Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal charges in Los Angeles, CA can be devastating. Whether you are facing misdemeanor offenses or more serious felony charges, the long-term implications of convictions can last for a lifetime, even after your penalty has been served. If you are convicted, you could face fines and jail time, as well as trouble seeking housing or employment, a poor reputation in the community, and even alienation from friends and family. However, an accusation alone is not enough to prove your guilt, and you shouldn’t have to be punished because of an accusation. When you hire the right criminal defense attorney, you hire someone who will seek to protect your rights, protect you from false accusations, and help protect your future.
Knowing Your Rights
While it may feel like much has been taken away from you since an accusation, you are still entitled to the rights and privileges provided by the U.S. Constitution and the state of California. There are specific rights designed to protect those who are facing the criminal justice system to ensure that charges filed against them are just and that the case is built on facts — not circumstance. These rights are granted to everyone who faces criminal charges regardless of their age, race, sex, gender identity, religion, or any other personal identifier. This, too, is a protected right.
If the accusation against you comes with a formal arrest by a police officer, it is important that you understand the rights afforded to you. Both the Fifth and Sixth Amendments will be your first line of defense. The combination of both of these amendments forms what is more commonly known as the Miranda Rights, and law enforcement is required to them say to you upon your arrest:
- Under the Fifth Amendment, you are protected from self-incrimination. You are not under any legal obligation to speak with law enforcement at the time you are arrested. However, if you choose to speak with law enforcement, you need to understand that any information you provide may be used in your criminal trial against you. Whether you already have an attorney or are going to seek the assistance of one, most will tell you to exercise this right until you have the opportunity to speak to them.
- Under the Sixth Amendment, you have the right to seek the counsel of an attorney regardless of your financial status. If you choose to have an attorney provided to you by the state, you will be assigned a public defender who will handle your case. While public defenders are the most cost-effective way to have representation in your criminal case, as discussed, they may not be able to provide you with the attention or time your case deserves. Still, having their protection is better than having none at all. If you are arrested, you should request the presence of an attorney before any questioning. From the moment you request this service, law enforcement must cease all questioning.
Attorney Goodman handles a wide variety of criminal cases and accused crimes. Don’t see your charges below? Contact us for a consultation.
FINDING A GOOD CRIMINAL ATTORNEY
An arrest or even an accusation against you for a criminal offense can leave you feeling lost and filled with questions. You are immediately thrust into the criminal justice system without anyone by your side to help. You may be provided an attorney as guaranteed by your constitutional rights, but these public defenders may not be able to devote the necessary time and energy to your case.
While providing a great service, public defenders often are backlogged with an overwhelming number of cases that prevent them from giving your case the attention it deserves. A public defender can often be the easier route for many as deciding on a criminal defense attorney can be complicated, but easy does not always mean better. Selecting the right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
THE TYPES OF CASES WE HANDLE
For over 20 years, The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman has been gaining experience with all types of criminal defense cases. Each case is unique, but the experience gained over the years allows our office to put together a defense that can improve the chances your case has of success. Our experience has allowed us to practice with cases in the following areas.
This list certainly does not encompass all that our team handles. Our offices can defend most misdemeanor and felony charges. No matter how big or small you feel your charges are, the reality is your charges will impact your future, so we put our clients first in every case.
Our team is aggressive and puts the requirements of your case first. Contact us today, and let our team start fighting for you.
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Violent Crimes
Charges that are considered violent crimes range from assault to armed robbery to homicide. These types of crimes are often met with the harshest penalties that could result in a number of heavy fines or extensive prison sentences if you are convicted.
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Drug OffensesWhile California has become less strict on many of its drug charges, there are still a number of criminal offenses you could face, both at the state and federal levels.
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White-Collar CrimesMany white-collar crimes involve fraud or deception and leave the greatest impact on the victims. In these types of cases, there are often businesses or corporations involved, so charges could extend beyond just one person. When the crime is financial, not only could you and your business be held responsible for compensation and prison terms, but it could cost you personally, which lays a heavy burden on your family’s financial future.
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Sexual OffensesThese are often considered the most heinous of crimes causing prosecutors to more aggressively seek full convictions. Whether the crime is against an adult or a minor, convictions for these types of crimes extend beyond fines and prison terms. These crimes can follow you for a lifetime as you will likely have to register on the sex offender database. This can severely impact your ability to get employment and housing in the future.
