Criminal Protective Orders, Temporary Restraining Orders, Civil Harassment Restraining Orders, Stay Away Orders and Domestic Violence orders are all fairly common in Los Angeles and often overlap with criminal cases.  Criminal Protective Orders are most common in cases involving violent crimes, particularly domestic violence.  Stay away orders are common in theft cases, where a defendant may be ordered to stay away from a particular store or other location.  Loosely related to criminal law are the civil harassment and civil domestic violence restraining order processes.  A person can seek a protective order in Los Angeles regardless of whether police are called or criminal charges are filed.  Additionally, sometimes the information presented at a civil restraining order hearing can lead to criminal charges being filed.

CRIMINAL PROTECTIVE ORDERS IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES
Criminal protective orders are typically issued at arraignment in domestic violence cases.  This means that even prior to getting a conviction, the defendant will be restrained from seeing a spouse or domestic partner.  This can be very complicated, especially when the defendant and protected person (victim/complaining witness) live together and wish to remain that way.  There are two general types of Criminal Protective Orders. Some require a defendant to stay away from the protected person, having absolutely no contact with that person.  Alternatively, a Criminal Protective Order may permit peaceful contact between a defendant and the protected person.  Judges can make more specific modifications to protective orders to accommodate two people who live, work or have children together.  Usually a no contact order is issued initially, but your lawyer might be able to persuade the judge to modify the order, allowing for peaceful contact, so as to not disturb the lives of a family, while still protecting the protected person from violence. 

CRIMINAL PROTECTIVE ORDERS IN VIOLENT CRIMES CASES
Domestic Violence cases are more common than other assault and battery cases.  Still fights and physical attacks do happen, and do lead to criminal charges.  In these cases, witnesses and/or victims may be protected by a criminal protective order.  Defendants with an extensive or violent criminal history are more likely to have a criminal protective order imposed.  Protective orders in violent crimes between strangers are usually not a big deal for the defendant, as they would have no reason to try to contact the protected person.  A protective order should still be taken seriously and opposed if the restrictions make it difficult to do normal tasks like going to school, going to work, dropping off/picking up kids, etc. 

STAY AWAY ORDERS IN THEFT AND OTHER CASES
It is common that someone convicted of theft crimes (usually shoplifting), vandalism or other property crimes be issued a stay away order even though the case did not involve any violence.  This may be a term of probation or a specified court order that is part of the sentence.  Typically these will be specific to a particular location (e.g. the Target store on Sepulveda Blvd in Van Nuys), but can sometimes be broader and include ALL of a certain chain of stores.  Those are difficult to enforce, but still carry consequences if caught.

VIOLATING A RESTRAINING ORDER
Disobeying a court order is never a good idea.  In the case of a restraining order, not only can the court impose contempt sanctions, but violating a protective or restraining order can get a person arrested, held without bail and charged with a crime.  Additionally, contact with a protected witness can be seen as attempting to dissuade a witness, a potential strike under California's Three Strikes Law.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges involving a protective order, stay away order or have been arrested and charged with a crime for violating a protective order, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Loncar for a free consultation with a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney.  Having an experienced, knowledgeable and passionate lawyer on your side is imperative.  Your lawyer can carefully navigate the process for you and may help modify protective orders or avoid them being filed in the first place.  Even civil restraining orders can have negative consequences and you should consider defending against the conditions that restrain your behavior and liberty. 

Call now for a Free Consultation  213-375-3775

Jail and prison have generally failed to help people overcome addictions.  California law has traditionally been very tough on crime, including drug crimes, often sentencing people to long jail or prison stays for minor drug crimes.  In recent years, the legislature and voters (through ballot initiatives) have started to change this.

The simplest way to get drug treatment in lieu of being locked up in jail is to enter into a plea deal for treatment.  California offers two such statutory programs.  PC 1000 is ideal because in addition to being sentenced to an outpatient drug class instead of jail, the conviction is vacated after 18 months, assuming successful completion.  Prop 36 does not have the same effect on the conviction, but also allows defendants to serve their sentence through drug treatment in lieu of jail. 

With the recent passage of Prop 47, all simple drug possession (not possession or transportation for sale) are misdemeanor offenses.  This means that those caught with drugs will face shorter maximum penalties.  PC 1000 and Prop 36 are not available in sales cases or DUI cases, but that doesn't mean that drug treatment, rather than jail time cannot be the sentence.

In cases where drugs were involved or motivated the crime, it may be possible to do one of two things: (1) serve a jail sentence in a rehab facility, and (2) get pre-sentence credit for time spent in a rehab facility while the case is pending.

To serve a sentence in a rehab facility in lieu of jail, the sentence must be a probation or county jail sentence.  Those sentenced to prison cannot serve their prison terms in a rehab facility.  Additionally, the judge (and often the prosecutor) must be persuaded to permit the sentence to be served in a rehab or treatment facility.  This is where having a skilled, experienced and knowledgeable Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney will come into play.  Persuading the court that treatment is appropriate and crafting the right sentence takes skill, knowledge and having the right relationships.

For those sentenced to prison terms, it may be possible to serve some, most or even all of a prison term pre-sentencing.  Doing so requires swift action and getting into a rehab facility early in the process.  Even before arraignment is best when possible.  Next, getting the case continued as far as possible so that as much of the sentence as possible may be served in rehab.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges related to drugs or suffers from a drug problem that may have motivated a crime, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Loncar now for a free consultation with a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney.  We can discuss the details of your case, carefully explain all of the options, defenses and possible consequences of the case and help you get the outcome that fits you best.

SEE OUR RELATED ARTICLES:
WHAT TO DO IF ARRESTED FOR DUI | DUI WITH PRIOR | FELONY DUI | DUI CAUSING INJURY
CALIFORNIA DRUG CRIMES LAWYER | SERIOUS DRUG CRIMES LAWYER | AVOID JAIL TIME IN LA

FREE CONSULTATIONS   213-375-3775

Contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Loncar to find out more about your eligibility for rehab in lieu of jail and how to best make that happen if it is in fact your goal.

