Conquer Your
Criminal Case

When you need a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles,
The Olen Firm is on your side.

Conquer Your
Criminal Case

When you need a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles,
The Olen Firm is on your side.

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer

criminal defense lawyer
Our reliable and knowledgeable Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at the Olen Firm is here to provide you with the quality legal representation you need and deserve. Schedule your consultation today to get started on your case.
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.

At the Olen Firm

we believe that experience
drives results
California law places a stringent burden of proof on the prosecution in criminal cases. If you're facing any kind of criminal charges, don't hesitate to contact us for a consultation with our knowledgeable and experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer.

Our experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Olen Firm are dedicated to providing you with the best possible legal assistance and representation. Our criminal defense law firm has successfully represented clients in different criminal cases, including DUI, assault, theft, and much more.

No matter what charges you're facing, we're here to help you secure the best conclusion for your case. Schedule your free consultation with us today.

Our Client Testimonials

  • If you want the best, hire Jared! He took the time to understand my case and explained everything to me. He got me a great deal on my felony case where I didn’t have do any jail time. That was such a relief!
    - Christian V.
  • I was so scared to be charged with al DUI because I had never been in trouble before. But Jared walked me through the whole process and explained everything to me in a way I could understand. He got me a great result for my DUI. Thank you!
    - Matt E.
  • The prosecutor tried to get my son’s case moved to adult court. But Mr. Olen was able to convince the judge to keep the case in juvenile court after explaining to the judge some difficult things my son was dealing with. I am so thankful!
    - Maria S.
  • I’ve always had bad experiences with lawyers before. I don’t feel like they want to listen to me. But Mr. Olen is different. He really took the time to listen to me and understand my case. I am so grateful for what he did with my case. Thank you so much!

    - Alex V.
“Battle-hardened. Trial-tough. Ready to protect your rights and your future. Call 213-999-8380.”
“Battle-hardened. Trial-tough. Ready to protect your rights and your future.
Call 213-999-8380.”

Passionate LA 
Criminal Attorney

Jared Olen

“A passionate advocate for others, I amassed significant criminal-defense experience as a deputy public defender. In that position, I represented thousands and misdemeanor and felony clients, as well as juveniles clients and juvenile clients facing potential transfer to adult court.”

How Criminal Cases Work in Los Angeles, CA

Understanding how criminal cases work in California is critical so you can know what to expect and prepare yourself accordingly. In the following sections, we'll walk you through the criminal case process, from the initial arrest down to the verdict and sentencing.

Arrest & Bail

The first step in a criminal offense case is arrest. Law enforcement officers have two legal grounds to impose an arrest on you.

First, they have a valid warrant of arrest. This is when a judge signs an order authorizing the arrest of a specific individual. The second ground is when they have reason to believe you have committed a crime.

Once the enforcement body captures you, they will set a bail amount based on the crimes you are arrested for. Los Angeles County has a bail schedule that determines how much bail should be imposed for each criminal offense.

At this point, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is already critical. An attorney will help you navigate the complicated legal system and ensure that your rights are protected.

Arraignment

Within or after 48 hours of your arrest, you will present yourself before the judge who will read your charges. You're now in the arraignment process. After reading your charges, the presiding judge will allow you to enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.

When you enter a not-guilty plea in a felony case, the judge will schedule you to attend a preliminary hearing. A preliminary hearing is a hearing where the prosecution will present evidence to prove that you committed a crime.

If they fail to do so, then your case will be dismissed. However, the judge will order you to stand trial if they succeed.

Suppose you already hired an experienced criminal defense lawyer when you enter arraignment. In that case, they can help you negotiate for a lower bail amount or for your release on your own recognizance.

Pre-trial Conference

A pre-trial conference occurs when you are dealing with a misdemeanor charge. During the pre-trial conference, your criminal defense attorney and the prosecutor will discuss the evidence and try to come up with a plea bargain.

A plea bargain is a consensus between you and the prosecution where you agree to plead guilty or no contest in exchange for a lighter sentence. If both parties cannot reach a plea bargain, then the judge will set a date for your trial.

Preliminary Hearing

In contrast, you will enter a preliminary hearing if you're dealing with felony charges. This is different from a pre-trial conference because the prosecution will present evidence to the judge, and the judge will determine if there is enough evidence for you to stand trial.

If the judge finds that there isn't enough evidence, then your case will be dismissed. However, if the judge finds enough evidence, you will be ordered to stand trial.

Trial, Verdict, and Sentencing

The final and the most detrimental phase of the criminal process is the trial, verdict, and sentencing phase. If you and your criminal defense lawyer decide to take your case to trial, you will face a jury unless you and the prosecutor agree to have the judge decide your case.

During the trial, your lawyer and the prosecution will present their evidence and arguments. Afterward, the jury will deliberate and determine if you are guilty or not of the crime you are accused of.

If the jury decides you're guilty, the judge will sentence you according to state laws. The judge can either sentence you to probation, issue a fine, or order you to serve time in county jail or state prison.
fill out the form
Request Your Free
Confidential Consultation

    Required Fields *

    chevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram