The Criminal Defense Process

In General

Criminal Defense You Can Count On! 

The practice of criminal defense is a complex process and finding a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial for your case. There are many types of criminal actions or activities that a person can be charged with in the state of California. Some of the most common criminal charges levied against individuals include DUI, drunk in public, assault, weapons possession, trespassing, drug possession, grand theft, forgery, arson, battery and many others. Our lawyers specialize in these types of charges and know what steps to take to get the case dismissed or the charges reduced, but we cannot help you if you don’t call us. We can be reached at 888-589-9994.

What Happens if I Am Charged with a Crime?

If you are arrested on criminal charges, it means the police believe they have enough evidence to prove you committed the crime. For serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping or rape, you may be held without bail. For less serious crimes such as drunk in public or trespassing, bail will be issued and you will be free to go until your trial, assuming you can post bail. If you decide to go to trial, the burden is on the prosecutor to prove you are guilty. Here is where an experienced criminal defense attorney can make a difference. The attorneys at LA Defense Team will work non-stop to investigate the charges brought against you. We search for holes in the case and police records so if it does come to trial, the prosecutor will have a tough time proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We do not view a case as whether you are “guilty or not guilty.” We look at each case as whether the prosecutor can prove it or not.

The Los Angeles Criminal Court System

The Los Angeles criminal courts are a complex system that handles the prosecution and adjudication of criminal cases in Los Angeles County, California. The criminal courts in Los Angeles are responsible for enforcing the laws of the state of California and ensuring that justice is served.

The Los Angeles criminal courts are made up of several different levels, including the Superior Court, the Municipal Court, and the Juvenile Court. The Superior Court is the highest level of the criminal court system in Los Angeles and handles the most serious criminal cases, such as murder, rape, and armed robbery. The Municipal Court handles less serious criminal cases, such as traffic offenses and petty thefts. The Juvenile Court handles cases involving minors under the age of 18 who are accused of crimes.

The criminal courts in Los Angeles are also divided into various specialized courts, such as drug courts, domestic violence courts, and mental health courts. These specialized courts are designed to address the specific needs of defendants who may be struggling with addiction, mental health issues, or other challenges.

The criminal courts in Los Angeles are served by a variety of professionals, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and court clerks. These professionals work together to ensure that cases are handled fairly and efficiently.

The criminal courts in Los Angeles have a significant impact on the community, as they play a crucial role in ensuring public safety and justice. By holding offenders accountable for their actions, the criminal courts help to deter crime and protect the community.

Overall, the Los Angeles criminal courts are an essential component of the justice system in the city and play a vital role in ensuring that the rights of both victims and defendants are respected and upheld.

How to Defend Against Misdemeanor Criminal Charges in Los Angeles.

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in Los Angeles, there are several steps you can take to defend yourself against the charges:

  1. Hire an experienced criminal defense attorney: An experienced criminal defense attorney can advise you on the best course of action in your case and represent you in court.

  2. Gather evidence: Your attorney can help you gather evidence to support your defense, such as witness statements, photographs, and documents.

  3. Negotiate with the prosecution: Your attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to have the charges reduced or dismissed, or to secure a favorable plea bargain.

  4. Prepare for trial: If your case goes to trial, your attorney can help you prepare by reviewing the evidence against you, developing a defense strategy, and questioning witnesses.

  5. Challenge the prosecution's evidence: Your attorney can challenge the admissibility or reliability of the prosecution's evidence and argue that it is insufficient to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

It is important to remember that every criminal case is different, and the best defense strategy will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand your options and develop a defense plan that is tailored to your needs.

About the Los Angeles District Attorneys Office.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office is the chief prosecutor for the county of Los Angeles, California. The District Attorney is responsible for representing the people of Los Angeles in criminal cases and ensuring that justice is served.

The District Attorney's Office is made up of a team of attorneys, investigators, and support staff who work together to prosecute criminal cases. The District Attorney has the authority to charge individuals with crimes and to decide which cases to bring to trial. The District Attorney's Office also works with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and build cases against defendants.

In addition to its role in the criminal justice system, the District Attorney's Office also plays a role in community outreach and education. The District Attorney's Office works with local organizations and schools to promote public safety and educate the community about the criminal justice system.

The District Attorney's Office is an important part of the justice system in Los Angeles, as it helps to ensure that individuals who break the law are held accountable for their actions. By working to prosecute criminals and keep the community safe, the District Attorney's Office plays a crucial role in maintaining justice in Los Angeles County.

Is it True that Most Cases Are Plead Out or Dismissed?

