Criminal Defense

Power Trial Lawyers provides top-notch representation in California for clients accused of crimes and those under investigation. The firm is known for its outstanding record in court and its vigorous use of legal motions to strengthen our clients’ cases.

First, Power Trial Lawyers seeks to get the case dismissed and we are known for this. We have an incredibly high dismissal rate and dropped charges. And we are also known to have not-guilty verdicts. Having a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney with this type of record makes all the difference when you’re facing any sort of criminal prosecution.

Second, we seek to suppress illegal evidence. What most people do not know is that law enforcement must follow the law if they wish to punish you for breaking the law. What that means is that they have to follow constitutional mandates that prosecution not use evidence that was acquired through illegal action.

Third, we treat all clients with respect. Some people assume that anyone accused of a crime is guilty. But that is not true—we know it. Our clients are treated with respect and dignity.

Criminal Defense Practiced in Los Angeles

Criminal defense encompasses a wide array of crimes in Los Angeles.

Some of the most common types of cases we defend in the Californian courts include:

Violent Crimes (Murder/Assault)

Murder, assault, and other crimes often lead to severe punishments, fines, and incarceration time. If you are facing one of these charges, it is imperative that you make the strongest possible effort to clear your name. Our team has experience in a wide variety of violent crimes defense cases.

Drug Possession

Having illegal drugs, or illegal amounts of legal drugs, in your possession can lead to dangerous consequences. The law jumps to conclusions about your intention, which can lead to a disproportionate amount of jail time or fines. If you have been accused of drug possession of any kind, call our team right away.

DUI

The punishments for DUIs can be harsh and far-reaching. Many people lose their driving privileges, while others must serve time in jail or prison. Though many people believe that a DUI arrest suggests guilt, this is untrue. There are many possible defenses to a DUI charge that our attorneys can use in your case.

Fraud and White-Collar Crime

White-collar crimes are financially motivated, nonviolent crimes that often happen in the privacy of offices and businesses. Despite this, even the accusation of such a crime can ruin your career and future. To protect your hard work and income, you must clear your name with the help of a strong criminal defense attorney.

Gun Possession

If you are on probation or are otherwise unable to legally own a gun, gun possession can lead to serious consequences. Our team has significant experience in these claims and can help you to develop the most optimal defense strategy for your case.

Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders

If you have been accused of domestic violence, you likely have a restraining or protective order against you. This can make it difficult to see your children, find new housing, and earn an income. To get your life back on track and protect your future, it is important to create a strong defense case with the help of a criminal defense attorney.

Sexual Offenses

Unfortunately, many innocent people are accused of sexual assault annually, and even the accusation of a sexual offense is extremely serious. Actions like rape, sexual assault, prostitution, and trafficking result in serious consequences and significant incarceration. You need to act quickly with the help of a criminal defense attorney from Power Trial Lawyers.

Other types of cases that we represent include:

• Record Expungement
• Federal Crimes
• Plea Deal

Regardless of the type of criminal case you are facing, you need an attorney who can help. Our team at Power Trial Lawyers is here to build the strongest possible defense for your claim.

What Defines the Severity of My Criminal Case in Los Angeles?

Because of the wide array of criminal offenses that exist, sentencing and punishments vary greatly.

How harshly your case will be treated will depend on a variety of factors, including:

• The level of injury inflicted on another person (if any)
• The amount of threat or violence used (e.g. with assault)
• The level of loss of property experienced by the other party (e.g. with fraud or burglary)
• The extent to which you exceeded legal limits (e.g. with DUI)
• The extent to which your actions were intentional and could be avoided
• Whether there were aggravating circumstances (e.g. were firearms used in an assault case?)
• Whether it is your first offence or not

The above factors will help determine whether your case is treated as a misdemeanor or a felony. Additionally, if your crime is a federal crime (such as bank robbery or tax evasion), different laws will apply.

Federal crimes are considered crimes against the nation and, as such, harsher laws apply. Instead of prosecution by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office and a hearing within the Los Angeles Superior Court system, lawyers in the United States Department of Justice will prosecute in the United States Attorney’s Office court.

Many crimes have mandatory sentencing guidelines imposed but there are usually different degrees of severity in most types of criminal cases.

An experienced lawyer should be the first person you speak to if you are charged with any crime because we can help you navigate the complexities ofthe state or the federal legal system.

What are the Stages of Criminal Prosecution in Los Angeles?

There are three basic stages of criminal prosecution in Los Angeles:

Arrest

Law enforcement offers will start the process of prosecution when they have “probable cause” to arrest you, according to the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. constitution. This is often based upon information they have received and normally means that they have evidence that would cause a “reasonable person” to believe that you have committed the alleged offense.

A police report will be submitted to the prosecution, who will then decide whether to charge you. If you are charged, an arraignment date is set.

Arraignment

The arraignment process is when the judge informs you of the charges filed against you. You are given the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty to the charges.

If no plea bargain has been negotiated between your legal counsel and the prosecution, you would normally plead not guilty and the judge will determine whether you can be released on recognizance or if bail is to be granted.

The bail review hearing will decide the conditions of bail.

Adjudication

With the adjudication phase, your criminal defense lawyer will meet with the prosecution and obtain all of the relevant information gathered by law enforcement relating to your charges. There may be negotiations and plea bargaining between your defense lawyer and the prosecution or your case may proceed to trial.

If you are charged with a felony, you have the right to a preliminary hearing held before a judge or magistrate. For a misdemeanor, you must proceed straight to trial, unless there is a plea bargain.

Appeals

If you have already gone through the legal process and believe that your ruling was unfair, unjust, or based on false information, you may file an appeal for your claim. To be approved, you must show compelling evidence that there was an error in the judicial system and that you deserve additional consideration. Doing so is difficult, and there are limited opportunities for you to attempt an appeal. To make your appeal count, trust a criminal defense attorney to represent you.

Our team at Power Trial Lawyers is ready to review and begin building your case. Contact Power Trial Lawyers today.