El Segundo Criminal Defense Lawyers
Have you been charged for a criminal offense? Maybe you spent a night jail already, or maybe you have a summons to an upcoming ‘arraignment hearing’ – whatever that is…Do you even have to go?
Regardless of your specific situation and questions, the first thing you should do is contact an experienced El Segundo criminal defense attorney and schedule a free initial consultation. This not only will answer many of your questions, it will also ensure that you don’t do anything – or fail to do something – that could jeopardize your case and your rights.
What First?
After your arrest or charge, the first step in the California criminal procedure it the arraignment proceeding. This is where you state your plea to the charges – either guilty or not guilty. Your El Segundo criminal defense attorney is often able to attend this hearing on your behalf so you won’t have to miss work or other commitments. If you are currently in jail at the time of the arraignment, this hearing will also consist of your bail hearing. Here the judge will decide how much it will cost you to get out of jail – a decision based on such factors as the seriousness of the charge, your past criminal history, ties to the community and particular facts of your case.
Pre-Trial and Trial
Your case will then move into the pre-trial phase. Here your criminal defense attorney will likely make several pre-trial appearances for you in court to file and/or argue motions, investigate the evidence in your case, negotiate a plea bargain and, all at the same time, prepare your case for trial.
Depending on what your attorney finds during this pretrial discovery process, it may or may not be advisable to take your case to trial. In California, criminal cases are typically argued before a jury, which require significant preparation work. Your attorney will work closely with you and your witnesses to make the best argument before the trial.
Your El Segundo Criminal Defense Attorney
At the Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman, attorney Kelman practices exclusively criminal defense, including:
- Drunk driving/DUI
- Marijuana possession & possession for sale
- Drug crimes
- White collar crimes
- Domestic violence
- Sex crimes
- Violent crimes
- Theft crimes
- Federal crimes
- Expungements
- Juvenile crimes
- Bench warrants
- Prostitution and solicitation
- Lewd conduct
- Probation violations
Remember, when your future is on the line, call the Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman at 310.286.1218 for your free initial consultation.