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

Useful Criminal Defense Links:
LA Inmate Locator 
LA Superior Court  
LAPD Online 
LA County Law Library
LA Felony Bail Schedule
LA Misdemeanor Bail Schedule

Winnetka is a neighborhood in the Western/Central portion of Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley, a diverse, suburban region in LA's northern suburbs.  Winnetka is a largely residential community, with a population of roughly 50,000 people.  Nearby communities include Canoga Park, Northridge, Chatsworth, Simi Valley, Reseda, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Van Nuys and Encino. Though Winnetka has relatively low crime rates, arrests, criminal charges and traffic matters do come up, and you may find yourself in need of a skilled, passionate criminal defense attorney.

The LAPD has jurisdiction over Winnetka, with criminal cases going to either the San Fernando Courthouse (North of Roscoe Blvd) or Van Nuys Courthouse (South of Roscoe Boulevard.  Traffic matters may get sent to Chatsworth Courthouse or Van Nuys depending on the location.  Law enforcement are dedicated to strong DUI enforcement and prosecutors are aggressive and pursuing criminal convictions, large fines and jail time in court.  Having an experienced, knowledgeable and aggressive LA criminal defense lawyer on your side is a huge advantage.  Here is a list of some of the types of criminal charges and arrests you or a loved one might be facing in the San Fernando Valley or Los Angeles:

DRUG CRIMES | DUI | DUI CAUSING INJURY | DUI W/ PRIOR | FELONY DUI | VIOLENT CRIMES
THEFT CRIMES | PROSTITUTION/SOLICITATION | WEAPONS OFFENSES | SEX CRIMES | HOMICIDE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE  |  JUVENILE OFFENSES | PROBATION VIOLATIONS | FELONY |MISDEMEANOR MARIJUANA | DUI DRUGS  |  GANG CASES | VANDALISM | EXPUNGEMENT | APPEALS | CIVIL RIGHTS
THREE STRIKES | INFRACTION (TRAFFIC)  | UNLICENSED DRIVER/SUSPENDED LICENSE
SALE, TRANSPORT, CULTIVATION & MANUFACTURE OF DRUGS | WATSON MURDER | FINANCIAL CRIMES
and MORE.

DUI, Domestic Violence and Drug Crimes are among the most common types of criminal offenses in Winnetka and the San Fernando Valley region of LA.  With DUI cases being the most frequent, it is important to note some of the most common defenses in DUI cases.  Please read about some of these defenses and feel free to contact our office with any questions or for a free consultation. 

COMMON DUI DEFENSES:
Mouth Alcohol,  Rising BAC,  How Accurate are Breathalyzers?,  Did Police Follow Proper Testing Procedure,  Do Field Sobriety Tests Prove Anything?,  Alcohol and Drugs are NOT the Only Causes of Bad Driving, and MORE.  

CALL OUR OFFICE NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION WITH A LOS ANGELES CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY AND DUI LAWYER  WE CAN GO THROUGH THE DETAILS OF YOUR CASE, DISCUSS DEFENSES AND CASE STRATEGY AND GET STARTED PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS.  818-646-8788.

If you or a loved one have been arrested or charged with a crime in Winnetka, Northridge, Chatsworth, Van Nuys, San Fernando, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Reseda, Tarzana or anywhere else in Los Angeles or the San Fernando Valley, you need a dedicated and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.  Call us now to find out how we can help you avoid a conviction, avoid jail time or avoid negative consequences for immigration, professional licensing, your driving privilege or your career.  Our office has helped those accused of a crime achieve great outcomes for years.  Whether through a motion to suppress, trial, or creative and powerful plea negotiating, our office can help you move on with your life and do everything in our power to get you a great outcome.

Here is a list of some of Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Nicholas Loncar's recent case outcomes:

People v. K.C. - Driving Under the Influence / Above .08 - REDUCED TO WET RECKLESS
People v. D.C. - Felony Theft with Strike Prior - REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR - PROBATION!
People v. E.L. - Assault with a Deadly Weapon Case - DISMISSED
People v. C.C. - Triple Homicide - 8 YEARS STATE PRISON WITH HALF TIME (4 YEARS ACTUAL)
People v. C.I. - Firearm and Transportation of Methamphetamine for Sale - DISMISSED
People v. A.C. - Felony Criminal Threats (Strike Offense) - DISMISSED
People v. T.T. - Driving Under the Influence of Drugs - REDUCED TO WET RECKLESS
People v. L.S. - Driving Under the Influence of Drugs - REDUCED TO WET RECKLESS
People v. J.P. - 1998 Felony - PLEA WITHDRAWN/REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR
People v. P.V. - Driving on a Suspended License - DISMISSED
People v. H.S. - Driving on a Suspended License - DISMISSED
People v. S.P. - Felony Domesic Violence - DISMISSED BEFORE FILING
People v. R.C. - Possession of a Controlled Substance - DISMISSED (PC 1000)
People v. L.H. - Theft w/ Felony Theft Priors - PROBATION (NO JAIL TIME)
People v. A.F. - Felony PV - 4 year sus. sentence - CREDIT FOR TIME SERVED

CALL NOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND SEE
HOW OUR OFFICE CAN HELP YOU FIGHT YOUR CASE!

818-646-8788 FREE CONSULTATIONS

North Hills is a Los Angeles neighborhood located in the Northern San Fernando Valley.  Nearby Pacoima, San Fernando, Sylmar, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, Panorama City, Van Nuys and Arleta, North Hills provides easy access to the 5, 405 and 118 Freeways.

With over 55,000 residents of the neighborhood, North Hills has low population density, and low crime relative to much of Los Angeles.  Still, crime and arrests do happen.  LAPD is in charge of law enforcement in the region, with criminal matters being filed in the Superior Court of Los Angeles at the San Fernando Courthouse. 

