Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney

An Overview of Criminal Law in Los Angeles

At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles criminal defense attorney is a skilled, experienced, and justice-focused advocate for people who are going through some of the most challenging times in their lives. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with either a misdemeanor or felony offense, we are available to help. To set up a fully private consultation with a top criminal defense law firm, please contact us at our Los Angeles law office today.

Our firm handles the full range of criminal cases in Southern California and helps clients navigate criminal law in order to protect their rights and prove their innocence. Regardless of the specific situation that you are facing, we are prepared to go the extra mile to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with other types of criminal charges, our criminal defense attorneys can assist you with:

• DWI Charges (Drunk Driving and Drugged Driving): Did you know that one percent of all motorists nationwide will be arrested and charged with a DUI this year (NHTSA)? Although intoxicated driving charges are far from rare, that does not make them any less stressful or any less serious. A DUI conviction in California could cost you your license or even your freedom. Our Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer handles all types of cases, including drunk driving and drugged driving.
• Drug Possession
• Most drug possession crimes are prosecuted at the state level. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with any type of drug possession offense, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced Los Angeles drug crimes defense attorney as soon as possible.
• Violent Criminal Charges: A violent criminal charge can carry very serious penalties—potentially even include significant time in California state prison. Most violent crimes are classified as felony charges. Our Los Angeles, CA criminal defense lawyer can assist you with the full spectrum of felony criminal charges, including robbery and aggravated assault.
• Sex Crimes Allegations: There is a deep stigma associated with facing a sex-based criminal charge. A person who is convicted of such an offense may even be required to register as a sex offender in California. These types of charges must be handled by an experienced criminal defense professional. Contact our Los Angeles sex crimes defense lawyer today for a fully confidential review and evaluation of your case.
• Title IX Cases: We have the specialized skills, experience, and legal knowledge to represent defendants in Title IX cases, including college students, graduate students, professors, coaches, and administrators. If you have any specific questions or concerns about a Title IX case, please do not hesitate to contact our Los Angeles law firm for a confidential consultation.
• White Collar Offenses: Broadly defined, a white collar criminal charge is a type of financially-motivated and non-violent criminal offense. There are many different types of white-collar criminal charges. Some notable examples include fraud, securities fraud, embezzlement, extortion, and tax fraud. These cases are often document-intensive and have complex facts. It is crucial that any person who is under a criminal investigation for any type of white-collar offense has a skilled advocate in their corner. We are proactive. Contact our Los Angeles white-collar criminal offense attorney for immediate help.
• Misdemeanor Offenses: Although not the most serious classification of an offense, it would be a mistake to view a misdemeanor criminal charge as “not a big deal” or “something you can handle on your own.” A conviction for a misdemeanor can carry serious long-term consequences. It could cost you your clean criminal record and even result in you spending months behind bars. Some notable examples of misdemeanors in California include drunk driving, drugged driving, driving on a suspended license, vandalism, trespassing, simple assault, shoplifting, and petty theft.
• Domestic Violence Charges: Facing domestic violence charges can be distressing, and securing adept legal representation is crucial to protect your rights. El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers stands as a valuable resource to any facing criminal charges. Our criminal defense law firm is committed to defending clients against such allegations. With a proven track record, our domesetic violence defense lawyers employ a comprehensive approach, meticulously examining evidence and crafting a robust defense strategy. The team at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers understands the sensitivity of domestic violence cases and works tirelessly to ensure fair treatment for their clients.
• Felony Offenses: In California, a felony criminal charge is defined as any offense that carries a maximum penalty of one year in state prison or more. Felony charges are very serious. Police and prosecutors always put major resources beyond felony criminal allegations. Not only do these charges carry severe criminal penalties, but the status of a convicted felon could follow a person around for the rest of their life. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with a felony offense in Southern California, please contact our Los Angeles criminal defense attorney for a fully confidential, no-obligation consultation.
• Criminal Appeals: In California, you have the right to appeal a criminal conviction. The unfortunate reality is that courts sometimes make mistakes. A criminal appeal is not a re-trial. It is not a new trial. Instead, it is an opportunity to rectify a serious error. There are specialized rules and procedures that apply to the criminal appellate law process. If you are considering appealing a criminal conviction in California, our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer is standing by, ready to help you evaluate all possible grounds for challenging the verdict.

What to Do If You Are Arrested in Los Angeles

An arrest is a stressful, emotional situation. In too many cases, people end up getting themselves into even more trouble during and immediately after an arrest. Here are four key steps to take if you were arrested and charged with any type of offense in Los Angeles:

1. Do Not Attempt to Evade or Resist the Arrest: First and foremost, it is important to not attempt to evade or resist the arrest. Doing so will make the situation worse and can result in additional charges. Indeed, you could potentially even face a felony charge for resisting arrest. Even if the arrest is unjust, remain calm. That is an issue for the legal system.
2. Remain Silent (It is Your Right): Under the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, every person in California has the right to remain silent. It is important to use this right. Avoid making any statements or answering any questions without the presence of an attorney. What you say can be twisted or otherwise used against you in court.
3. Avoid Consenting to a Search of Your Person or Property: The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects your right to an unreasonable search or search. An officer may ask to search your person or your property. Do not give your consent. If the search is performed without your consent, you may be able to challenge it in court.
4. Get Professional Help From a Los Angeles Defense Lawyer: Do not take on police or prosecutors alone. You have the right to a criminal defense attorney. Make sure you consult with a top-rated Los Angeles criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after an arrest. Your lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, understand your rights and obligations, and represent your best interests in court.

