La Palma Criminal Defense Lawyer

La Palma Criminal Defense Attorney

Being accused of a crime can be incredibly discouraging, leaving you feeling isolated. Facing those charges can also be an overwhelming process. Fortunately, you have the option to hire a La Palma criminal defense lawyer.

Criminal defense covers a broad spectrum of different criminal charges, and your criminal defense lawyer can help you understand what you have been charged with, as well as the potential penalties you may be facing if convicted. They can explain the differences between misdemeanors and felonies, what makes a crime fall under state jurisdiction instead of federal jurisdiction, and what these things mean for your unique case.

Having a skilled lawyer who can advocate for you, build a case, and negotiate on your behalf can bring you clarity and peace of mind. Gibbons & Gibbons law team can help you cut back on the confusion and shoulder the burden of the criminal legal process with you.

When Would I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Criminal charges can cover a broad spectrum of offenses, which can make it difficult to know what you are being charged with and to what extent. The two main categories of crime are violent crime and property crime. As of 2023, the violent crime rate in La Palma was far below the nation’s average, while regional property crime exceeded the national average.

Hiring a La Palma criminal defense lawyer serves your interests if you have been accused of any of the following crimes:

• Assault: While violent crime is on the lower end than property crime, aggravated assault makes up the biggest portion of violent crime in La Palma, California. Assault can cover a wide range of actions, from simple assault to assault with a deadly weapon, meaning it can easily be lifted from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the circumstances.
• Battery: Battery occurs when an individual is physically harmed by another, whether it is because of direct intent or reckless mistreatment.
• Burglary: Burglary occurs less than larceny and theft in La Palma, but it is still fairly prevalent in this suburban area of California.
• Domestic Violence: Domestic violence includes abuse of a partner and/or children. Elder abuse is also considered a crime.
• Drug Crimes: Drug crimes cover drug manufacturing, distributing, trafficking, and drug possession, all of which are illegal. If the crime goes beyond California, it may change from a state court case to a federal one.
• Gang Crimes: According to California Code, Penal Code – PEN § 186.22, it is illegal to be involved in street gangs, as participation usually involves performing criminal activities.
• Homicide: Murder, regardless of if it was purposeful or accidental, is illegal. There are several different aspects of the crime that factor into the potential murder charges, as well as any consequences one may face in the case of conviction.
• Human Trafficking: Human trafficking includes both sex and labor trafficking. Slavery and the sale of humans are illegal in the United States, and this includes the human trafficking industry.
• Juvenile Crimes: Unfortunately, a person’s status as a minor does not exempt them from committing a crime. The severity of the crime and whether or not it is a first offense will dictate potential penalties in the event of conviction.
• Probation Violations: These violations include anything that involves operating outside of set probation parameters, such as possessing a weapon or associating with other known criminals.
• Property Crime: This kind of crime includes things like graffiti, arson, and purposeful destruction of someone else’s property. Property crime makes up a larger percentage of the illegal activity in La Palma and exceeds the national average.
• Sex Crimes: Sex crimes include a wide variety of crimes, such as rape, sexual assault, and making and/or possessing child pornography.
• Theft: Theft is one of the most prevalent crimes in La Palma, with 292 cases of larceny-theft alone reported in 2019. However, theft can include property theft, such as jewelry or money, and vehicular theft, which can include motorcycles, cars, and even boats.
• White-Collar Crimes: White-collar crimes cover everything from embezzlement to money laundering.

Your criminal defense lawyer can help you strategize the optimal defense for your unique case. If you have been accused of multiple crimes, they may be able to help you lessen the charges or even remove additional charges. The knowledge and insight of a skilled attorney can prove invaluable as you navigate the legal system, develop a defense, and pursue your desired outcomes.

FAQs

What Is the Mistake of Fact Defense in California?

In the state of California, the Mistake of Fact defense is when the accused argues that they acted out of a mistaken belief, negating the mental state that was required to commit the crime. It creates the potential for the defendant to have misunderstood what was occurring or what the law is, therefore removing the criminal intent aspect of the crime.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in California?

The final price of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in the state of California tends to vary. Several elements contribute to the overall cost, such as how long the process takes, your case’s level of complexity, and the lawyer you choose to hire. Gibbons & Gibbons believes in helping you pursue your desired outcome and combat whatever charges you are.

How Can I Beat a Criminal Charge in California?

The way to beat criminal charges in California differs based on the charges you are facing. Hiring a skilled criminal defense lawyer can benefit most cases. The severity of your charges depends on your unique situation, and having a criminal defense lawyer walk you through every step can free you up to pursue your desired outcomes and help you avoid many common legal pitfalls.

What Does Criminal Defense Cover?

In the state of California, criminal defense lawyers represent an individual who has been accused of a crime in a court of law. This can entail several things, like representing you in conversations with law enforcement, defending you in court, gathering evidence, and helping negotiate sentencing. An attorney can also advise you on what kind of repercussions you could be facing and the possibility of reduced sentencing.

Get Legal Help Today

You have a right to a fair trial and legal representation regardless of whether you are innocent or guilty. This can feel like an overwhelming task to take on your own. Fortunately, you do not need to carry this burden alone.

At Gibbons & Gibbons, your side of the story matters. Our lawyers stop at nothing to fight for you. We can advocate for ideal outcomes during sentencing and negotiate with the prosecution in an effort to get you an ideal resolution to your case. We can help protect you from start to finish, offering compassion and insight. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.