Felony Attorney Los Angeles

If you have been arrested for any criminal charge in Los Angeles, CA, this can be a frightening and isolating experience. Whether you broke the law and need help mitigating your impending sentence or you have been wrongfully accused of a crime, it is essential to know the value of reliable legal representation in any Los Angeles criminal case. This is especially true if you face felony charges.

Representing Los Angeles Clients Charged With Felony Offenses

The Law Office of Stein & Markus understands the distress and uncertainty anyone can experience after an arrest. Our team has decades of professional experience on both sides of the California criminal justice system. Attorney Andrew Stein has more than 20 years of experience as a California criminal defense attorney. Attorney Joseph Markus spent more than 30 years as a Los Angeles prosecutor before moving to criminal defense. This wide breadth of experience on both sides of the criminal justice system means that our firm is uniquely equipped to handle the most challenging criminal cases.

Facing a felony charge in Los Angeles not only impacts your immediate freedom but also has long-lasting effects on your personal and professional life. The right legal representation can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of any criminal case. The attorney you hire must be able to assess the severity of the charges against you accurately and review the details of your case meticulously to identify your best opportunities for defending yourself from conviction. After an arrest for any Los Angeles felony, it is essential to exercise your constitutional rights and secure the legal counsel you need to approach your case with confidence.

Why Do I Need a Los Angeles Felonies Attorney?

Every American citizen has constitutional rights that come into play when the police arrest them for any criminal charges, no matter their severity. When the police conduct a lawful arrest, they must read the suspect their Miranda rights, a statement that outlines their two most critical constitutional protections: the Fifth Amendment right to protection from self-incrimination and the Sixth Amendment right to legal counsel.

When the police arrest you, they will inform you that “you have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can be used against you in a court of law.” Police must create extensive reports of every arrest they conduct, including recording statements from the suspect and anyone else involved with the arrest. Some suspects, especially those who are wrongfully accused, feel compelled to explain their situations to avoid arrest. This can backfire very easily, so it is always best to say nothing until you have secured defense counsel. Cooperate with the police through the arrest and booking processes and exercise your right to a phone call to reach out to a criminal defense attorney at your earliest opportunity.

Understanding your rights and how to properly exercise them can be critical in the early stages immediately following an arrest. The whirlwind of events and emotions can lead to unintentional self-incrimination or decisions that may not be in your best interest. Having a knowledgeable attorney from the beginning ensures that your rights are protected and that you make informed decisions. Our attorneys can offer immediate advice and assistance, ensuring that you fully understand each step of the legal process and what to expect.

The police will also inform a suspect that they have the right to an attorney. If the suspect cannot afford to hire a criminal defense lawyer or does not wish to hire one, the court can appoint a public defender to handle their defense representation. Many people believe that simply relying on public defenders is suitable for their situations, and they can avoid the expense of private defense representation in this way. However, it is crucial to understand the differences between what a public defender can offer and what a seasoned private Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can provide in handling your defense.

Public Defenders Versus Private Defense Lawyers

A public defender is a court-appointed lawyer representing a defendant who is unable or unwilling to pay for a private defense attorney. Most public defenders are experienced, capable, and hardworking lawyers who do their best for every client they represent. However, public defenders typically manage multiple cases at a time. This gives them very little room to provide much individual attention to any given client. Even the best public defenders may only be able to offer an hour or two each day to any particular case.

Public defenders may only have the time and flexibility to provide the most basic levels of criminal defense representation to their clients. By comparison, a private criminal defense firm like the Law Office of Stein & Markus can provide more robust and focused defense representation, helping their client explore every available defense and investing as much time as is necessary to cultivate a strong defense on their client’s behalf. But, ultimately, even the best public defenders cannot match the level of comprehensive, individualized legal representation an experienced Los Angeles felonies lawyer can provide.

Choosing between a public defender and a private defense attorney can be a pivotal decision. While cost is a significant consideration, it's essential to look beyond the financial implications. A private attorney often has more resources at their disposal, including access to expert witnesses, private investigators, and specialized legal databases that can be crucial in building a solid defense. Moreover, the personal attention, detailed care, and strategic foresight that a dedicated private defense team offers can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

How Much Do Criminal Attorneys Cost in California?

The anticipated high cost of private criminal defense leads some to assume they cannot afford to hire private defense attorneys or that investing in private defense counsel is not necessary for their situations. While legal fees for a private criminal defense lawyer will be more expensive than a public defender who represents a client free of charge, the difference in the quality of representation is unmistakable.

The Law Office of Stein & Markus understands that the cost of private defense counsel may seem prohibitively expensive to some defendants in Los Angeles. Our team believes in making criminal defense representation accessible and affordable to those who need it most. When you choose our firm to represent you in a Los Angeles felony case, we’ll carefully review our billing policies with you so you know exactly what to expect when it comes to your legal fees. In addition, we’ll provide complete and accurate breakdowns of every hour we spend working on your case so you can have peace of mind about your defense representation through every stage of your case.

Investing in a private attorney can be seen as an investment in your future. The stakes can be incredibly high with felony charges, affecting various aspects of life post-trial. Our firm aims to provide transparency not only in legal representation but also in our billing practices. We offer flexible payment plans and strive to ensure that financial considerations do not impede access to quality legal defense. Seeking counsel from a reliable Los Angeles felony defense attorney can make a tremendous difference in navigating your legal challenges effectively.