With the absence of much of the serious crime that plagues other, more urban areas of LA, police in North Hills and much of the northern San Fernando Valley are able to focus efforts on traffic and DUI enforcement.  Additionally, law enforcement officers are trained extensively in domestic violence investigations.  Prosecutors are very aggressive in both types of cases.  If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in North Hills, Mission Hills, San Fernando, Van Nuys, Northridge, Pacoima, Sylmar, Granada Hills, Panorama City, North Hills, Arleta, Valley Glen, Valley Village, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, or anywhere else in the San Fernando Valley, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Loncar now for a free consultation with a passionate, aggressive Los Angeles criminal defense attorney.

San Fernando Courthouse hears a wide variety of criminal matters, including:
DRUG CRIMES | DUI | DUI CAUSING INJURY | DUI W/ PRIOR | FELONY DUI | VIOLENT CRIMES
THEFT CRIMES | PROSTITUTION/SOLICITATION | WEAPONS OFFENSES | SEX CRIMES | HOMICIDE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE  |  JUVENILE OFFENSES | PROBATION VIOLATIONS | FELONY |MISDEMEANOR MARIJUANA | DUI DRUGS  |  GANG CASES | VANDALISM | EXPUNGEMENT | APPEALS | CIVIL RIGHTS
THREE STRIKES | INFRACTION (TRAFFIC)  | UNLICENSED DRIVER/SUSPENDED LICENSE
SALE, TRANSPORT, CULTIVATION & MANUFACTURE OF DRUGS | WATSON MURDER | FINANCIAL CRIMES
and MORE

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAS BEEN ARRESTED OR CHARGED WITH A CRIME IN NORTH HILLS, MISSION HILLS, NORTHRIDGE, SAN FERNANDO, PACOIMA, VAN NUYS, OR ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY OR LOS ANGELES, YOU NEED THE ASSISTANCE OF A SKILLED, PASSIONATE AND DEDICATED LOS ANGELES CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY.  CONTACT THE LAW OFFICES OF NICHOLAS LONCAR NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.  818-646-8788.

EXAMPLE OF A NORTH HILLS ARREST AND CRIMINAL DEFENSE CASE:
Denise, a North Hills resident, was arrested for DUI two years ago.  Her driver's license was suspended and she applied for a restricted license with the DMV.  She eventually restored her driving privilege and is now a licensed driver, but still on DUI probation.  As a condition of DUI probation, she must not drive with ANY measurable amount of alcohol in her system and must submit to chemical testing when requested to do so by law enforcement. 

While driving home from a work holiday party, Denise encounters a DUI checkpoint on Sepulveda Blvd.  Denise only had one beer, but is concerned that being on DUI probation, she will be arrested at the checkpoint.  Scared, Denise turns down a small street about a block before the checkpoint.

An LAPD officer starts to follow Denise and pulls her over at the next stop sign.  Denise's vehicle is properly tagged and registered and all lights are in working order.  Additionally, she did not commit any traffic violations to justify the traffic stop.  Nonetheless, the officer approaches the vehicle, and gets Denise's ID to run.  The officer finds out about Denise's DUI probation and asks her to take a preliminary alcohol screening test (a handheld breathalyzer police use at the scene).  Denise refuses and is arrested.

Denise faces a violation of her DUI probation as well as a one year license suspension.  Denise hires a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney to assist her with both processes, to challenge the validity of the stop and get the evidence against her thrown out.  If successful, she may be able to avoid a one year driver's license suspension and avoid the jail time typically associated with a probation violation at San Fernando Courthouse.

Discuss your case with an attorney to find out the possible and likely outcomes, what defenses you can assert, and how to best assert your rights and protect yourself from negative consequences.  Criminal convictions can carry jail or prison time, large fines, probation, as well as consequences for immigration, employment, education and professional licensing.  Find out how we can help.  SAN FERNANDO VALLEY OFFICE   818-646-8788.

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime after being caught by police with drugs in the car, this article will explain some of the issues surrounding your charges, defenses and various approaches to your criminal case.  For a more in depth analysis of drug crimes generally, please visit our drug crimes page.  For serious drug offenses including sales and transportation for sales, consult out serious drug crimes lawyer page.

Vehicle stops are one of the most common source of narcotics arrests.  Drivers may be followed by law enforcement, who actually see narcotics transactions take place, officers may suspect drug activity based on the vehicle leaving a location known to the officers to be associated with narcotics, or the stop may be unrelated to drugs at all.  Depending on the sequence of your traffic stop, search and arrest, there may be motions that can lead to exclusion of the evidence against you, and ultimately a dismissal of your charges.

HOW YOUR LAWYER CAN CHALLENGE A BAD STOP
Often, police use impermissible reasons to initiate a traffic stop.  To an officer, seeing a bald Latino male driving a beat up car through a rough neighborhood might arouse suspicions.  And after initiating the stop, it may turn out that the officer was correct in his suspicions that the vehicle contains drugs or guns.  Still, it is necessary that the officer can justify the stop by pointing to specific facts that led the officer to believe that some criminal activity is occurring.  Most commonly, these will be alleged vehicle code violations, like speeding, unsafe lane change, running a stop sign or traffic light, etc.  If you are pulled over without having committed a traffic stop and your tags were in order, you may have a strong motion to suppress the evidence that resulted from the bad stop.  Your Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney must have a strong grasp of the Vehicle Code, Penal Code and relevant case law.  If you have been pulled over and arrested with drugs, weapons or other contraband in your vehicle, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Loncar now for a free consultation with a drug crimes lawyer.  You may be entitled to suppression of the evidence against you and a dismissal of your possession or possession for sales charges.  They may be in-car video from the police car, surveillance video from nearby businesses or witnesses who can testify to the driving they observed prior to your stop.  If any of these contradict the officer's testimony, you have a strong chance to get the

