Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Redondo Beach

FAQs

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

  (310) 379-5411 is the non-emergency contact number of the Redondo Beach Police Department. To report a non-emergency traffic concern in Redondo Beach, call (310) 937-6605.

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

  To obtain a copy of a police report for incidents, you will need to complete a Request for Reports/Records form. The police department prefers that all Public Records Act (PRA) requests are in writing. Public records are open to inspection during office hours, generally between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

  Police Department Address: 401 Diamond St, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, USA Request for Reports / Records Form: https://www.redondo.org/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=33211

• What is the crime rate in Redondo Beach?

  Redondo Beach's crime rate, as measured by the City-Data.com index, is 181, 1.4 times lower than the national average, but higher than in 71.4% of US cities. Violent crime has increased, while property crime has decreased in recent years. As of March 11, 2023, there were 39 registered sex offenders in Redondo Beach, with a ratio of 1,749 residents to each offender. This ratio is lower than the state average, indicating that Redondo Beach has relatively fewer registered sex offenders.

• What are the potential penalties for a DUI conviction in Redondo Beach?

  Penalties for a DUI conviction in Redondo Beach may include jail or prison time, fines, victim restitution, community service, license suspension or revocation, probation, or parole. You may be mandated to go to DUI school or seek alcohol/drug counseling. Vehicle impoundment, installation of a vehicle interlock device, and a permanent mark on your criminal record are other possible punishments. If it's your 4th DUI offense or you're facing felony charges, the penalties may be even harsher.

• What is the "Pay-to-Stay" program in Redondo Beach Jail?

  The "Pay-to-Stay" program in Redondo Beach Jail is a "Fee Paying Court Commitment" program that offers an alternative to serving time in the county jail for qualified individuals sentenced to serve no more than 96 hours in jail. Participants must pay $198.00 per day (12–24 hours) and bring photo identification and one change of undergarments. The program allows individuals to serve their time in the safe, clean, and secure environment of the Redondo Beach Police Department Jail.

• How can you determine if someone is in custody in the Redondo Beach jail?

  To find out if an adult inmate is in custody, you can contact the Redondo Beach jail at (310) 318-0616. However, information about detained juveniles cannot be disclosed by the police department. If you want to check if someone is in custody in another Los Angeles County police department's jail, you can check the inmate information center on the Los Angeles County Sheriff's website at http://app5.lasd.org/iic/.

• How do you post cash bail at the Redondo Beach Police Department?

  When posting cash bail, it is necessary to deposit the full bail amount in cash only to the police department. No other forms of payment are accepted, including cashier's checks, money orders, personal checks, debit cards, or credit cards. For example, if your bail amount is $20,000, you must submit $20,000 in cash to the Redondo Beach Police Department.

• 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.