Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Carson

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Carson, California?

  Dial 310-830-1123 to reach the Carson Sheriff’s Department for non-emergency matters.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Carson, California?

  You may call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office at (562) 345-4441 to submit your request for a Carson police report and schedule an appointment to pick up your copy in person. You may also request a copy through the mail. For more information, visit https://lasd.org/records-faq/.

• What will happen right after you get arrested in Carson?

  In the immediate moments after your arrest in Carson, you will most likely be transferred to one of the Los Angeles County jails. Once you have been booked, you will then be required to make a court appearance. If the crime is minor, like a misdemeanor, you will likely be arraigned within two to three weeks. However, if you were booked for a serious crime or a felony, you will most likely appear before a judge for arraignment within 48 hours of being booked.

• If you’re innocent, can you tell the police your side of the story after getting arrested in Carson?

  If you are placed in custody in Carson, it is best that you exercise your right to remain silent, even if you are confident that you’re innocent. Do not answer any questions or give any statements regarding the circumstances of your arrest without the presence of a criminal defense attorney, who can help protect you from making any self-incriminating statements.

• Why do you need a Carson criminal defense attorney to handle your case?

  To avoid heavy and unintended consequences of criminal convictions, such as steep fines and many years in prison, you will need the help of an experienced and competent criminal defense attorney in Carson to refute the prosecution’s claims against you properly. Your lawyer can fight against the prosecution's claims with expertly formulated rebuttals and arguments, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

• What are the common penalties for committing computer crimes in Carson?

  There is a wide range of penalties that await persons who committed computer crimes, also known as cybercrimes, in Carson. For instance, any computer crime that is considered a misdemeanor in California can result in a punishment of up to one year in county jail and/or fines of up to $5,000. The more serious felony computer fraud is punishable by up to 16 months, two years, or three years in prison and/or $10,000 in fines.

• Can you clear your criminal record in Carson?

  It is possible for you to clear your criminal record of certain convictions in Carson. The process of removing a criminal charge from your record is called “expungement,” and it may be available to you after you’ve completed probation. If the court grants the removal of a conviction from your record, you can freely and legally state that you were not previously convicted of a crime. Your expunged convictions also won’t be accessible if someone runs a background check on you.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.