HOW YOUR ATTORNEY CAN CHALLENGE AN UNLAWFUL SEARCH
Just because an officer has reason to pull you over (speeding, expired tags, etc.) does not justify a search of your vehicle.  Police do have some discretionary authority to secure the area and maintain their own safety during a traffic stop.  Additionally, anything an officer sees in plain view during a lawful traffic stop can most likely be used against you.  After a traffic stop, an officer needs either probable cause or consent to conduct a true search of your vehicle.  It is important never to consent to searches, and to make it clear to the officers that you do not consent to a search.  Consenting to a search waives your important constitutional rights and makes challenging the search very difficult for your attorney.  If you do not consent, and the officer proceeds to search anyway, then the officer will need to be able to show the court that there was probable cause to search.  A skilled LA Criminal Defense Attorney can help to challenge the officer's testimony, point out weaknesses and inconsistencies and argue to the court that the search violated your rights.  Again, video can be helpful in these cases, but ultimately the burden to prove probable cause for the search is on the government.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA DEFENSES
Being a medical marijuana patient in California offers significant protection against arrest and/or criminal charges relating to the possession of marijuana or concentrated cannabis.  Marijuana crimes are often discovered during traffic stops due to the strong odor of the plant.  It may be more difficult to discretely possess or transport marijuana due to that smell.  With the large number of medical marijuana patients in California (particularly in Los Angeles), the odor of marijuana does not necessarily give an officer probable cause to conduct a search.  Additionally, even if they find something, it might not be illegal due to your status as a medical marijuana patient.  Even if caught with large quantities of marijuana, medical defenses may still apply.  Consult with an attorney who understands this emerging area of the law and who can effectively assert your rights and defenses and protect you from unjust prosecution. 

POSSESSION FOR PERSONAL USE VERSUS POSSESSION FOR SALE
Sometimes the quantity, packaging and other facts related to drug possession will lead law enforcement and prosecutors to charge someone with possession for sales or transportation for sales.  Police frequently jump to conclusions, often without much evidence to support their sales conclusion.  Scales, large quantities, money and individual packaging are all certainly relevant to a determination of whether drugs are possessed for sale or personal use, but none of these factors are dispositive.  Typically, drugs are cheaper when purchased in bulk, scales and individual packaging can help buyers/users to avoid being ripped off.  Additionally, the presence of user paraphernalia like pipes or needles can help to establish that the drugs are actually for personal use.

LACK OF KNOWLEDGE DEFENSE
Drug possession must be knowing and intelligent.  Knowing possession can be imputed from the circumstances even without an admission.  Still, it is very important not to make ANY statements to law enforcement, especially those acknowledging guilt or knowledge of criminal activity.  If drugs are found out of sight in a vehicle, it may be possible to assert a lack of knowledge defense.  Visibility and proximity, as well as ownership and occupation of the vehicle will be factors in determining knowledge.  Additionally, a smell/lack of smell can help to determine knowledge. 

MULTIPLE OCCUPANTS OF A VEHICLE
Multiple people can be charged with possession of the same items.  If drugs are found in a car with multiple occupants, the police may charge one, some or all of the occupants of the vehicle.  The facts that will help the officers to establish knowledge include: location of the drugs relative to the driver/passenger(s), statements of occupants, movements observed prior to the traffic stop, and more.

OUR OFFICE HANDLES SERIOUS DRUG CASES THROUGHOUT LOS ANGELES COUNTY.  IF YOU HAVE BEEN ARRESTED OR CHARGED WITH A CRIME IN LOS ANGELES, HOLLYWOOD, WEST LA, SANTA MONICA, BEVERLY HILLS, CULVER CITY, SOUTH LA, MID CITY, KOREATOWN, COMPTON, INGLEWOOD, TORRANCE, LONG BEACH, VAN NUYS, BURBANK, SHERMAN OAKS, STUDIO CITY, NORTH HOLLYWOOD, SAN FERNANDO, GLENDALE, VALLEY VILLAGE, VALLEY GLEN, ENCINO, TARZANA, PASADENA, THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY OR ANYWHERE ELSE IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CONTACT OUR OFFICE TO SEE HOW WE CAN HELP YOU AVOID JAIL OR PRISON AND AVOID A CONVICTION. 

If you or a loved one has been arrested and/or charged with a drug offense in Los Angeles, it is important to have a skilled, passionate, knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer on your side to fight the allegations and assert your important Constitutional rights.  Call now for a free consultation.

"What defenses do I have?" is one of the most common questions that I get as a criminal defense attorney.  In addition to wanting to know what the likely and possible outcomes are of their criminal case, my clients want to know what defenses can be asserted on their behalf to help protect their liberty and other rights from the consequences of a criminal conviction.  Truthfully, each case is different, and even identical charges may be defended in completely different ways.  I have previously written about the Criminal Defense Motions that your attorney can file to have your Los Angeles criminal case dismissed, or bad evidence thrown out.  If your rights have been violated by the law enforcement officers who made the arrest or investigated the alleged crime, motions to suppress evidence or to dismiss might be the best way to fight the case.  This article provides a list and explanation of the 10 of the most common defenses available in criminal defense cases in Los Angeles and other California counties.

MISTAKEN IDENTITY
Eyewitness testimony can be inherently unreliable.  Even video footage, particularly from surveillance equipment, can be too blurry to really identify someone.  In many CA criminal cases, it is not really in dispute that a crime took place.  If, for example, a store is robbed, and police stop and arrest someone who meets the description a few blocks away, the defense of mistaken identity would likely apply.  The prosecution must prove that the defendant is in fact the person who committed the crime.  They would try to establish this through eyewitness testimony, video footage, and circumstantial evidence like what the defendant had on his person when arrested.  If a positive ID is made while the defendant is in handcuffs or in the back of a squad car,

ALIBI
If a defendant is being accused of committing a crime at a particular time, either due to mistaken identity, false accusation or another mistake of fact, establishing that the person was somewhere else at the time the crime was committed might help to derail the prosecution's case.  Using again, for example, a convenience store robbery, the defendant might be able to prove that he/she was somewhere else at the time of the crime.  Long ago, establishing an alibi may have been more difficult and would have had to rely on eyewitness testimony, the technology we have available today helps a great deal.  Video footage can show a person was in a different, far away location at or near the time of the crime.  What's more, many of the smartphones we all carry have GPS, and can at least show that the phone was somewhere else at the time of a crime. 