Misdemeanor VS Felony in Los Angeles County

There are many types of criminal offenses in California. Infractions are the least serious, often result in penalties including fines and community service, and may ultimately pose a minimal impact on the defendant’s future. The next level of criminal offenses is misdemeanors, which are more serious than infractions and entail harsher penalties. Some misdemeanor convictions can lead to several months or even a year or longer in county jail, significant fines, and other penalties. Finally, felonies are the most severe criminal offenses prosecuted in California. Even the least severe felonies in Los Angeles can lead to years in state prison, costly fines, a loss of the defendant’s constitutional rights, and other long-term consequences.

California has some of the most complicated criminal statutes and policies in the United States due to several factors. For years, California has had one of the highest overall crime rates of all the states in the US. However, recent years have seen a slew of new criminal law reforms streamlining the California criminal justice system. Many offenses that previously qualified as felonies now qualify as misdemeanors, allowing the court system to quickly process these cases. Navigating these recent reforms requires competent and experienced defense counsel who keeps track of the latest changes in criminal law from the California state legislature.

The Law Office of Stein & Markus can provide the robust defense counsel you need when faced with felony charges of any kind in Los Angeles. Due to the nature of most of the recent criminal law reforms in California, offenses that now qualify as felonies are severe and generally entail extreme penalties. Without the right attorney handling your case, you could face years in prison, tens of thousands of dollars in fines, and long-term personal and professional consequences that negatively impact your life for years to come.

Understanding the difference between misdemeanors and felonies is crucial for preparing a defense strategy. Misdemeanors, while serious, often allow more opportunities for rehabilitation through community service, educational programs, and other diversionary tactics. Felonies, on the other hand, require advanced strategic defense planning. Our firm stays current with the latest legal amendments, providing clients with well-informed legal strategies tailored to their specific charges and unique circumstances.

State and Federal Felonies in Los Angeles

It’s important to understand that it is possible to face felony charges at state and federal levels. For example, suppose you were arrested by the LAPD, the California Highway Patrol, or another state-level law enforcement agency. In that case, your case is likely to unfold at the state level, and you face California’s sentencing standards. However, suppose you were arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In that case, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), or any other federal law enforcement agency, your felony case will unfold at the federal level.

Facing federal felony charges generally entails more severe penalties than state-level felony charges, and the legal proceedings for your federal felony case will be much more challenging to navigate without the right defense attorney managing your case. Therefore, if you are arrested for federal crimes, securing defense representation from a Los Angeles felonies attorney who has substantial experience in the federal criminal justice system is vital.

At the state level, many felonies are closely tied to misdemeanor offenses. However, California’s penal code also includes many “wobbler” offenses that may qualify as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the aggravating and mitigating factors present in a particular case. Aggravating factors work against the defendant and increase the chance of conviction while mitigating factors work in the defendant’s favor and decrease the chance of maximum sentencing.

The Law Office of Stein & Markus can help our clients secure the evidence and testimony they may need to secure lighter sentencing or avoid conviction altogether, depending on the nature of the charges against them. In California, various offenses can qualify as misdemeanors or felonies, and it is essential to know what the felony-level offenses entail in terms of punishment.

Understanding the nuanced differences between state and federal felony charges is integral to a strong defense. Federal felonies often involve heavier investigative procedures and require a defense that can address both procedural and substantive issues. Our team is adept at handling the complexities of both systems, ensuring that federal or state charges are tackled with an approach that minimizes exposure and potential penalties. We provide our clients with a clear understanding of the court systems and how strategic defense mechanisms can be employed effectively.

Understanding the California Penal System

The California penal system is one of the most complex in the United States, particularly due to its comprehensive approach to both incarceration and rehabilitation. Felons can face varying sentencing lengths that are influenced by numerous factors, including the severity of the crime, prior criminal history, and other mitigating or aggravating conditions. Understanding these nuances is essential for anyone facing felony charges, as they directly affect not only sentencing but also parole opportunities and rehabilitation programs available within the state’s correctional facilities.

Rehabilitation within California’s penal system plays a significant role in the reintegration of felons into society. Programs that focus on education, vocational training, and mental health support aim to reduce recidivism rates by equipping inmates with the necessary skills to transition back into civilian life. Engaging in these programs can sometimes play a part in parole board decisions. Therefore, having an attorney who understands the importance of these programs and can advocate for participation in them could be beneficial for those convicted of felonies. This perspective not only prepares inmates for eventual release but aligns with Stein & Markus’s focus on comprehensive defense strategies that extend beyond initial incarceration.

Legal Resources in Los Angeles

Los Angeles offers a range of legal resources for individuals facing felony charges. Understanding and accessing these resources can be valuable for those navigating the criminal justice system. In Los Angeles County, numerous organizations and agencies provide support and aid, including legal aid societies, public defender offices, and community legal clinics. These organizations offer a variety of services, ranging from free legal consultations to full-scale defense representation for qualifying individuals.

Additionally, community workshops and seminars hosted by local bar associations and legal nonprofits can provide invaluable information on understanding your rights and the criminal justice process. Resources like the Los Angeles County Bar Association or local universities with law programs often run outreach programs aiming to educate the public about legal processes, potential plea agreements, and the implications of felony charges. Leveraging these resources helps build a more informed defense strategy, aligning with Stein & Markus’s commitment to providing accessible, client-centered legal advocacy throughout every stage of a criminal case.