Being arrested or charged with a crime can be terrifying.  Unfamiliarity with the system only exacerbates the fear and uneasy feeling.  It is important to have someone by your side who understands the process and knows what to do to protect your rights, your record and your liberty.

HELPING WITH THE ARREST, BAIL, and INVESTIGATION
The sooner you are able to contact an attorney, the better.  If I could be present when my clients encounter the police, instead of later, I might be able to help them avoid an arrest.  Knowing and asserting your rights is important.  This site has a lot of information on handling police encounters.  A good Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney can arrange for prompt bail at a reasonable rate.  Once you've been arrested, your attorney can ensure a fair investigation and charging decision by discussing the case the detectives and prosecutors before it is filed.

EXPLAINING THE COURT PROCESS
Most people charged or arrested with a crime do not know what to expect at court.  The first court date in criminal proceedings is called an "Arraignment" and is the defendant's opportunity to enter a plea (guilty or not guilty) to the charges.  At this stage, a good Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney will enter a not guilty plea, get the police reports and other evidence that the government intends to use.  Negotiations, investigation and additional requests for discovery (more evidence) will continue through one or more additional court dates.  Felony cases have a preliminary hearing, while misdemeanors proceed to trial more quickly.  Having someone who can explain this process and answer the questions that you have is important.

ASSERTING YOUR RIGHTS
Whether the police lacked probable cause for search, failed to read you your rights, or if the prosecutors are overreaching with unsubstantiated charges, your defense requires a thorough understanding of the procedures (motions, hearings, investigation, argument, negotiation) necessary to protect you.  You want an attorney who can, and will, devote the time necessary to provide you with the best defense possible.  Legal procedures are complex, and no crash course can prepare a defendant to effectively represent him or herself. 

AVOIDING HARMFUL OUTCOMES
For most people, avoiding jail time or certain types of damaging convictions would be the primary concern.  Other clients may have different interests, such as immigration consequences, professional licenses, child custody and the like.  In order to provide you with a full defense, your attorney must first identify your most important objectives.  If you must avoid certain consequences, your attorney may proscribe the right course of conduct or properly negotiate your case to get the right outcome.

CONVENIENCE AND PEACE OF MIND
In Misdemeanor cases, your private attorney can generally appear on your behalf.  If you have private counsel, you will also have your matter heard more quickly so that you will not have to spend all day in court.  You have a busy schedule and cannot miss work when it can be avoided.  Additionally, if your arrest occurred far from home, traveling back to attend court can be time consuming.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING AN ATTORNEY:
HONESTY: Attorneys have a reputation for dishonesty.  Unfortunately, it's not completely unfounded.  Many attorneys will use scare tactics, pointing to the maximum possible punishments, knowing that this is extremely unlikely.  If you are a first time offender, and an attorney tells you you are going to do serious time on an insignificant charge, they are likely just trying to scare you into paying them large sums of money.  Also beware of attorneys purporting to make guarantees.  Without reviewing the evidence in a case, no attorney can 100% guarantee a particular outcome.  Also approach with caution if an attorney boasts having "connections" or playing golf with the judge or prosecutor.  Prosecutors respond to cogent arguments and effective negotiation; not made up social connections.

SKILL: Discuss past success with your prospective attorney.  Judging how an attorney will perform in your case is a difficult task.  Past success is probably the best indicator you might have.  You want an attorney who is intelligent, knowledgeable of the law, but most importantly, one who gets results for his or her clients.

PASSION:  Does your prospective lawyer seem 100% dedicated to helping those charged with crimes?  Many attorneys will boast having prior experience working as prosecutors.  Do they have the same dedication to criminal defense as attorneys who have worked ONLY on the defense side?

EXPERIENCE:  Your lawyer should have a proven track record of success in criminal cases, handling matters in your jurisdiction and should be thoroughly familiar with the laws and process you are facing.

Knowing that your case is in good hands and being able to discuss your case with your attorney when you need to makes your life much easier.  An arrest or criminal charge is stressful, but less so when you have our office on your side.  If you've been arrested or charged with a crime, call now for a free consultation.

IMPORTANT LINKS:
LA Sheriff's Inmate Locator 
Los Angeles Superior Court  
Los Angeles Police Department
Los Angeles Felony Bail Schedule
Los Angeles Misdemeanor Bail Schedule

Nicholas M. Loncar, Esq. 
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
t: 213-375-3775 | f: 213-375-3099
Mobile: 323-803-4352 
[email protected]
1200 Wilshire Blvd | Suite 406
Los Angeles, CA | 90017
www.iDefendLosAngeles.com

By Nicholas Loncar