One Charge
Doesn't Have to Define You.
An arrest moves fast — booking, arraignment, a clock that starts before you've even found a lawyer. Connect with a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who can review the charges, challenge the evidence, and protect your record before the next court date.
California Law
The Clock Starts
At Arrest.
California criminal procedure moves on strict deadlines from the moment of arrest — deadlines that can work in your favor if a defense attorney is involved early. Here's how it generally applies.
California law generally requires anyone arrested to be brought before a judge within 48 hours, excluding Sundays and court holidays. Missing that window can become part of a legal challenge.
Anyone facing a charge that could result in jail time has a constitutional right to an attorney — appointed by the court if needed, or retained privately for more direct case strategy.
A connected Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can review the charges, the arrest itself, and the evidence — confidentially, before your next court date.
"The strongest defense usually starts with the arrest itself — how the stop happened, what was searched, and whether procedure was followed."
Charge Types We See Most
Charges Come In
Many Forms.
Most criminal cases in the Los Angeles area fall into a handful of recurring categories — each with its own procedure, evidence issues, and possible defenses.
DUI Charges
Traffic stops, checkpoints, and chemical test procedures all raise potential issues — from how the stop was justified to how a breath or blood sample was handled.
Drug Possession & Distribution
Drug charges often turn on how evidence was found — a search's legality can be as important to the case as the substance itself.
Theft & Property Crimes
Shoplifting, burglary, and other property offenses can range from misdemeanor to felony depending on value and circumstances, which affects strategy significantly.
White Collar & Fraud Charges
Financial and fraud-related cases often involve complex records and, in larger cases, both state and federal exposure.
Warrant Recalls & Probation Violations
An outstanding warrant or an alleged probation violation can sometimes be addressed without an in-custody arrest, depending on the situation.
Traffic & License-Related Charges
Reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and hit-and-run allegations carry criminal exposure beyond a standard traffic ticket.
Is This You?
You Might Want
to Talk to Someone If You...
There's no single situation that calls for a defense attorney — these are some of the moments people reach out first.
Were arrested and haven't been arraigned yet
California's 48-hour arraignment clock is already running — early representation can matter from the very first hearing.
Are facing a DUI or drug-related charge
These cases often hinge on the details of the stop, the testing procedure, and how evidence was handled.
Received a warrant notice or missed a court date
Ignoring it rarely helps — an attorney can sometimes address a warrant proactively rather than waiting to be picked up.
Are on probation and facing a violation
A probation violation hearing has different rules than a new criminal case, and the stakes can include the original sentence.
Are being investigated but haven't been charged
Speaking with an attorney before charges are filed can sometimes shape whether, or how, a case moves forward.
Already have a public defender and want a second opinion
Public defenders carry heavy caseloads — some people simply want another set of eyes on their case and options.
How It Works
From Arrest
to Resolution.
A criminal case moves through predictable stages — but what happens at each one can shape everything that follows.
Free, Confidential Case Review
A connected Los Angeles attorney reviews the charges, the arrest, and where the case currently stands.
Case & Evidence Review
Police reports, body camera footage, and the circumstances of any search are reviewed for procedural issues that could affect the case.
Negotiation & Pretrial Strategy
Your attorney discusses the case with the prosecution, files relevant motions, and works toward the best available resolution.
Trial Representation, If Necessary
If the case isn't resolved beforehand, your attorney represents you at trial, holding the prosecution to its burden of proof.
From People We've Worked With
What They Say
"After a DUI stop, I didn't know my rights. Having someone explain the process and what evidence mattered made a huge difference."
"I had a warrant I didn't know about, and it was resolved without me sitting in jail while it got sorted out."
"Clear communication at every court date. I always knew what was happening with my case."
Common Questions
What You Need to Know
Under Penal Code §825, a person arrested in California generally must be arraigned before a judge within 48 hours of arrest, excluding Sundays and court holidays. If that deadline is missed, it may support a legal challenge depending on the circumstances. Talk to a connected attorney as early as possible to make the most of that window.
Yes. Anyone facing a criminal charge that could result in jail time has the right to an attorney, and the court will appoint a public defender if you can't afford one. Many people also choose to retain private counsel for a case. A connected attorney can explain your options.
For felony charges, California law generally provides for a preliminary hearing where a judge decides whether there's enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial, unless the defendant waives that hearing. This typically happens within about 10 court days of arraignment unless it's continued.
Potentially. If evidence was obtained through an unlawful search or seizure, California law under Penal Code §1538.5 allows a defense attorney to file a motion to suppress that evidence, which can significantly affect a case depending on the facts. A connected attorney can review whether that applies to you.
In many cases, yes. Under Penal Code §1203.4, someone who successfully completes probation and wasn't sentenced to state prison may petition to have the conviction dismissed. It's technically a dismissal rather than a full erasure — the case can still be visible in some contexts — but it generally allows you to answer that you haven't been convicted on most private job applications.
Fees vary based on the charge and complexity of the case. Many attorneys offer a free initial consultation to review the charges and discuss a flat fee or hourly arrangement before you commit to representation. Start with a free consultation to get a sense of what your case may involve.
Facing Charges?
Talk to Someone Now.
A confidential consultation about your case — no pressure, no obligation to hire.