Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hollywood, CA

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency concerns in Hollywood, contact the Los Angeles Police Department at 877-ASK-LAPD (877-275-5237).

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

  To get a copy of a crime/incident report, write a request and mail it to the Los Angeles Police Department Records & Identification (R&I) Division. Crime reports are only available to be released to the victim or their authorized representative. In the request mail, you must include these information:

  • Victim’s name
  • Type of report you need
  • Location and date of the incident/crime
  • Report or Incident Number
  • Proof of relationship to the victim (if you are a parent to the minor victim or the spouses of the deceased victim)
  • Proof of authorization from the victim (if you’re the attorney)
  • Insurance claim/policy number (if the request is from the insurance company involved)

  Please enclose a money order or check for $27 payable to Los Angeles Police Department.

  Mailing Address: ATTN: Document Processing Unit Los Angeles Police Department R&I Division - Document Processing Unit P.O. Box 30158 Los Angeles, CA 90030

  For more information, call (213) 486-8130

• What happens if you miss your court date in Hollywood, CA?

  If you fail to appear in court as scheduled, a warrant of arrest will be issued against you. The Hollywood police can arrest you on sight using this warrant. Also, if you posted bail using a bondsman, the bondsman can legally use a bounty hunter to find you and take you into custody.

• Should you consent to providing law enforcement in Hollywood with a sample to exclude you as a suspect?

  No. You should not submit any sample (fingerprint, tire print, hair, etc.) to Hollywood law enforcement unless they have a search warrant for it. The police are not on your side, and providing samples does not guarantee exclusion from the suspect list. Even if they have a warrant, you should first consult a criminal defense attorney about the matter.

• What is the Mental Health Diversion program offered in Hollywood, and who qualifies for it?

  The Mental Health Diversion program was established in 2018 under the Penal Code 1001.36. It is available to individuals in Hollywood facing criminal charges who have a mental health condition. It gives the defendant a chance to get their charges dismissed by completing a treatment. The related criminal records are sealed from public view once the program is completed.

• In what circumstances can minor offenders be criminally charged as adults in Hollywood, CA?

  The California Welfare & Institutions Code, Section 707(b) lists 30 crimes for which a minor can be tried as an adult in Hollywood. These are serious crimes, including murder, rape with force, a felony with the use of a weapon, and manufacturing of a controlled substance. Minors who committed felonies where the victim is aged 65 or older are also tried as adults.

• Can a green card holder be deported if convicted of a crime in Hollywood, CA?

  Yes. There are certain offenses for which even those with permanent residency status in the country can be deported if convicted. These include aggravated felonies, tax evasion, violent crimes, and crimes of moral turpitude. Aside from deportation, the waiver to return to America will also be made unavailable to the convicted individual. Work with a Hollywood criminal defense attorney to mitigate your criminal case's immigration consequences.

• 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.