FALSE ACCUSATIONS
False accusations are more common than most people would expect.  The truth is, there are many motives for false accusations.  Sometimes the true perpetrator of a crime will blame someone else, and other times no real crime took place, but a false accusation can still lead to an arrest.  False accusations are most common in domestic violence and rape cases, and may be used as leverage in child custody disputes, divorces and just for vengeance.  There is even an immigration benefit to being a victim of a crime of violence, which many believe has led to false accusations of domestic violence.  Beating a false accusation can be difficult, as police, prosecutors and even many jurors have a tendency to believe someone who claims to be a victim.  False accusations can be challenged by pointing out flaws and inconsistencies in the false story, showing the complaining witness' bias, having the defendant testify to what really happened.  If you have been falsely accused of a crime, you need a skilled criminal defense attorney to assert your innocence and fight for you.

SELF-DEFENSE
Assault, battery and even murder charges might be defensible under a theory of self-defense or defense of others.  In order to successfully assert a self-defense defense, it must be that the force used was reasonably necessary to prevent an imminent danger.  This means that retribution for past violence, if it has stopped, does not qualify as self defense.  Overly disproportionate violence will also not justify the acts on self-defense grounds.  Self-defense must be carefully presented because it usually requires admitting to violent acts.  This is why it is important to have the aid of a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorney in cases involving self-defense.

ENTRAPMENT
Police often do get away with a little bit of arm-twisting, but cannot flat out convince an otherwise innocent person to commit a crime.  This protection is narrow, because police are trained to stay on the right side of the entrapment line, often giving the suspect and "out" or saying that they don't have to go through with it.  This defense is common in prostitution and solicitation of prostitution cases, and sometimes in undercover drug sales operations.  It is not enough that the police solicit the crime, but the defendant must show that they would not have otherwise committed the crime.  Your lawyer can help to establish that the officers crossed the line, getting an otherwise innocent person to commit a crime, a counterproductive law enforcement tactic. 

NECESSITY AND DURESS
Duress is a defense available to defendants who commit crimes because of threats made from another person.  For example, a person might be threatened into serving as a look out on a crime, or even threatened into a larger role in a crime.  The defendant cannot rightfully be culpable under these circumstances.  Similarly, the defense of necessity can be used if the commission of the crime was committed to avoid a greater harm. 

INSANITY DEFENSE
Not all "insane" or "crazy" defendants can avoid convictions and consequences.  If this were the case, many of the most violent criminals in history would have been able to avoid incarceration.  In order to successfully assert an insanity defense, it is necessary to show one of two things: (1) the defendant didn't understand the true nature of the act, or (2) the defendant could not tell the difference between right and wrong.  If you believe that you or a loved one may be able to assert the insanity defense, discuss the matter right away with a criminal defense lawyer.

VOLUNTARY AND INVOLUNTARY INTOXICATION
Voluntary intoxication will usually not be a defense to a crime.  Being under the influence of drugs and alcohol can make people do stupid things, and consequences of stupid actions are a risk someone takes when consuming drugs or alcohol.  Still, voluntary intoxication can help establish a lack of specific intent for some crimes.  Involuntary intoxication can serve as a defense to almost any crime.  If you were arrested or charged with a crime and drugs or alcohol were involved, this is an important fact to discuss with your lawyer.  If it can be used to your benefit, a skilled, knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney will know how to present the evidence in a way that helps you fight the charges and hopefully avoid the negative consequences that would be associated with a conviction.

REASONABLE DOUBT
Ultimately, it is up to the government to prove the defendant's guilt.  Poking holes in the government's story is one of the most important, and most common ways to fight a criminal charge.  The burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt is the highest burden our courts employ, and this is because of how much is at stake.  Still, juries are predisposed to make decisions based on a smaller burden.  We are not wired to act only when reasonably certain, but it is important for your lawyer to get the jury to look at the case through the appropriate lens, and only to find you guilty if the government can prove each element of the crime(s) charged beyond a reasonable doubt.

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE ARE FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES IN CALIFORNIA, YOU NEED A PASSIONATE, AGGRESSIVE AND KNOWLEDGEABLE CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY TO ASSERT YOUR RIGHTS AND DEFENSES AND FIGHT FOR YOU IN COURT.  TO DISCUSS THE DETAILS OF YOUR CASE AND WHAT DEFENSES YOU MIGHT HAVE AVAILABLE, CONTACT THE LAW OFFICES OF NICHOLAS LONCAR NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.  213-375-3775
Feel free to contact our office anytime.  24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  We can discuss the details of your case, the possible and likely outcomes, and how to best go about fighting the case to help you.  Speak to a passionate, aggressive and experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney today.

Mission Hills is a Los Angeles neighborhood located in the Northern San Fernando Valley.  Nearby Pacoima, San Fernando, Sylmar, Granada Hills, North Hills, Panorama City and Arleta, Mission Hills provides easy access to the 5, 405 and 118 Freeways.

A small community, with roughly 15,000 residents, Mission Hills has low population density, and low crime relative to much of Los Angeles.  Still, crime and arrests do happen.  LAPD is in charge of law enforcement in the region, with criminal matters being filed in the Superior Court of Los Angeles at the San Fernando Courthouse.  Most misdemeanors are prosecuted by the LA City Attorney's Office and most felonies by the LA County District Attorney's Office.

With the absence of much of the serious crime that plagues other areas of LA, police in Mission Hills and much of the San Fernando Valley are able to focus efforts on DUI enforcement.  Additionally, officers are specially trained in domestic violence investigations, and prosecutors are aggressive in these cases.  If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Mission Hills, San Fernando, Pacoima, Sylmar, Granada Hills, Panorama City, North Hills, Arleta, Van Nuys, Valley Glen, or anywhere else in the San Fernando Valley, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Loncar now for a free consultation with a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney.  818-646-8788.

