- 4141 S Nogales Street C102, West Covina, CA 91792
- info@tezlawfirm.com
A criminal investigation and conviction have repercussions that affect you and your family immediately. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain a good representative quickly. A criminal attorney in Los Angeles is in charge of defending you if you are the subject of a criminal charge. They ought to listen to your argument with objectivity, impartiality, and empathy.
Criminal Law in Los Angeles, California, is different and a bit more complex than in other states. It requires a Los Angeles criminal lawyer to have a thorough knowledge of the law because California has implemented a three-strike law. This can lead to difficulties in legal proceedings, in addition to the crime you are or could be accused of. It is not recommended that you go into the courtroom alone, even if, especially if, it is not your first time dealing with the law in California.
The three-strike law was adopted in 2012. This was an attempt to reduce recidivism, but some activists say it has had significant consequences. Proposition 36 amended the law to include the following stipulations. The first is that if a defendant is considered a third-strike offender, the sentence will be 25 to life and require the new or 3rd felony to be a serious or violent felony. The second stipulation added with the passing of prop 36 is that the defendant (if serving for a third strike offense) can petition the court to reduce the sentence to a second strike sentence. In California, three types of common crimes may or may not be seen in a courtroom.
The infraction is the first type of offense and the least likely to be seen in a courtroom. It is a public offense that does not require imprisonment. Think of infractions as citations for jaywalking or traffic violations.
Misdemeanors are where things get complicated. A misdemeanor in Los Angeles, California, is punishable by up to one year in prison. It also comes with a hefty fine ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. In Los Angeles, misdemeanors include petty theft, public intoxication, and trespassing.
Felonies are the most severe and final category of offense. Punishment for a felony could range from several years to life in prison. Felonies vary, but the most common felonies are DUIs, domestic violence, drug possession, and manslaughter. Believe it or not, a wide range of crimes border the line between misdemeanor and felony.
These crimes fill a grey area and may be charged at the judge’s discretion. The judge will most likely take into account two things about the accused; the first is whether there were weapons involved or other aggravating circumstances, and the second is whether or not this is their first offense.
Some qualities to look for in your Los Angeles criminal defense attorney are as follows. The defense attorney should be, first and foremost, empathetic. This may seem subjective and unimportant, but empathy and understanding are essential qualities to look for if you are accused of a crime. The defense attorney should also have a strong track record. At Tez Law, our track record is something we stand behind. For years our attorneys have been involved with any cases imaginable. We know the law inside and out. Finally, preparation is critical. Is your lawyer prepared? Have they done, or will they be doing their homework? These are two crucial questions to ask when looking for a lawyer.
Here are some facts according to prisonpolicy.org
California has an incarceration rate of 549 people per 100,000. This means it has the highest incarceration rate of any democracy. In California, we put more people behind bars than in some nondemocratic nations.
Around 239,000 people from California are behind bars. Most of which are in state and local jails.
Each year approximately 368,000 people are processed into California’s local prisons.
With the advent of the three-strike law and other propositions, imprisonment rates have grown exponentially and dramatically in the past 40 years.
People of color are over-represented in the penal system.
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Our Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys are located conveniently at 4141 S Nogales Street C102, West Covina, CA 91792. Our email is info@tezlawfirm.com.
We are also available to take your call at +1 626-678-8677.