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Criminal Defense Lawyers Los Angeles
Criminal Defense Attorneys Los Angeles
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We understand how stressful, emotional, and financially difficult it is when you or a member of your family faces criminal charges or is accused of a crime. It is even more challenging if you are the primary source of income for your family, a college student, or responsible for your household finances. Being arrested can lead to serious consequences, including losing custody of your children, facing time in jail or prison, and even risking your future in the United States and facing deportation.
Our Legal Team at Progresso Legal Group offers compassionate legal assistance to guide families through these difficult times. We know that finding a knowledgeable and experienced attorney who genuinely cares about you and your family is crucial. Our attorneys are committed to reducing or eliminating the charges against you and fighting for the best possible outcome.
We understand the challenges families face in the criminal justice system, which is why we are dedicated to protecting your rights. Our approach goes beyond simply examining the charges and evidence. We thoroughly investigate every aspect of the case, guided by the principle of “speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensuring justice for those who are being oppressed.” We believe in maintaining the integrity of our criminal justice system and upholding the values of our Constitution.
STEPS AFTER AN ARREST
Many people are unaware of what happens after an arrest or when they should call a criminal defense attorney. The best time to call a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles is as soon as possible after your arrest.
The reason to call a criminal defense attorney is because the police have certain legal responsibilities, including reading your constitutional rights “MIRANDA RIGHTS” and following strict rules regarding arrests. A defense attorney will know whether these rules were properly followed and, if not, may be able to help you exercise your rights and, in many cases, get criminal cases dismissed based on errors and technicalities.
At Progresso Legal Group, we put all our effort into every case, even the most challenging situations, to ensure that justice is served. We thoroughly review each case in search of any defense that may lead to a favorable outcome. Our unwavering dedication to serving clients in Los Angeles and surrounding areas is what sets us apart.
THE CRIMINAL COMPLAINT
The first important step after an arrest is that the City Prosecutor or the District Attorney will decide whether to file criminal charges through a criminal complaint. Officers will determine whether they have enough evidence to proceed with the pending criminal case. If so, they will pass that information to the District Attorney (DA). The DA decides whether or not to file the complaint.
If you can contact a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles before this point, they can speak with the people involved to try to convince them that there is not enough evidence to move forward, along with several other legal strategies.
It is important to note that if you are held in custody, the DA must make a decision within 48 hours. However, if you know you are under investigation, they have the right to take up to one year to make a decision in misdemeanor cases and longer periods depending on what you are being investigated for.
LEGAL REPRESENTATION IN THE FOLLOWING COURTS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY AND CITY
- Central Los Angeles Court (CCB)
- Airport Court (LAX)
- East Los Angeles
- Antelope Valley Lancaster
- Bellflower
- Burbank
- Chatsworth
- Compton
- Alhambra
- Downey
- El Monte
- Glendale
- Inglewood
- Santa Clarita / Valencia
- Long Beach
- Metropolitan
- Norwalk
- Pasadena
- Pomona
- San Fernando
- San Pedro
- Santa Monica
- Torrance
- Van Nuys
- West Covina
- Whittier
BASICS OF CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAW
Under California state law, there are three main types or categories of offenses under which individuals can be charged.
INFRACTIONS:
Infractions in the state of California are public offenses that are not punishable by jail or prison. Basic traffic violations are a common example of an infraction. These offenses are generally resolved by paying a fine, and those cited usually do not have the right to a jury trial or a public defender.
Example: If you drive slightly above the speed limit and receive a speeding ticket, you are facing an infraction. You will not go to prison for this, but you will have to pay a fine.
MISDEMEANORS
These are crimes punishable by up to one year in a county jail and a fine, generally not exceeding $1,000 or $2,000. Petty theft, trespassing, and public intoxication are examples of crimes that are often classified as misdemeanors.
Example: If you are caught stealing low-cost merchandise from a store, you may face a misdemeanor, which could result in a short stay in jail and/or a fine.
