A criminal defense lawyer handles all of a client’s legal needs after an arrest in California. An attorney may collect evidence, protect a client’s rights, and discuss options to resolve charges like getting them dismissed, having them reduced, or going to court.
A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer helps during an arraignment hearing, bail hearing, and other pre-trial hearings involving legal charges. Attorneys handle communication with the prosecution and explain all a client’s charges, increasing an individual’s peace of mind.
A Criminal Defense Lawyer Answers Legal Questions
Criminal defense attorneys provide specific answers to a client’s legal questions. They take the time to consider each client’s charges and explain what these charges mean in simple terms, reducing stress and confusion after an arrest.
You have a legal right to representation under the Sixth Amendment, so you can immediately reach out to an attorney for help, support, and answers.
Attorneys can explain the potential penalties faced by clients, which could include things like fines, jail time, a license suspension, and community service.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Lawyers Protect a Client’s Rights After an Arrest
Attorneys focus on protecting a client’s rights when dealing with police officers and the prosecution. You should always contact a lawyer and have them present before discussing criminal charges with the prosecution or law enforcement.
Law enforcement officers can use everything you say against you, so only answer questions after checking with an attorney.
An attorney will also monitor the investigative strategies used by the police, ensuring they do not violate your rights. If the police violated your rights, the court may dismiss your charges.
Defense Lawyers Will Help with All Legal Hearings
Part of what a criminal defense lawyer does involves handling all legal hearings associated with an arrest. Depending on an individual’s situation, a lawyer may help with the following:
Arraignment Hearing
The arraignment hearing allows the court to notify you about the specific charges you face after an arrest. You must also enter your plea at this hearing. You can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
A lawyer will recommend the best way to handle this hearing and what plea to enter with the court.
Bail Hearing
Some individuals get a bail hearing after an arrest. You may have to pay the court bail in order to stay out of jail until your criminal trial begins. A criminal defense lawyer can push to bring you the lowest possible bail payment.
Other Pre-Trial Hearings
A criminal defense lawyer may help with any other pre-trial hearings. For example, a lawyer may file a motion to block evidence, resulting in a hearing.
Lawyers Take Steps to Successfully Resolve Criminal Charges
A criminal defense lawyer will take steps to help you deal with criminal charges. Depending on your circumstances, an attorney may focus on:
Getting Charges Reduced
Lawyers often focus on reducing criminal charges through plea bargains from the prosecution. Plea bargains require you to accept another criminal charge in exchange for less severe penalties.
These deals do not always represent your best interests, so ensure you allow a criminal defense lawyer to assess the agreement before you accept.
Getting Charges Dismissed
A criminal defense lawyer can sometimes push the court to dismiss a criminal charge. The court may dismiss charges if the police violate your rights or the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to get a conviction.
Your lawyer may explore the seven signs your case will be dismissed.
Representing a Client in Court
Lawyers also represent their clients in front of a judge and jury. They can present evidence and question witnesses. They handle the opening statements and closing arguments on behalf of clients, increasing a client’s peace of mind.
A lawyer may look at mitigating circumstances when handling a defense. So, what does a criminal defense lawyer do? They do everything legally possible to defend their clients.
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Can a Lawyer Help with Expungement?
A criminal defense lawyer may also help after a conviction in California. Sometimes, a lawyer can help you get a charge expunged or removed from your record. Only some charges allow for this legal option.
Generally, criminal defense attorneys focus on handling charges before a conviction.
An attorney may also help if you need to appeal the results of a court case, sometimes taking a case to a higher court. You can reach out to a law firm to learn more about the services offered by a criminal defense attorney.
Find Out What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Does
What does a criminal defense lawyer do in California? Attorneys answer questions, protect a client’s rights, and focus on successfully resolving criminal charges.
Our team at the Simmrin Law Group may take steps to get your charges dismissed or reduced. We also have the experience, legal knowledge, and resources to represent you in court.
You can reach out to us if you need help with charges for violent crimes, sex crimes, drug crimes, theft crimes, and other offenses. Call or complete our online contact form to learn more.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form