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Driving Under The InfluenceOne of the most common offenses, these crimes extend beyond driving under the influence of alcohol. California may have a progressive leniency on drugs, but you can also face DUI charges for operating a vehicle under these influences as well. DUI charges are serious because it indicates that in addition to operating a vehicle in an unsafe manner to yourself, you also put others at risk for injury or death. DUI charges are progressive in nature, so each charge carries with it added penalties. You could encounter fines, jail, or prison time, and you could also eventually lose your privileges to operate a motor vehicle.
California Arrest process
While consequences can vary based on several factors, the basic penalties for drunk driving in the state of California are as follows:
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Police ReportsThese reports are often the first stop for prosecution and defense teams. These reports are supposed to be objective and leave the perspective of the officer out of it. They are supposed to report only the direct observations and facts of the complete interaction with you prior to arrest, during the scene investigation, and through processing. If the report extends beyond these parameters, is inaccurate, or is misleading in any way, then it could be challenged and create doubt in the prosecution’s case.
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The Arresting Officer's Testimonyhis may seem redundant because the arresting officer filed the police report, so it is logical to conclude that they should be the same. However, if what the officer says does not match the police report, these inconsistencies could provide an opportunity to cast further doubt on the case against you.
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The Testimony of a WitnessWitnesses can be strong evidence for both the prosecution and the defense. When it comes to challenging a witness in a criminal case, their reliability is generally the focus. While the defense seeks to challenge the prosecution’s witnesses, they will try to do the same for any that are presented in your defense, such as an alibi.
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Physical Evidence
Physical evidence can range in type. This could be presented as fingerprints, DNA, blood tests, or physical items that attempt to link you to the crime or the location of the crime. However, physical evidence can also prove you were not present or did not commit the crime in question. Both sides will attempt to challenge the validity of physical evidence.
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Any Available Photos or VideosMemory recall is a wonderful tool. Though proving the credibility or trustworthiness of a witness is significant, it is certainly hard to argue with photos or videos that corroborate one’s story. Most challenges to photos and videos will come from both sides and discuss what the picture or video doesn’t show rather than what it does. Still, these can be powerful tools.
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"She really listened and asked questions and delivered advice that was very useful."- Mary P.
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"She took the time to understand our concerns an worries."- Joe G.
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"Choose her to represent you in the orange county area"- Elizabeth E.
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"Thank you Ms Goodman and team!!"- Nick K.
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"I don't know where to start. Honestly, I don't think I could possibly write anything that would come close..."- Sharif A.
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"She's an amazing attorney that you can count on."- Aliya J.
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"If you are looking for someone that is going to put in all of their effort and fight for the outcome you want, choose her."- Former Client
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"Ms. Goodman’s attention to detail and knowledge of laws are truly unsurpassed."- Ralph S.
PENALTIES FOR MULTIPLE DUI CONVICTIONS
An arrest is no guarantee of a conviction. Do not let the prosecutor convince you that you stand no chance to defend yourself from your charges. Speak up by letting Attorney Jacqueline Goodman be your voice. Using her advanced criminal law knowledge as a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist, she can attack the prosecution’s case from multiple angles. If the prosecution is unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt you are guilty, your case may be thrown out entirely! No matter what strategy is best for your defense, its purpose will be to prevent you from being slammed by the intense penalties associated with a multiple DUI conviction. All DUI convictions can be paired with a mandatory ignition interlock device (IID). In addition, a fourth DUI charge may be considered a felony. Do not let a felony mark stain your criminal record for the rest of your life.
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There is an alibiIf you were not present in the location at the time of the crime, then an alibi is going to be the strongest defense. An alibi is a person, video, or photograph that can prove you were in a different place at the supposed time the crime occurred. Other forms of alibis include documents such as receipts. The most crucial part of this defense is being able to prove the time, so there must be ways to track the timing of your alibi.
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It was an act of self-defenseFor some criminal charges, you may be able to prove that you needed to respond in a way that was potentially illegal because it was to protect yourself or others. This defense is strongest when you can prove another person put you or those close to you at risk for emotional or physical harm, bodily injury, or death. However, in this defense, the courts will often look to see if the act of self-defense was reasonable in terms of the threat.
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There was a mistaken identityWhile an alibi can prove you weren’t present at the time of a crime, faulty witness statements or improper police reports could lead to mismatched details that lead law enforcement to accuse you. However, with the right evidence from your defense team, it could not only help you but also provide an opportunity for law enforcement to apprehend the right person.
