Long Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer

Though the media often portrays crime as a clear issue, the reality is much more nuanced. Every legal claim carries multiple perspectives, and everyone deserves the right to have their voice heard when facing a trial. This is especially true for those facing criminal charges.

Acting as the defendant in a criminal case is incredibly intimidating. Not only are you facing serious charges, but you are also subject to a grueling and thorough legal process that takes a toll on defendants.

If you are facing criminal charges of any kind, it is important to have a criminal attorney to represent you. No matter what your offense may be, your case can benefit from professional legal counsel.

Power Trial Lawyers: Long Beach Criminal Defense Lawyers

For many years, our team at Power Trial Lawyers has been representing clients in Long Beach who are facing serious criminal charges. During this time, we have gained valuable insight into the California legal system, as well as the ways in which it fails defendants. Our objective is to make sure your voice is heard and that you have the strongest possible opportunity to avoid consequences.

We understand that the accusation of a crime is far different than being guilty. Thousands of innocent people are charged with crimes every year. We aim to reduce that number by offering our clients the most reliable possible legal counsel for their claims.

Our criminal defense lawyers have unmatched experience in this field and provide reliable legal counsel that reflects this. If you are looking for Long Beach criminal lawyers, look no further than our team at Power Trial Lawyers.

What Is a Criminal Defense Case?

Criminal cases occur when the state or federal government accuses an individual or group of committing a crime. To determine if they are guilty or not, the defendant must go through a criminal trial in which the state acts as the prosecution, and the accused is the defense. By doing this, the government enforces the law while simultaneously ensuring fairness through a jury of the defendant’s peers.

If you are acting as the defense in a criminal case, you are innocent until proven guilty. It is the prosecution’s job to prove that you committed the crime of which you are accused. Though you do not have to prove your innocence, refuting the prosecution’s claims helps to make sure the jury cannot find you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Why Do I Need a Private Long Beach Criminal Lawyer?

Though the state provides everyone with a defense attorney if they cannot afford one, it is wise to hire a private criminal attorney rather than relying on the public defender that the government provides. Public defenders are overloaded with cases and rarely have sufficient time to spend with each client. This causes the defense argument to suffer and reduces the defendant’s likelihood of winning their claim.

The consequences of losing a criminal defense claim are numerous and highly impactful. Most individuals charged with a crime face jail or prison time, as well as fines, community service, restitution, and other punishments. These consequences can affect a person’s entire life and will likely make it difficult to find a job, appropriate housing, or maintain a positive reputation for years to come.

If you are convicted of a crime, you will also have a criminal record that may prevent you from voting or owning a firearm. Additionally, it could potentially amplify consequences for further infractions, even minor ones.

To preserve your family, future, and freedom, hire a private defense attorney.

Types of Criminal Cases

Criminal and civil cases are the main two categories of the judicial system. As such, there are many types of criminal cases.

DUI

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) is one of the most common criminal charges. Many people do not realize that they are above the legal limit when they begin to drive, while others are wrongfully accused due to faulty breathalyzer or field sobriety tests.

To be charged with a DUI, you must have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher or any amount of illegal drugs in your system.

DUIs are “wobbler” charges, meaning that they can be categorized as felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the circumstances. If your BAC was especially high, if you harm or kill someone, or if you have multiple DUIs on your record, you may face a felony DUI charge. In most other situations, DUIs are misdemeanor charges.

White-Collar Crimes

White-collar crimes are nonviolent financial crimes that are frequently committed in offices, businesses, and companies. Though these crimes are not violent, they do cause damage to their victims. As such, the law is strict about prosecuting them.

Examples of white-collar crimes include:

• Fraud
• Identity theft
• Embezzlement
• Money laundering
• Counterfeiting
• Insider trading

Many white-collar crimes cross state or international borders, making litigation especially complicated. It is essential to have a defense attorney if you wish to have your white-collar crimes dismissed.

Drug Crimes

Manufacturing, trafficking, selling, or possessing a large amount of drugs is grounds for criminal charges. This is true even for drugs such as cannabis, which is recreationally legal in California. Unfortunately, the law prosecutes drug crimes very strictly, and the consequences can be far-reaching.

It is important to note that you do not have to have drugs on your person to be charged with a drug crime. If the drugs are in your home, office, or a space that is under your control, you can face drug charges.

The consequences of your drug crime will depend on the type of drug and how much you have in your possession. Schedule 1 drugs are the most serious, while Schedule 5 are considered somewhat medically appropriate.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is physical, emotional, sexual, or financial harm between two members of the same household. Though many people believe that domestic violence only happens between intimate partners, in reality, it can happen between roommates, parents and children, grandparents and children, siblings, and more.

If you have been accused of domestic violence, you will face several swift and biased punishments. You will likely be removed from your home by law enforcement and face a restraining order. This occurs before you have the opportunity to tell your side of the story in court. Because the system favors victims of domestic violence, it is important to hire a defense attorney for your claim.

Violent Crimes

Crimes such as assault, battery, murder, manslaughter, and similar offenses are considered “violent crimes.” These offenses face especially serious consequences, as the court may view the defendant as dangerous to their community. As such, defendants often face high bail charges, long incarceration, and lasting effects if the court finds them guilty.

Many workplaces will not hire those with a violent crime on their record for fear of employee safety. Unfortunately, this means that many innocent people have difficulty finding employment after they are charged with a violent crime.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is any nonconsensual sexual activity perpetrated against an individual. This may include:

• Rape
• Child pornography
• Incest
• Trafficking
• Exploitation

Many accusations of sexual assault are ultimately false, but it is often too late once you are accused. It is imperative that you clear your name and work to avoid being punished for such a serious offense.

Gun Possession

Though firearms are legal in the United States, you must go through a specific process to purchase one. Even still, some people are forbidden from owning firearms because of a criminal history or special circumstances. If you are found with an illegal firearm or possess a firearm when you are not permitted to, you can face serious legal consequences and incarceration for the offense.

How Much Does a Criminal Attorney Cost?

Criminal attorneys all charge differently for their services, so it is important to speak individually with potential attorneys about their rates if you are concerned about your ability to afford legal counsel. The standard hourly rate is usually between $250 and $500 per hour, but this varies from firm to firm.

Though a private attorney may cost more than a free public defender, they do allow you to properly fight your case and clear your name. Defendants in criminal cases face serious consequences and need a criminal attorney who can properly fight for them.

Appeals

If you have been convicted of a crime, you can file for an appeal if you believe that there was a miscarriage of justice. You have a limited amount of opportunities to file an appeal, and you may only do so with the same evidence and information that was present in your original claim. You may not introduce new evidence or bring new witnesses for an appeal.

Our team has experience with appeals and can help you to determine if you are eligible to file.

Trust Power Trial Lawyers for Your Long Beach Criminal Defense Case

Our team at Power Trial Lawyers is passionate about providing criminal defense representation to those in Long Beach and the surrounding areas. For more information or to schedule a meeting, get in touch with us at Power Trial Lawyers today.