Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney.
Yes, getting private lawyer involved in an old warrant situation could make a huge difference. A hard working lawyer should prepare the groundwork in terms of resolving your situation with the DA and the judge prior to your having to show up and face a significant uncertainty. Without a private lawyer, you have no other alternative but to turn yourself in and hope for the best. Even a Public Defender's office will not anything for you until you are physically present and ready to turn...
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First, you have to defend yourself in the criminal case filed against you, if indeed one was or is going to be filed. Your only course of action is to hire a lawyer - do not attempt to defend yourself. If you cannot afford private counsel, a public defender will be provided for you at the time of your first hearing in court. One big advantage of being represented by private counsel is that he/she can intervene early in an effort to have the case dismissed even before charges have been...
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Different courts and DA offices have different policies. If diversion is possible in your case, then it does not ultimately matter whether it requires a guilty plea or not, unless you are not a citizen and you are concerned about immigration consequences. If there is no diversion program in place, you might consider hiring private counsel to negotiate it for you. Do everything you can to avoid a theft conviction which is going to be detrimental to your ability to seek employment in the...
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No - unfortunately there are no mercy points and no getting off the hook because of your clean driving record. As far as Trial By Declaration is concerned, you should write your full story which you described in this forum. There is no special trick or gimmick involved. From a practical point of view, it does not really matter what you write. You will lose if the cop responds with his own declaration and you will win if he does not. The beauty of trial by declaration is that even if you...
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Under no circumstances you should represent yourself. It is always a bad idea. The question is whether you have the means to hire a private lawyer or will be represented by a public defender. DUIs are complicated. They involve a lot of science and then can be beaten if handled by the right lawyer. If you are being charged with driving under the influence of marijuana as well as alcohol, you should contact a lawyer who has experience in both DUIs and marijuana related cases. I urge you...
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It depends on your lawyer and the DA. You might be able to do even better, by getting a diversion where you complete some classes, etc. and in exchange the whole case is dismissed completely. You do not want a theft related misdemeanor conviction on your record. Do everything you can to fight for a good result. If you cannot afford private counsel, a public defender will be appointed for you. If a PD ends up representing you, do not let them talk you into a misdemeanor deal. The theft...
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Sounds like this is potentially a serious case for possession with intent to sell in addition to any theft charges. You need a good lawyer asap. Jacek W. Lentz, Esq. 310.273.1361 www.lentzlawfirm.com
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Yes, in Los Angeles County it is absolutely possible to apply for electronic house arrest while serving a sentence in County Jail, directly to the Probation Department without getting the judge or the DA involved. Some offenses are not eligible for this kind of alternative punishment and the fact that your cousin's conviction involved a loaded gun might be a problem. Whoever represented your cousin should look into this. Alternatively, your cousin might consider retaining another counsel...
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Criminal court case and DMV are two separate proceedings. If the DMV has already suspended the license, the outcome in court or whether the case has been filed or not, will have no impact on the license suspension. If it has been 11 months, lie low. It could be the case got lost in the paperwork. I would count my lucky stars then. Jacek W. Lentz, Esq. 310.273.1361 www.lentzlawfirm.com
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If you are a party to (defendant) in a case this should be a straightforward matter - you have the right to see the evidence against you and it is your lawyer's job to arrange for it to happen. If you are a victim, then the prosecution should help you. If you are not a party, then you do not have an automatic right to any examination. Your only option probably is to hire your own lawyer to file an appropriate motion. Jacek W. Lentz, Esq. 310.273.1361 www.lentzlawfirm.com
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