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There were improper procedures by law enforcementThe rights that protect you throughout the criminal justice system work together with the procedures that must be followed during the course of investigations. The evidence must be free of tampering, witnesses must give their own accounts of events without influence, and the way you are questioned must be done in a particular manner. If there is a breach in these procedures that could call into question the validity of the evidence presented against you, there is a strong chance it will be inadmissible.
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You were or are suffering from an illnessA temporary lapse in judgment can happen to many people, but if you are affected by long-term negative mental health, it could provide a defense for your case. If you were under or suffer from mental anguish, mental illness, or in some cases, even intoxication, you could use this as a defense in your case.
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Someone coerced you into committing the crimeThis defense requires evidence that someone else provoked or forced you into committing the crime. This is often done with the threat of violence or blackmail.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW FAQ'S
Los Angeles, CA
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What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
The job of a criminal defense attorney is to provide legal representation for those who face criminal charges. To do this, they are tasked with investigating the facts of a case and building a defense that can help their client. During the judicial process, they counsel their clients on the ideal course of action at different times and are authorized to speak on behalf of their clients.
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How Do I Know If I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?If you find yourself charged with a crime, whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony, you should consider seeking the help of an attorney. Not only do they serve as counsel to you and provide a defense in your case, but they can negotiate with the prosecution for a reduction or dismissal of your charges depending on the evidence and circumstances surrounding your case.
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What Makes a Good Criminal Lawyer?
There are many great criminal defense attorneys in the Los Angeles area, but you should look for an attorney who is experienced, qualified, recommended, honest, a great communicator, and persistent. They should also have integrity. These qualities can help to boost your confidence that your attorney is taking the needs of your case into your account and that they understand you are who is ultimately impacted by the outcome of your case.
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What Are the Three Major Categories of Defense Attorneys?
The three major categories of defense attorneys include assigned counsel, contract systems, and public defenders. An assigned counsel is privately assigned to defend a client. A contract attorney agrees to take on the case of a client who seeks out their services. A public defender is assigned to the defendant by the court system.
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How Much Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Cost in California?The cost for an attorney in California is going to depend mostly on the circumstances of your case. The types of charges you face could entail more or less work for an attorney, and that can impact the overall costs you could incur. The average cost varies from one attorney to the next, so you should inquire about costs during your initial conversation.
THE LAW OFFICE OF JACQUELINE GOODMAN —
YOUR LOS ANGELES CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
At The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman, we understand what is at risk for you. Whether this is your first criminal charge or your third, our attorneys work tirelessly to challenge the facts of the case. In some instances, our attorneys can have a client’s charges reduced or dismissed even before a trial begins. We investigate the steps of the legal process taken from the moment of arrest through the entire trial to be sure that your rights are upheld, evidence was properly collected, and you receive a fair trial. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to criminal defense. Because of that, we handle each case uniquely so that we can provide our clients with top representation. We put your needs first.
GET IN TOUCH WITH A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN LOS ANGELES TODAY
No matter what type of criminal charges you may be facing, you have a lot on the line. Whether you are accused for the first time, or this is your second or third charge, you should have an attorney on your side you can trust and who has your interests in mind. At The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman, our attorneys do just that. For over 20 years, we have been putting the needs of our clients first while gaining experience in multiple different areas of criminal defense. Because of this, our attorneys are ready to answer the questions you have about the charges against you, the potential penalties you face, and what defense options might help your case the most.
If you have been charged with a crime, don’t feel like you are left to face it alone or that you need to rely on a public defender. Work with a team that is attentive to your needs and puts in the work your case deserves.
REAL PEOPLE. REAL RESULTS.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSEDCHILD ENDANGERMENT / CRUELTY
Penal Code 273a(b) Child endangerment/cruelty.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CHILD MOLESTATION
Child molestation: Felony.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
PROBATION VIOLATION
PC 1203.2 Committing a new crime or violating any term or condition of probation.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
ATTEMPTED MURDER OF POLICE OFFICER
Los Angeles Arrest Pre-filing representation on Attempted murder of police officer, assault with a deadly weapon upon a police officer.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CONTEMPT OF COURT ORDER
Contempt of court order by a gang member.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE
Child Sex Abuse case dismissed.
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