Criminal Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, California

According to statistics from the Crime in California report, there were about 173,864 violent crime incidents and 841,171 property crime cases statewide in 2020. The consequences of a criminal conviction in California can be devastating. Depending on the seriousness and severity of the offense, a defendant convicted of a crime may face massive fines, a lengthy prison sentence, a criminal record, and other life-long ramifications.

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, hiring an aggressive and highly-skilled California criminal defense attorney is crucial to your defense strategy. At the Alec Rose Law Office, I have devoted my career to handling criminal cases and defending clients facing criminal allegations. As your legal counsel, I can help you understand the nature of your charges and enlighten you about the state’s criminal procedure. I will fight vigorously on your behalf to defend your rights and seek to dispute the accusations against you.

My firm—the Law Office of Alec Rose PC—is proud to represent clients across Los Angeles, California, and the neighboring areas of Santa Barbara, Rancho Cucamonga, San Diego, Simi Valley, Ventura, and the rest of the state.

Criminal Charges in California

A criminal charge is a formal accusation made by a governmental authority—the police, law enforcement, or a public prosecutor—indicating that a person has committed an offense. In the State of California, criminal charges may be categorized into infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies.

Infractions

Infractions are minor crimes that carry a fine and other restrictions. There is no jail time for an infraction. Some common examples of infractions include boating violations, traffic violations, tailgating, littering, and failure to yield to a pedestrian.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are more serious offenses than infractions but not as severe as felony charges. Examples of misdemeanor offenses include assault and battery, traffic offenses involving DUI, larceny, theft, probation violations, shoplifting, and drug possession. They are punishable by fines, jail time, license suspension, community service, court costs, and probation.

Felony

A felony is the most serious type of criminal charge in California. Felonies are often punished severely, and in some serious cases, they may result in imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Some common examples of felonies include murder, manslaughter, homicide, rape, sexual battery, aggravated battery, and drug distribution. They may be punishable by more than one year in prison, fines, probation or parole, and other more severe penalties.

If you or someone close to you has recently been charged with a crime, it is imperative that you retain a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your rights and help you understand the criminal court process.

California Criminal Court Process

The criminal court process in California involves the following phases:

Investigation: Once law enforcement receives a report of criminal behavior, an investigation will be conducted. Criminal investigations may include interviewing witnesses and performing searches.

Arrest: The police may arrest a person for allegedly breaking the law or committing a crime. Following the arrest, the alleged defendant will be required to post a bond to be released from jail.

Arraignment: After an arrest, the defendant will be arraigned in court. Here, the judge will read your charges to you. You will have the opportunity to plead not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest).

Pretrial: The pretrial involves all court proceedings which take place before a trial. These include court appearances, motions, discovery, and negotiations or plea bargains. If your case isn’t resolved during the pretrial proceedings, it will move to the trial phase.

Preliminary Hearing: For defendants facing felony charges, a preliminary hearing will be held to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime was committed and the defendant committed the crime or charges brought against them.

Trial: In California, trials may either be a bench trial or a jury trial. In most cases, misdemeanors are heard and tried in bench trials. Here, the judge will act as both the judge and jury. In contrast, felony cases may be eligible for a jury trial. A jury will consist of 12 members of the community selected to hear the evidence against the defendant and their defense. The jury will determine whether you are guilty or not guilty.

Sentencing Hearings: If convicted, a sentencing hearing will be scheduled to determine the appropriate sentence for the crime.

Appeal: If you believe you were sentenced unjustly, you may be eligible to appeal your case by filing an appeal to a higher court.

A knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate the criminal court process, determine your best defenses, and improve your chances of the best possible outcome.

Possible Defenses Against Criminal Accusations

When facing criminal accusations, some possible defenses include:

• Innocence – you did not commit the crime

• Constitutional violations such as illegal search and seizure

• Alibi

• Insanity

• Self-defense

• Defense of others

• Defense of property

• Involuntary Intoxication

• Mistake of Fact

• Duress

• Necessity

A skilled criminal defense lawyer with extensive knowledge and trial experience can investigate all of the facts of your case and determine the best defense that fits your particular situation.

How Legal Counsel Can Help

Defending your criminal charges without experienced representation can expose you to the possibility of getting convicted and suffering the maximum penalties. If convicted, you could be facing devastating punishments, including substantial fines, lengthy imprisonment, a criminal record, and other life-changing consequences. When facing criminal allegations, it is important that you reach out to an aggressive criminal defense attorney to advocate for your legal rights.

At the Alec Rose Law Office, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive legal counsel and compassionate representation to clients who have been accused of committing a crime. As your legal counsel, I can evaluate and investigate the facts surrounding your unique circumstances and pursue an effective defense for your case.