EXAMPLE OF A MISSION HILLS ARREST AND CRIMINAL DEFENSE CASE:
Eric, a Santa Clarita resident is driving home from work in Downtown LA, driving up the 5 Freeway.  Prior to driving home, he was at happy hour with a co-worker, where he drank two beers.  Stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, Eric is rear-ended by another driver.  Both vehicles pull to the shoulder and a California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer arrives about 30 minutes later.  Although it is clear the other driver is at fault, the officer smells alcohol on Eric's breath.

The officer asks Eric whether he's been drinking, and Eric admits to drinking two beers after work.  Now, approximately an hour has passed since the accident, and the officer asks Eric to perform some field sobriety tests.  Eric agrees and does the tests as instructed, to the best of his ability.  Next, the officer has Eric blow into a handheld breathalyzer machine (Preliminary Alcohol Screening, or "PAS" device).  Eric can refuse this test, but didn't realize that and so he submits to the test.  The results come back .083 and .087, above the legal limit.  Eric is placed under arrest and transported to the police station for processing.

Eric is then offered a choice between a breath and blood test and chooses breath.  Now, his BAC comes back .09 and .10.  Eric is charged with DUI, his license is taken away, and now he must face both criminal charges in court, and an administrative suspension with the DMV.  The other driver was not injured, so Eric will not face charges of DUI causing injury.  Had there been an injury, he'd be facing harsher punishment, a longer license suspension and a possible felony.  He would have a strong defense, as well, as he was not responsible for the accident.

Eric hires a Los Angeles DUI lawyer to represent him in court and to set up a DMV Hearing at the Van Nuys Driver Safety Office.  The lawyer immediately recognizes that Eric has a strong "Rising BAC" defense.  Because Eric drank right before driving, his BAC was on its way up to the level of the tests (and still on its way up to the legal limit) while he was driving.  The first test, the .083 PAS was performed nearly an hour after Eric was driving.  The later test, the .09 and .10 breath tests took an additional 35 minutes.  This pattern of a rising BAC indicates that there is a strong likelihood that Eric's BAC was below the legal limit at the time he was driving.  This would make him not guilty of driving while having a BAC of .08 or higher.  More likely, Eric's BAC was around .06 before the accident.  Since the accident was not his fault and he performed well on the field sobriety tests, the government has a weak case. 

Eric now must choose whether to take the case to trial or to accept a plea deal that would reduce his charge to a reckless driving.  If he takes the deal, he will not lose his driver's license in court, but has to pay fines and be on probation.  If he fights the case at trial, he has a strong chance at an acquittal, despite testing above the legal limit.

Discuss your case with an attorney to find out the possible and likely outcomes, what defenses you can assert, and how to best assert your rights and protect yourself from negative consequences.  Criminal convictions can carry jail or prison time, large fines, probation, as well as consequences for immigration, employment, education and professional licensing.  Find out how we can help.  FREE CONSULTATIONS 818-646-8788.

California voters recently passed, by a wide margin, a measure to reduce many nonviolent felony offenses to misdemeanors, helping people currently facing, and people previously sentenced or convicted of a felony.  The people of the state of California have declared their disagreement with the way the District Attorney's office has handled minor offenses.  The new law will reduce the offense level of simple drug possession and petty theft offenses.  The reduction lowers the exposure to jail time (no prison time on misdemeanors) and keeps less serious offenders from getting the record and loss of rights associated with a felony conviction.  Less time also means less strain on the overcrowded LA County Jails and California State Prisons.

Full Text of Proposition 47

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAVE A PRIOR FELONY CONVICTION OR ARE CURRENTLY SERVING A SENTENCE ON A FELONY THAT MAY BE A MISDEMEANOR NOW PURSUANT TO PROP 47, CONTACT OUR OFFICE NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION WITH A LOS ANGELES CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY.

BREAKDOWN OF OFFENSES COVERED UNDER PROP 47

Drug Crimes
HS 11350 - Possession of a controlled substance - Possession of drugs like heroin, cocaine, Xanax, pain killers and more used to be a straight felony, no matter the amount.  This means that someone caught with even a small amount of one of these drugs could face time in California State Prison.  In addition, people convicted of simple possession would have a permanent felony conviction.  With the passage of Prop 47, all of these possession for personal use cases become misdemeanors.  No more prison or felony convictions for drug crimes.  Convictions and sentences can be reduced retroactively for old convictions.

HS 11377 - Possession of a controlled substance - Methamphetamine, MDMA, PCP and others used to be a wobbler, meaning that it can be filed as a misdemeanor or felony.  Now, it would be a misdemeanor so long as it is not possession for sale.

HS 11357(a) - Possession of concentrated cannabis (marijuana concentrate).  Possession of marijuana concentrates like hash, hash oil, wax and some edibles is now a misdemeanor in California.  This charge used to be a wobbler, meaning that someone caught with even a small amount of marijuana concentrate could end up with a felony conviction and do prison time.  Not anymore.  After Prop 47, possession of concentrated cannabis for persona use is a straight misdemeanor.

Theft Offenses
PC 459 / PC 459.5 - Commercial burglary will no longer be charged in petty shoplifting cases.  For years, the DA has used evidence of intent to steal upon entry into a store (use of tools, not having money, etc.) to charge otherwise minor offenses, including theft of groceries under $50 as a felony offense.  If you have a prior conviction for second degree burglary or are currently serving a sentence for commercial burglary, you can petition the court to re-sentence you, cleaning up your record, and possibly shortening any jail time you or a loved one is serving.

PC 470 - 476 - Forgery, when valued at less than $950 will be a misdemeanor now.  If you have a prior forgery conviction charged as a felony and believe the value of the alleged theft was less than $950, you may now be eligible for re-sentencing.

PC 490.2 - Theft under $950.  Felony grand theft will no longer apply to theft of items worth less than $950.

PC 496 - Receiving stolen property.  Previously a "wobbler" (can be charges as a misdemeanor or felony), receiving stolen property, when valued less than $950 is a misdemeanor.

PC 666 - Petty theft with a prior.  Only more serious theft crimes will be able to satisfy the prior theft requirements for sentencing enhancement under PC 666.

