.
The law is filled with confusing legal jargon and intricate procedures. However, when you have a professional by your side, you can rest assured that someone is ready to answer all your questions and clarify any confusion you have with your case.
Case Investigation
Conducting a thorough case investigation and analysis is vital to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. Our criminal lawyers will investigate every aspect of your case and gather as much evidence as possible to help you build a strong defense.
Establish Criminal Defense
Once all the facts have been gathered, our California criminal defense lawyer will devise your criminal defense strategy. The goal is to get the charges against you dismissed or minimized so that you can avoid jail time and a criminal record.
Represent You in the Court
If your case goes to trial, our criminal defense lawyers will be by your side throughout the case proceeding. We will handle all the paperwork, negotiate with the prosecutor, and represent you in court to secure the best outcome possible for your situation.
The California Three Strikes Law
According to California Penal Code section 667, the Three Strikes Law requires the state to sentence offenders with two or more prior serious or violent felony convictions to 25 years to life in California state prison.
Under this law, a "strike" is any serious or violent felony offense listed under California Penal Code 667.5, 1192.7(c), and 1192.8(a). Some examples of strike offenses include murder, kidnapping for ransom, and rape.
For example, suppose you had two carjacking charges in the past, and you're currently facing charges for assault with a deadly weapon (ADW). In that case, the prosecutor could charge you with a third strike, and you would face 25 years to life imprisonment instead of the regular four years imprisonment for ADW.
