Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Lakewood

FAQs

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

  Contact the Lakewood Sheriff's Station at (562) 623-3500.

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

  Visit personally the Lakewood Station at 5130 Clark Avenue to obtain a copy of an accident report. Prior to your visit, call (562) 623-3500 to check if the report is available, and once it is ready go to the station lobby and pay.

• How does Prop. 64 affect a person's criminal conviction case in Lakewood?

  Prop. 64 helps a person's marijuana-related conviction case in Lakewood to be expunged or reduced. It allows a judge to reclassify previous misdemeanors as infractions and felony convictions as misdemeanors, whether concerning an adult or juvenile offender. Additionally, Prop. 64 allows the sealing and destruction of records for persons who have completed their marijuana-related conviction sentence.

• How can California’s Three Strikes law affect a person's criminal case in Lakewood?

  It can mean severe penalties and increased sentencing, ranging from 25 years of imprisonment to a life sentence, for a person charged repeatedly with serious crimes in Lakewood. It happens when persons who have previous first or second convictions of serious or violent crimes get convicted with another one and the three strikes law may be put into effect.

• Where can you find inmate records for Lakewood persons arrested for crimes?

  You can search inmate records online for arrested Lakewood persons through the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department's (LASD) website. For help with locating an inmate or questions regarding custody, you may call (213) 473-6100. For inmate healthcare concerns requiring immediate assistance, contact the medical command center at (213) 893-5544. You can visit the LASD at 211 W Temple St, Los Angeles.

• What are the most common crimes in Lakewood?

  Burglary, aggravated assault, motor vehicle theft, and burglary are the most common crimes in Lakewood, according to local law enforcement authorities. Additionally, there are a thousand cases of larceny thefts in the metro. Rape and arson were reported. Annual statistics on crime rates can be obtained at the FBI's website.

• Where are criminal cases in Lakewood tried?

  The Bellflower Courthouse is where criminal cases in Lakewood are tried. It is located at 10025 East Flower Street Bellflower and is open from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Mondays to Fridays. You may call (562) 345-3300 for general questions and concerns and 562 804-8244 for pre-trial information. Additionally, the Criminal Clerk's Office is located on the second floor and can be reached at 562 345-3398.

• 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.