FELONIES
This category is reserved for the most serious crimes. Punishment may include life imprisonment in a state prison or even death, although some felonies may result in probation. Crimes in this category range from drug offenses, domestic violence, serious DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs), aggravated assault, manslaughter, and murder.
Example: If someone commits murder, this act is considered a felony and may be punished with the maximum penalty, which could include life imprisonment or the death penalty.
There are many crimes that fall within a gray area between a misdemeanor and a felony and can be charged as either. These are often referred to as “wobbler” offenses. Factors that may influence whether a crime is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor include whether the offender has prior convictions and whether there are aggravating circumstances such as the use of a weapon.
Domestic Violence Attorney in Los Angeles
Most police departments in the state of California and prosecutors have begun to focus especially on arrests and charges for Domestic Violence that occur every day (DV). Police receive special training and investigative tactics. Many local agencies have implemented mandatory arrest policies for calls related to domestic violence. Domestic Violence courts often assign prosecutors who exclusively handle domestic violence cases. It is not easy to have these charges dismissed or reduced, or to win your case at trial. Even with the cooperation of the witness or victim, the police are trained to collect admissible statements for their reports and build a case without the cooperation of the victim.
Having an attorney who understands every aspect of your defense is absolutely essential. A domestic violence attorney must have a strong knowledge of the law and the rules of evidence. Allow us to learn about your case firsthand. The most common domestic violence charges include: PC 243(e)(1) (spousal battery), PC 273.5 (inflicting injury on a spouse or cohabitant), PC 245 (aggravated assault), PC 422 (criminal threats), and more. These charges carry serious consequences including county jail or state prison, long periods of probation, one-year domestic violence counseling classes, firearm restrictions, protective/restraining orders, and more. Even most plea agreements typically involve many of these consequences.
Drug Crimes Attorney in Los Angeles
California law has recently changed, making some theft offenses and simple drug possession offenses misdemeanors. Possession of a controlled substance (HS 11350, HS 11377) and possession of concentrated cannabis (HS 11357(c)) are now strictly misdemeanor offenses under Proposition 47. Previously punishable as felonies, prior convictions can now also be reduced to misdemeanors. If you are facing a drug possession charge or have a prior felony drug conviction, contact our office for a free consultation. Drug sales and manufacturing/cultivation remain felonies, even after Proposition 47. If you are facing more serious felony charges such as drug sales, transportation, possession for sale, manufacturing, or cultivation, you need a passionate, aggressive, and knowledgeable attorney by your side. Your Los Angeles drug crimes attorney will assert your Fourth Amendment rights to challenge unlawful searches, argue persuasively, and negotiate effectively on your behalf.
Progresso Legal Group P.C. Legal Assistance for Families in Various Legal Areas in Los Angeles, California
- Criminal Defense | Criminal Defense
- Family Law in Los Angeles
- Immigration and Deportation Proceedings
If you or someone close to you or in your family is facing criminal charges or needs criminal defense in the city or county of Los Angeles, selecting the right attorney can be a challenge. It is essential to choose competent legal representation to ensure the best possible outcome in your case. At Progresso Legal Group, we offer expert services in criminal defense, family law, and immigration in Los Angeles, California, ready to assist you. Our attorneys have extensive experience in state and federal laws in the areas of Criminal Law, Family Law, and Immigration Law, allowing them to defend you effectively in court. Let us represent and support you through your legal process; we are Progresso Legal Group, P.C., serving families for more than 25 years.
OUTSTANDING RECOGNITIONS!
Awards: Top 10 Attorneys for Client Satisfaction!
We are deeply proud of the recognition we have received for our work in Criminal Defense, Immigration, and Family Law. However, our greatest pride comes from more than 25 years dedicated to serving Hispanic families in Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, and San Bernardino counties and throughout Southern California, offering high-quality legal representation at an affordable cost.
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