YOUR RIGHT TO RE-SENTENCING:
"1170.18.(a) A person currently serving a sentence for a conviction, whether by trial or plea, of a felony or felonies who would have been guilty of a misdemeanor under the act that added this section (“this act”) had this act been in effect at the time of the offense may petition for a recall of sentence before the trial court that entered the judgment of conviction in his or her case to request resentencing in accordance with Sections 11350, 11357, or 11377 of the Health and Safety Code, or Section 459.5, 473, 476a, 490.2, 496, or 666 of the Penal Code, as those sections have been amended or added by this act."

YOUR RIGHT TO CLEAN UP YOUR RECORD:
"1170.18(f) A person who has completed his or her sentence for a conviction, whether by trial or plea, of a felony or felonies who would have been guilty of a misdemeanor under this act had this act been in effect at the time of the offense, may file an application before the trial court that entered the judgment of conviction in his or her case to have the felony conviction or convictions designated as misdemeanors.
(g)If the application satisfies the criteria in subdivision (f), the court shall designate the felony offense or offenses as a misdemeanor."

If you or a loved one has a prior conviction or is currently facing a case that is now a misdemeanor under Prop 47, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Loncar for a free consultation with a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney.

FREE CONSULTATIONS   213-375-3775

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

Drugs are everywhere in California.  Despite clearly losing this war every day since its inception, our government continues to spend vast resources enforcing strict drug laws, hoping to marginally disrupt an unstoppable drug trade.  Dedicated enforcement of drug laws has contributed heavily to the violence associated with the drug trade, as well as affecting the types and forms of drugs available on the market.  Without the "War on Drugs" we might not have modern day street gangs, dangerous drug cartels, and the most dangerous and disruptive drugs found on our streets (e.g. crack, methamphetamine, etc.) may never have been created in the first place.  Our society has demonized drug dealers, failing to recognize the true problems that .  While historically considered to be soft on marijuana, California actually has some of the strictest drug laws on the planet.  Paired with California's "Three Strikes" Law and other enhancements for prior convictions and gang activity, selling drugs can land someone in prison for life. 

CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG SALES CASES
Sales offenses are generally not eligible for diversion programs, even for first time offenders.  Avoiding California State Prison and jail time in CA drug sales cases can be done.  You might have strong motion to suppress issues if the arresting officers violated your Fourth or Fifth Amendment rights.  You may have been the victim of entrapment.  Additionally, the police may have mistaken (1) a non-controlled substance for a drug, (2) drugs possessed for personal use as drugs possessed for sale, (3) a lawful medical marijuana dispensary for an illegal one.  By effectively arguing for you, asserting your rights and defenses, or through effective negotiation, your attorney can work to get you the best possible outcome in your Los Angeles Criminal Court case. 

POSSESSION OF NARCOTICS FOR SALE (HS 11351 and HS 11378)
It is a felony under Health & Safety Code 11351 to possess illegal drugs with the intention to sell (cocaine, heroin, prescription medications, and more.  Health and Safety Code 11378 makes it a felony to possess methamphetamine, MDMA, PCP and other manufactured drugs for sale.  The law does not require that an alleged drug dealer be caught in the act of selling any narcotics.  Many factors may help a prosecutor establish the necessary facts to charge, and even convict someone of drug sales.  Quantity, packaging, scales, bags, vials, processing equipment and more can go to establish sales.  User paraphernalia such as pipes or needles can help to counter drug sales cases.  All drug sales charges are straight felonies, and cannot be reduced to misdemeanors without a plea negotiation to a lesser offense.

SALE OR TRANSPORTATION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (HS 11352 and HS 11379)
Under Health & Safety Code 11352 (cocaine, heroin, prescription drugs), and Health & Safety Code 11379 (methamphetamine, PCP, MDMA) it is a felony in California to sell (or even give away) illegal drugs.  There are serious consequences to being caught selling drugs or transporting a quantity that indicates the drugs are possessed to be sold or furnished to others.  These determinations are fact-specific and leave room for your attorney to argue on your behalf, for a better outcome in your case.

SALE OR TRANSPORTATION OF MARIJUANA | POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA FOR SALE (HS 11359)
Health and Safety Code 11359 imposes really harsh punishments for marijuana sales.  Someone charged with marijuana sales could get up to 7 years in prison (if sold to a minor under 15), but many people charged with marijuana possession for sale do not end up doing any prison time, instead serving county jail sentences.  You do have defenses in drug sales cases, including entrapment, Fourth or Fifth Amendment violations, lack of intent, officer mistakes, and more.  In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate down to a lesser charge, like possession of marijuana concentrate, which can later be reduced to a misdemeanor, helping to avoid a permanent felony conviction.

CULTIVATION OF MARIJUANA (HS 11358)
Growing marijuana, even for personal use, is a felony pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 11358.  If cultivation is for personal use, it may be eligible for Deferred Entry of Judgment (a delayed dismissal of your case).  Marijuana cultivation cases often involve Fourth Amendment search and seizure issues.  Additionally, asserting medical marijuana defenses can be an important part of defending a marijuana cultivation charge.  Smaller grow operations may qualify for immunity simply with a medical marijuana recommendations.  Larger grow operations are more difficult to defend, but can sometimes operate lawfully as a collective.  For specific questions regarding marijuana grow operations, contact our office for a free consultation with a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney.

MANUFACTURE OF NARCOTICS (HS 11379.6)
Health & Safety Code 11379.6 provides the harshest punishments of all California drug crimes.  It can apply to anything from making marijuana concentrates up to operating a meth lab.  These charges are very serious, but you may have defenses.  The Fourth Amendment may make the search that led to an arrest unlawful or other evidence may have been obtained in violation of your rights.

POSSESSION OF NARCOTICS WHILE ARMED WITH A LOADED FIREARM (HS 113070.1)
It is a crime in CA to possess drugs and be "armed with" a firearm.  The "armed with" definition is more narrow than the definition of possession.  While a defendant who has a firearm in his home is in possession of that firearm, the defendant is only "armed with" the firearm if it is immediately available for offensive or defensive use.  For example, if the gun is in a locked tool box in the back of a pick up truck, CA courts have ruled that the defendant is not "armed with" the gun under the law.

