Los Angeles Criminal Law

A crime is an act (or failure to act) that violates a public law. Los Angeles criminal law is governed by local, state and/or federal governments and some criminal law varies from state to state. Los Angeles criminal law is different from civil law in that it seeks punishment that goes beyond the actual monetary damages from a crime. For example, a person convicted of a criminal offense can be required to spend time in prison or in house arrest and can face probation or fines as well as having money or property seized. Because of that, it is important for anyone charged with a crime in the Los Angeles area to have his rights protected by a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney.

For people who have been charged with a crime, facing the court system can be a scary process. An experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can help the accused through the legal process. A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can help in many areas of law, including domestic violence, assault/battery, kidnapping, child abuse, drug possession, DUI/DWI, grand theft auto, hit & run, identity theft, perjury, prostitution, rape, shoplifting, trespassing, vandalism--and can also help with expungements and motions to vacate. Furthermore, a Los Angeles defense attorney can help people who are in the US illegally and who face deportation for the crimes they are accused of committing. If you have been charged with a crime in Los Angeles, it is best to seek help from an LA defense attorney who is familiar with LA law.

Los Angeles county criminal law includes any crime that occurs in the Los Angeles area. The more populated cities within Los Angeles County include Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Pomona, Pasadena, Torrance, Inglewood, El Monte, Lancaster, Norwalk, and Burbank. Los Angeles criminal offenses include many types of crimes--a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can help defendants charged with the following crimes:

Los Angeles Drug Crimes

Drug crimes in Los Angeles involve use of both illegal drugs and controlled substances (such as prescription drugs) that have been illegally obtained. The severity of the sentence depends partly on the amount of drugs found in the defendant's possession, as well as whether the defendant has any previous crimes.

Los Angeles Theft Crimes

Theft crimes involve the taking of another person's property without that person's agreement. Theft crimes can include burglary, robbery, fraud, embezzlement and shoplifting. Coercing another person to give away property can be considered theft.

Los Angeles DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

People who are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher in Los Angeles can be charged with a DUI—or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). The first offense involves between 96 hours and six months in prison, a six months suspended license and fines of between $390 and $1,000.

Los Angeles Assault/Battery

Assault generally involves one individual attempting to physically harm another or acting in a way that makes the other person feel threatened. Battery often refers to an incident where a person actually causes physical harm to another. If the injuries are serious or if there was a deadly weapon used in the incident, the charge can be increased to "aggravated assault." An assault and battery offense can include situations arising from domestic violence, neighbor disputes, bar fights or any other type of altercation where injury is either attempted or caused.

Los Angeles Domestic Violence

Domestic violence involves a family member—including a spouse or significant other—committing acts of violence against another family member. Typically, although not always, the violence is committed by a male against a female. Domestic violence does not always involve physical violence. Verbal abuse or threats are also deemed domestic violence. A Los Angeles defense attorney can help with filing a restraining order as well. There are four types of California restraining orders and a lawyer is best suited to advise on which to file.

Los Angeles Kidnapping

Kidnapping involves the use of force or threats to move another person a significant distance without their consent. Punishment for kidnapping can involve time in prison—up to life in prison depending on the circumstances—and, in cases involving child custody issues, hefty fines.

Los Angeles Murder/Attempted Murder

Murder involves the premeditated killing of another person. If a person is accidentally killed while another type of felony offense is being committed, the defendant may also face murder charges.

Los Angeles Criminal Threats/Stalking

Criminal threats include a wide range of offenses ranging from terrorist threats, to online threats or email threats, to "lover's triangle" threats in which someone expresses their intent or desire to harm a former lover or new girl/boyfriend or spouse. Stalking involves intentionally and maliciously harassing and/or following another person. People accused of threats or stalking could face a restraining order, fines, loss of right to vote, and/or jail time, depending on the circumstances.

Los Angeles Juvenile Crimes

Although crimes committed by someone under the age of 18 are considered juvenile crimes, if the crime is severe the juvenile could be tried and sentenced as an adult. Furthermore, juveniles can be charged for crimes even if they are only doing something they are not legally old enough to do, such as consuming alcohol. Crimes that are considered California juvenile crimes include: drug use or possession, vandalism, truancy (skipping school, cutting class or playing "hooky"), running away from home, shoplifting, arson, and gang-related activity.

In 1994, voters in California approved the "Three Strikes Law". What that means is that a person who is convicted of a crime—typically a more serious crime such as murder, robbery, burglary, assault—on three or more separate occasions will receive a mandatory life imprisonment sentence with no possibility for parole until at least 25 years have been served. It is possible with California 3 Strikes Law for someone to receive more than one "strike" as part of one case. For example, a robbery that results in a rape would most likely be considered two "strikes" even though they occurred at the same time. Because of this, if you have been charged with multiple offenses—at once or over time—it is important to seek the help of an LA defense attorney who is experienced in California law and California criminal code.

In 2000, California voted to amend the Three Strikes Law so that those convicted of drug possession might receive drug treatment or drug rehabilitation instead of a mandatory life sentence upon their third drug conviction.

Any Los Angeles crime that leads to a conviction, either of a misdemeanor or a felony, can be punishable with jail or prison time, fines, probation, parole, loss of right to own a deadly weapon, drug treatment/counseling, anger management classes, loss of California driver's license, and inclusion of the offense on your criminal record, which can affect your ability to find employment in the future.

An LA defense lawyer can research and review a criminal offense case in order to assess whether the charges can be challenged and a lesser punishment be imposed.

For people who are in the US illegally, having a criminal record can mean they face deportation. Even if they agree to a plea deal, preventing them from spending time in prison, they could still face deportation. A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can help people who are in the US illegally navigate the system and possibly prevent them from facing deportation.

Although the sooner a defendant can contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer the better, defendants can contact a lawyer at any stage in the legal process.

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Help

If you or a loved one has suffered damages in this case, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Last updated on Dec-19-10