For those who have been arrested for domestic violence in Los Angeles and are awaiting their court date, the guidance of a criminal defense attorney is invaluable. They can assist in getting a City Attorney hearing, a crucial step in the legal process. It's important to remember that seeking legal representation is not just critical but also empowering, as it puts you in control of your situation.
A City Attorney hearing is a hearing conducted by the City Attorney's hearing office to determine whether to file a case. In normal circumstances, somebody gets arrested. The police give the police report and whatever evidence they have to the City Attorney's office in Los Angeles, and one of their filing deputies will decide whether or not to file the case.
If the case has issues, the City Attorney may send it to their hearing office to conduct a hearing. In this case, both parties to the domestic violence incident will receive letters in the mail informing them of the hearing.
If you wish to have a City Attorney hearing, you can have your attorney accompany you to the hearing, where a City Attorney hearing officer will decide whether or not to file charges.
Seeking a Positive Outcome
Based on my extensive experience of over 30 years, if you manage to secure a City Attorney hearing, there's a good chance the case won't be filed. This news can bring a sense of relief, as the final decision rests with the hearing officer. The very fact that a City Attorney hearing is being considered often indicates a reluctance to file the case, offering hope for a positive outcome.
So, what we do is have you come in. We go over everything. A lot of times, I will put together a litigation package and send that to the City Attorney's office. That will likely get the case, so the filing deputy can see the other side of the story, all the mitigating circumstances related to you, who you are, your future, your career, and everything important to you before they make that filing decision.
In a close case, they will often do a City Attorney hearing, and I will also see them not file the case. Sometimes, they'll ask the person to do some domestic violence classes, and if they do them, they will just get rid of the case and never file it in the first place.
Determining Whether to File a Case
The City Attorney's hearing office, not the police, has the authority to make the crucial decision on whether or not a case should be filed. This office is responsible for conducting City Attorney hearings, which determine whether a case should be filed.
It's important to understand this distinction, as many people seek to have their case dismissed when it has yet to be filed. The best outcome is that the case is not filed, meaning there's no case to dismiss.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for a domestic violence case and you're hoping to avoid having your case filed, there's reason to be hopeful. If it's a close call, if you didn't strike or injure the other person, and if you have no criminal record, there's a good chance we can work towards a positive outcome. This reassurance can bring a sense of optimism. Pick up the phone now and ask for a meeting with Ron Hedding. Let's put my 30-plus years of experience to work for you.
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