NOTE:  The Immigration Consequences of a drug sales conviction are severe.  A non-citizen convicted of a sales offense will be deported, denied naturalization or re-entry and suffer other negative immigration consequences for this serious conviction.

If you have been arrested or charged with a serious drug offense in Los Angeles, you need a passionate, aggressive, experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney to fight for you.  Your lawyer can assert your rights and defenses while fighting and negotiating for the best possible disposition in your case.  Contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Loncar now for a free consultation.

FREE CONSULTATIONS 213-375-3775

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

Driving without a license (VC 12500) and driving on a suspended license (VC 14601) are very common misdemeanors in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California.  Many LA residents are ineligible to get a license due to immigration status, while others have their privileges suspended due to (1) accumulation of points, (2) DUI, (3) medical reasons, (4) other convictions such as vandalism or, for drivers under 21, a long list of misdemeanor and infraction convictions that would lead to a year long license suspension (including: DUI, "Wet Reckless", Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Possession of a Fake ID, and more).

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I'M PULLED OVER WITHOUT A VALID LICENSE?
When someone is pulled over without a license, or while their license is suspended, the officer may have a lot of discretion as to how to handle the situation.  Because it is a misdemeanor offense, you can be arrested for driving on a suspended license OR driving without a license.  The officer may also impound the car, and hold it for up to thirty days (during this time, you will be responsible for costs of impound, as well as towing and other fees).  Next, the police officer will likely submit the case to the local prosecuting agency for misdemeanors.  If the prosecutor wants to file the case as a misdemeanor, they can.  They may also reject the case, in which case, the citing officer will likely submit it to traffic court.  Whether the prosecuting attorney wishes to file the charges as misdemeanors may depend on several factors including: criminal and driving history of the driver (with special emphasis on past driving on a suspended, driving without a license), reason for the suspension, and more.

MANDATORY JAIL TIME
A first violation of VC 14601.1 does not have mandatory minimums for jail time.  If the offense is within 5 years of another driving on a suspended license offense, there may be mandatory minimum jail time of 5 days, 10 days, 30 days or even 180 days (for someone who has twice been convicted of being a habitual traffic offender).  As you can see, how much mandatory minimum jail time the statutes require depends mostly on whether the driver has prior convictions.  These are the cases that the prosecutor is more likely to file as misdemeanors.  In addition, the prosecutor can and often does seek a greater penalty (more than the required minimums).  If you have been arrested or cited for driving on a suspended, and have prior convictions within five or seven years, you need a skilled Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer to keep you out of jail, or without a priorable conviction. 

VC 14601.2 - DRIVING WHILE PRIVILEGE SUSPENDED FOR DUI
Driving on a suspended license, if the suspension is for DUI can carry pretty serious consequences.  Not only is there a minimum of 10 days of jail, even if probation is granted on the offense, but there are high fines, the DMV will require an ignition interlock device, and it will also likely constitute a violation of DUI probation if the driver was convicted of DUI or had a reduction to "Wet Reckless."  If you or someone you know has been caught driving while suspended for DUI, contact an LA criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate these serious charges. 

HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Drivers who cannot or do not get a driver's license, and subsequently get multiple convictions for driving on a suspended license are at risk of spending significant time behind bars.  The courts recognize that driving without a valid license is not nearly the most severe offense, still it tends to really rub the court the wrong way.  Driving on a suspended license shows insubordination, even if necessary to just live your life and get to work in Los Angeles.

VC 12500 - DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE
Driving without a license is a little better in the eyes of the law than driving on a suspended license.  One is generally a violation of the law, whereas the other is more of a direct violation of a specific order.  Even drivers who have never obtained a license can be charged with driving on a suspended license, so long as their privilege has been suspended for some reason (points, DUI, warrants and more).

SUSPENSION DUE TO WARRANTS
A license suspension due to a traffic warrant for failure to pay a traffic ticket or failure to appear in traffic court can be a pretty easy fix for an attorney in LA.  Not only can clearing the warrant restore your privilege to help you avoid some of the charges discussed in this article, but getting your license back is an important step in securing a good outcome in your court case.  If you get your license, you might even get a dismissal in court.

GET YOUR LICENSE BACK
With the help of your lawyer and the DMV, you can see just what is holding up your license and devise a plan to get it reinstated as quickly as possible.  This may require trips to court, trips to the DMV, phone calls to the DMV and more.  Getting your license reinstated before a disposition in your court case can make a big difference in the outcome.  Particularly for offenders with priors, showing the court that compliance with the state's licensing laws has become a priority can go a long way in avoiding a jail sentence.

VAN NUYS DRIVING ON A SUSPENDED LICENSE LAWYER
In Van Nuys Courthouse, driving on a suspended license and driving without a license cases can be handled as infractions or as misdemeanors.  If it is a first offense, and not a driving on a suspended license due to DUI (VC 14601.2) charge, it will likely be heard in traffic court, in Dept. 102.  Unlike most traffic courts, there is usually an attorney from the City Attorney's Office in 102 for misdemeanor cases.  For drivers who have prior convictions, or who are on probation for DUI or other driving offenses will likely have their cases heard in a misdemeanor courtroom, where they may face a new misdemeanor charge, a probation violation, or both.  Whether your case is a misdemeanor or infraction, you will want the help of an experienced, skilled Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney who understands the law, how to get your your driver's license back, and how to deal with the LA City Attorney's Office and the judges and commissioners in Van Nuys.

USEFUL LINKS:
LA Superior Court
Department of Motor Vehicles
Studio City Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or someone you know is facing a driving without a license or driving on a suspended license charge, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Loncar for a free consultation.  Our office has an excellent track record of helping clients, including first time offenders, avoid jail time on these types of cases.  Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Nicholas Loncar can help.  Conveniently located on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City (1 block from Laurel Canyon).  Call now for a free consultation.  213-375-3775. 

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