Bell Gardens Criminal Defense Attorney and DUI Lawyer
Located in Los Angeles County, Bell Gardens is bordered by Downey and South Gate. With a rich Native American history, Bell Gardens is one of the few LA County cities that allows casino gambling. Bell Gardens has big city amenities without the inconveniences that come with metropolitan living, and it is primarily a working class neighborhood with a mix of residential and industrial areas. This area’s criminal activity consists primarily of property crimes, specifically burglaries and thefts. Violent crime in Bell Gardens is generally low compared to surrounding cities.

Although Bell Gardens neighborhoods are generally safe, the city focuses on community communication with law enforcement, which potentially increases the amount of arrests and subsequent District Attorney filings. For example, the Bell Gardens Police Department recently announced a new smartphone application available for citizens to connect with the Department. If you or someone you know have been arrested in Bell Gardens, it is of utmost importance that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Be sure to check our Practice Areas page, where you can learn more about the areas of defense in which we specialize.

Common practice areas include: 
Drug Crimes , DUI - Drugs, Driving Under the Influence (DUI),Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Theft Crimes, Forgery, Auto Theft, Violent Crimes, Weapons Offenses, Prostitution, Sex Crimes, Expungements, Probation Violations

Bell Gardens Law Enforcement
Bell Gardens PD can be distinguished from other city police departments in its approach to preventing and addressing crime. The Department uses the latest technology for creative problem solving – using modern policing for preemptively addressing issues within the community. The Department is divided into several units, including: administrative levels providing supervision; patrol units responsible for manning the streets; investigations units (divided into a general investigations unit and a special investigations unit; a gaming unit responsible for casino-related investigations; a K9 unit; parking enforcement unit; records unit; property and evidence; and a traffic unit.
Bell Gardens Police Department

The Department also facilitates community programs. The Explorer Program, which is affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, allows girls and boys from the ages of 14-21 assist in various Department activities. The Neighborhood Watch Program enlists the participation of residents for the purpose of reducing crime within the community. Finally, the Volunteer Program allows community volunteers to participate in community meetings, while also assisting in clerical duties and software applications.

Bell Gardens Court
The residents of Bell Gardens are primarily served by the Downey courthouse, which is located at 7500 East Imperial Highway. The Downey courthouse is a full-service court, including: criminal, civil, small claims, and traffic departments. The Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall is also available to the Bell Gardens residents, and is located at 7285 Quill Dr. in Downey.
Downey Courthouse

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS  |  OVERVIEW OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESS  |  COMMONLY USED TERMS
AVOID JAIL TIME IN YOUR CRIMINAL CASE | YOUR RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT | FIGHTING A CRIMINAL CASE

Frequently asked questions regarding juvenile offenses
My juvenile daughter or son was arrested – what are the police allowed to do?
Depending on the charges and evidence against the minor, the police can do basically the same things they would if the arrestee were over 18. The minor can either be booked and released back to your custody, or the minor may be taken to juvenile hall. If the minor is taken to juvenile hall, they will be allowed to make at least two phone calls within one hour of being arrested.

Does my child have the same rights as an adult?
Children do have the same safeguards that an adult arrestee is afforded. For example, if the police wish to question the minor, they must read the minor their Miranda rights. Just as an adult, the minor has the right to effective counsel. In addition, the parents of the arrested minor have rights. The police are required to tell you where your child is being held and what rights your child has.

I received a notice to appear, what happens at this hearing?
The notice to appear is most likely an appointment to meet with a probation officer.  In the worst-case scenario, the probation officer will send the case to the District Attorney – and let them decide whether or not to file charges. However, it is also possible the probation officer will simply lecture the minor and choose not to send the case to the DA. Alternatively, the probation officer may give the minor an opportunity to do counseling or community service instead of a more severe punishment, like time in juvenile hall.

Can my minor be tried as an adult?
Contrary to popular belief, minors can be tried as adults in some cases. Most of these circumstances involve egregious crimes like murder, rape, or arson – but a good criminal defense attorney will argue that the minor should not be tried as an adult. This is critical, because there are huge differences between adult and juvenile court, especially the sentences that are handed down if the minor is convicted.