Only a small fraction of criminal cases actually go to trial. In most cases, the prosecutor will either strike a deal or dismiss the case when it becomes apparent that it’s unwinnable. Over-worked prosecutors in over-burdened court systems will often agree to a lesser charge or punishment for defendants who agree on a disposition. Hiring the right criminal defense lawyer can make the difference. Call us now to speak with an attorney (not a case manager or assistant) 888-589-9994.

Should I Hire a Public Defender?

While you have a right to a public defender when you are facing charges and cannot afford private counsel, the attorneys working at the public defender’s office often juggle hundreds of cases, and it’s in their best interest to settle quickly, which may not be in your best interest. A savvy and experienced defense attorney understands the strategies prosecutors will use and can counteract against them to negotiate a deal that works for YOU. Call us and we’ll walk you through the steps of how we help clients either avoid punishment or have charges dramatically reduced. There are some stellar attorneys at the PD’s office, but most of the time, they have too much on their plate and too many cases to deal with so you may end up with a fantastic attorney that does not have the time to spend on your particular case to get you the best outcome.

The Los Angeles Public Defender's Office is a government agency that provides legal representation to individuals who are charged with crimes but cannot afford to hire a private attorney. The Public Defender's Office is an important part of the criminal justice system in Los Angeles, as it helps to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their financial status, have access to legal representation.

The Public Defender's Office is made up of a team of attorneys, investigators, and support staff who work together to defend the rights of their clients. Public defenders are responsible for representing their clients in court, negotiating plea deals, and advocating for their clients' interests. In addition to their work in the criminal justice system, the Public Defender's Office also plays a role in community outreach and education. The Public Defender's Office works with local organizations and schools to promote public safety and educate the community about the criminal justice system.

The Public Defender's Office is an essential component of the justice system in Los Angeles, as it helps to ensure that all individuals have access to legal representation and that the rights of the accused are protected. By working to defend the rights of their clients and keep the community safe, the Public Defender's Office plays a crucial role in maintaining justice in Los Angeles County but a private attorney plays a crucial role in maintaining justice for YOU!

Should I post Bail or Hire an Attorney? 

It’s tricky, if you can afford to bail out and hire a good criminal defense attorney to represent you, then yes go ahead and post bail, no one wants to spend an extra minute in custody unless they have to. If your charge is serious and your bail is high, we can probably reduce it once we start representing you, so it would make more sense to wait and speak with an attorney before you post bail. If you are going to be financially depleted and unable to hire good representation in court, your money will be better spent on hiring an attorney who can make a big difference in your case as opposed to posting bail and having no ability to hire representation. Check out Before You Post Bail

What is a Private Criminal Defense Attorney?

A criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles is a lawyer who represents individuals charged with crimes in the Los Angeles area. They work to defend their clients against criminal charges and protect their legal rights. Criminal defense attorneys may handle a wide range of criminal cases, including cases involving drug offenses, theft, assault, and murder. They may also represent clients in appeals and post-conviction proceedings.

Criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles are responsible for investigating the facts of their clients' cases, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting evidence and arguments in court. They may also advise their clients on the legal options available to them and help them make informed decisions about their cases.

It is important for criminal defendants to have experienced and skilled legal representation, as the criminal justice system can be complex and the consequences of a criminal conviction can be severe. A criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles can provide valuable guidance and support to individuals facing criminal charges, and help them achieve the best possible outcome in their case.

Why Hire a Private Criminal Defense Attorney?

There are several reasons why someone might choose to hire a private criminal defense attorney rather than a public defender:

  1. Expertise and experience: Private criminal defense attorneys often have more specialized knowledge and experience in a particular area of law, such as DUI defense or white collar crime, which can be beneficial in certain cases. They may also have more trial experience than public defenders, who handle a high volume of cases.

  2. Personalized attention: Private criminal defense attorneys typically have smaller caseloads than public defenders, which allows them to devote more time and attention to their clients' cases. This can be especially important in complex or high-stakes cases.

  3. Greater flexibility: Private criminal defense attorneys have more flexibility in terms of the strategies they can pursue on behalf of their clients. They may be able to negotiate more favorable plea bargains or have more leeway to challenge evidence or request additional resources for their clients' defense.

  4. Greater control: Hiring a private criminal defense attorney allows individuals to have more control over their defense, including the selection of their lawyer and the direction of their case.

It is important to note that public defenders are highly skilled and dedicated professionals who provide valuable legal representation to those who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. In many cases, the quality of legal representation provided by a public defender can be just as effective as that provided by a private attorney. Ultimately, the decision to hire a private criminal defense attorney or a public defender should be based on an individual's specific needs and circumstances. Placing a call to our office is free of charge, what do you have to lose? Call now 888-589-9994

 If you are accused of criminal wrongdoing, it is vital that you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

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