How Our Southern California Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

Facing a criminal charge is stressful, confusing, and overwhelming. It is essential that you have reliable legal counsel. At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we provide solutions-driven criminal defense representation that is designed to put your clients in the best position to secure their future. Our firm is proactive. Among other things, our Los Angeles criminal defense attorney is prepared to:

• Hear your story and explain the next stages of the criminal justice process;
• Investigate and review the charge, gathering the evidence to make your defense;
• Handle all correspondence with law enforcement and prosecutors; and
• Develop a comprehensive criminal defense strategy to help you get the best outcome.

The simple reality is that there is no one right way to defend a criminal charge. No two cases are identical. You need and deserve representation from a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer who will put time, real resources, and personalized attention into your case. Your future is at stake. We go above and beyond to provide our clients with trustworthy criminal defense representation.

Jail vs. Prison

Jail: Jails serve as short-term detention facilities typically operated by local law enforcement agencies or county governments. Their primary purpose is to hold individuals who are awaiting trial, sentencing, or serving short sentences, usually less than one year in duration. Jails house individuals arrested for various reasons, including misdemeanors, felonies, and violent crimes and those awaiting trial or serving sentences for probation or parole violations. They typically have less stringent security measures and offer fewer rehabilitation programs due to their transient nature.

Prison: In contrast, prisons are long-term correctional facilities managed by state or federal governments. They house individuals convicted of more serious crimes and sentenced to longer terms, typically one year or more. Inmates in prisons serve their sentences, engage in rehabilitation programs, and may be eligible for parole after serving a portion of their sentence. Prisons have higher security levels, offer educational and vocational programs, and focus on rehabilitating inmates to reenter society as law-abiding citizens. Sentences in prison can range from several years to life imprisonment or even the death penalty, depending on the severity of the crime and other factors.

The Bail/Bond System

Bail: Bail is a monetary amount set by the court that allows a defendant to be released from jail before trial. It serves as collateral to ensure the defendant’s appearance in court. If granted bail, the defendant or their family/friends must pay the bail amount to secure their release. This money is refunded after the case concludes if the defendant complies with court requirements. Courts consider factors like the seriousness of the charges and the defendant’s flight risk when determining bail amounts, and some individuals may be denied bail altogether.

Bond: A bond is a financial guarantee, typically provided by a bail bondsman, that covers the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court. In exchange, the defendant or their family pays a non-refundable fee, usually a percentage of the bail amount, to the bondsman. If the defendant does not appear in court, the bondsman is responsible for paying the full bail amount and may require collateral, such as property or assets, from the defendant or their family. Bond fees vary but generally range from 10% to 15% of the bail amount and are non-refundable, even if the defendant complies with court requirements.

Criminal Defense: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I Give a Statement to Police After an Arrest?

No. The simple reality is that it is not advisable to give a statement to the police after an arrest. You are never required to do so—the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. Additionally, anything you say to the police can be used against you later in court. It is important to exercise your right to remain silent and consult with a top-rated Los Angeles criminal defense attorney before making any statements.

Will I Be Entitled to Bail/Bond?

In California, whether or not you will be entitled to bail or bond will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. The state has a bail schedule that lists the bail amounts for different types of offenses. For many misdemeanor offenses, a person may be released on their own recognizance—meaning no bail/bond will be required. On the other end of the spectrum, bail/bond could be denied altogether for the most serious offenses. A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can help you seek a reduction of bail/bond if the terms were set unreasonably high given the charges.

Does it Make Sense to Accept a Plea Agreement?

Whether or not it makes sense to accept a plea agreement in a criminal case depends on the specific situation. Plea agreements, also known as plea bargains, are often offered by prosecutors to defendants as a way to avoid the uncertainty of a trial. In a plea agreement, the defendant pleads guilty to a reduced charge or a reduced sentence in exchange for cooperation or some other advantage. It is not uncommon for a case to end in a plea deal—but the specific terms of the agreement always matter. Your Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can help you evaluate and negotiate a plea bargain if doing so is advisable in your case.

What is a Pre-Trial Motion in a Criminal Case?

A pre-trial motion in a case is a request made to the court prior to trial, asking the judge to make a ruling on a specific legal issue in criminal law matters or to take a certain action. These motions can be used to challenge the admissibility of evidence, suppress statements or confessions, or dismiss the charges entirely. They can also be used to request certain discoveries or access the specific information for the defense. Some common examples of pre-trial motions include:

• Motion to Suppress Evidence: A request to exclude evidence from the trial because it was obtained illegally or in violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights.
• Motion to Dismiss: a request to have the charges against the defendant dismissed because the prosecution has failed to present enough evidence to support the charges.
• Motion for Discovery: a request to gain access to certain evidence or information in the possession of the prosecution, such as witness statements or the results of scientific testing.
• Motion for Change of Venue: a request to change the location of the trial because of potential bias or prejudice in the local community.

Pre-trial motions are an important aspect of a criminal case. Indeed, a criminal case can effectively be won or lost through pre-trial motions. They can significantly affect the outcome of the case and they can also set the tone and define the direction of the litigation. An experienced Los Angeles, CA criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate the pre-trial process.

Call Our Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney for a Confidential Consultation

At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers have the professional expertise you can trust in even the most complex of criminal defense cases here. If you or someone you care about was arrested and charged with a serious offense, we are here as your legal resource. Contact us today to arrange your strictly confidential initial consultation. With a law office in Los Angeles, we provide criminal defense representation throughout Southern California.