Felony charges can be extremely serious and are often imposed for dangerous or violent crimes. However, felony charges are just like any other criminal charges in that you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Being charged with a felony in Los Angeles is one of the earliest steps in the criminal justice process. It can also be the most intimidating. Defendants may be so overwhelmed by the whole experience that they do not know what to do next.
If you are charged with a felony in Los Angeles, you should immediately contact an attorney. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can explain the upcoming steps in your case and what courses of action you may have available. Your attorney can help you with pretrial issues like preliminary hearings and bail in addition to preparing for your trial. A lawyer could also help you negotiate a plea deal if you decide it is in your best interest.
After being charged with a felony in Los Angeles, you absolutely need to contact a lawyer. Felony cases can be very complex and there is often a lot at stake. Our Los Angeles felony defense attorneys can help you take the necessary next steps. Call our offices for a free, private legal consultation at (909) 861-8075.
Contact an Attorney for Your Los Angeles Felony Charges
An attorney is virtually necessary to fight your felony charges and prevent law enforcement and prosecutors from infringing upon your rights. Most people do not understand exactly how the criminal justice process works and may be completely lost if they try to handle their felony charges alone. A skilled lawyer will not only understand the process but advocate for your best interests every step of the way.
Felony charges often come with very harsh penalties, so there could be a lot at risk in your case. Felonies are frequently punished with years – sometimes even decades – in prison. Especially serious felonies may be punished by life in prison. Your precise penalties will depend on exactly what crime or crimes you have been charged with. Your lawyer will review your charges and determine what your penalties are.
Our Long Beach criminal defense lawyers have the skills, knowledge, and experience to effectively fight your charges and defend your rights in a court of law. The legal procedures involved in any criminal case may be overwhelming for a defendant to handle independently. Our team will help you to the best of our abilities.
How to Speak with the Police After You Are Charged with a Felony in Los Angeles
If you have been charged with a felony in Los Angles, you have likely already been arrested. However, it is also possible that you have not yet been arrested or charged but, based on your interactions with law enforcement, you suspect felony charges are imminent. In either case, our Los Angeles felony defense lawyers will help you deal with the police and protect your rights in the process.
If the police ask you questions about your alleged criminal offense and have already arrested you, they must inform you of your Miranda rights if they want to ask you any questions about the crime. These rights serve to protect you from the government’s authority while you are in custody. Among these rights are your right to remain silent and not answer any questions and your right to have an attorney present with you during questioning.
With or without a lawyer by your side, you can invoke your right to remain silent and not answer any questions asked by the police. If you want to answer the police’s questions, but not without a lawyer, you can also invoke your right to an attorney. Call our Diamond Bar criminal defense lawyers and we will come to your aid and help you answer questions from the authorities.
Getting Released on Bail After Being Charged with a Felony in Los Angeles
Once you are in police custody, our goal as your criminal defense lawyer should be to get you home. Bail hearings are formal court proceedings in which a judge will determine if you should be released from jail while you await your trial. Generally, bail is a specific amount of money you must pay to be released. If you show up for all your court hearings, your bail money will be returned to you. However, if you fail to appear, your bail may be revoked and your money may not be returned.
California has followed several other states in establishing new bail reform rules. Courts and lawmakers tend to agree that people should not be forced to await their trials from behind bars just because they cannot afford to pay their bail. Thanks to a recent decision by the Supreme Court of California, courts must consider non-financial conditions of release when determining bail. Non-financial conditions can include electronic monitoring or required check-ins with a case manager. Courts must also examine if money bail is even necessary to ensure a defendant’s appearance. Essentially, if you cannot pay bail, you may have other options for release.
However, not every defendant is eligible for bail. In the majority of cases, defendants are granted bail, but bail is sometimes denied in cases where the defendant is a flight risk or a threat to public safety. People charged with very serious or violent felonies are more likely to be denied bail due to the dangerous nature of the alleged offense. Our San Bernardino criminal defense attorneys will argue for the lowest bail possible so you can prepare for your trial from the comfort of your home with your family.
Your Criminal Investigation for Felony Charges in Los Angeles
The criminal investigation of your case does not necessarily end with your arrest. The police had enough evidence or probable cause to arrest you, but that does not mean they have enough evidence to warrant a trial or convict you of any charges. It is entirely possible that your investigation is still ongoing.
We can use this time to build your defense. Talk to our Los Angeles felony defense lawyers about your case and any interactions you have had with the authorities. We can fight your charges and the evidence against you if the police acted unlawfully or violated your rights. An example of such a violation would be if the police searched your home and seized evidence without a warrant. Challenging the evidence against you before trial may influence prosecutors to reduce your charges or even drop them altogether.
Call Our Los Angeles Felony Defense Attorneys
If you are charged with a felony, your very next step should be contacting a lawyer for help. Our Santa Clarita criminal defense attorneys are prepared to stand by your side and fight for your rights. Call (909) 861-8075 to schedule a free, confidential legal consultation with our team.