Pasadena Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or a loved one have been charged with a criminal offense, you are probably wondering ‘what next’? The first thing you should do is contact an experienced Pasadena criminal defense attorney for a free initial consultation of your case. This will allow you to get many of your questions answered, along with ensuring that all of your rights and protections are granted. At the Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman, we are fully-versed in the area of California criminal defense law, including the following areas:
- Drunk Driving/DUI
- Violent Crimes
- Drug Crimes
- Theft Crimes
- Juvenile Crimes
- Marijuana Possession
- Expungements
- Probation Violations
- Sex Crimes
- Prostitution and Solicitation
- White Collar Crimes
- Lewd Conduct
- Federal Crimes
- Domestic Violence
Following your arrest, the first formal proceeding will be your arraignment. The arraignment is where you enter your plea to the charges, typically either guilty or not guilty. Your criminal defense attorney can often attend the arraignment on your behalf to enter a not guilty plea. If you are being held in jail, during the arraignment the judge will also address the issue of bail. Bail refers to the amount of money the court requires you post before you are released and is based on such factors as the seriousness of the charge, your criminal history, the particular facts of the case, and your ties to the Pasadena.
Once your plea is entered, the case will move to the pretrial process – which is where the bulk of the work happens. During this time, your Pasadena criminal defense attorney may make several court appearances on your behalf, file motions, investigate your case and prepare your case for settlement or trial via discovery and enter discuss plea bargain and negotiations with the prosecution.
Depending on the facts of your case and the available evidence, your case could go to trial. In California, your criminal charges will typically be argued before a jury (although your criminal defense attorney could opt for a bench trial). Jury trials require significant preparation, and your attorney will work closely with you and your witnesses to ensure you are ready for trial. The trial itself will involve jury selection, opening statements, the presentation of evidence, closing arguments, jury deliberations and, finally, a verdict.
If found guilty, your case will then be set for sentencing, where the judge determines what your penalty should be. This is determined at your sentencing hearing, in which you and your Pasadena criminal defense attorney will have the opportunity to make an argument to the judge on what you feel is an appropriate sentence.
As you can see, at all stages of the criminal process having a Pasadena criminal defense attorney on your side is essential.
Remember, when your future is on the line, contact the Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman at 310.286.1218 for your free initial consultation.