Criminal Defense Attorney in West Hollywood
West Hollywood is known worldwide as one of the most exciting cities in California. There's a lot of activity going on there, and for the last 26 years, I've been handling cases within West Hollywood's jurisdiction.
There's no court in West Hollywood, so most cases used to go to the Hollywood court, which has been closed for several years. So, West Hollywood is divided jurisdictionally, and some cases will go to Van Nuys.
Some cases will go to downtown Los Angeles, yet others may also go to the Airport court. So, you must look when you get arrested and get a ticket — a citation to appear in court — or if you get arrested and post bail, you must see which court they're sending you to. That's the first step.
Who Prosecutes Crimes in West Hollywood?
Once you have the court, you will meet with an attorney. I've been doing this for 26 years — handling criminal cases from West Hollywood. As your attorney, I will guide you through the legal process, advise you on your rights, and represent you in court. I know the different types of crimes that are usually prosecuted there and can provide you with the best defense strategy.
You have the City Attorney's office and the District Attorney's office, where the lawyers handle prosecute crimes.
What happens is, typically, the Sheriffs or the Los Angeles police department come in contact with somebody. They end up arresting them or deciding to give somebody a citation for a criminal act.
The person is given a court date, and the police are responsible for sending that paperwork to the prosecutors. The prosecutors, who are lawyers like me, then look at the paperwork and decide whether or not they're going to file a criminal case.
If they are going to file a criminal case based on an incident that happened in West Hollywood, what charges would they file, and also, what bail would they ask for?
Sometimes, I've seen people get released on their recognizance by the police, especially in today's society because of the coronavirus. They're trying to keep people out of the jails, but then the person goes to court, and the prosecutors argue that the type of case they filed requires the judge to set a bail.
Now, the person gets pulled into custody and can either post bail, in which case they would get a bail bond agent and get out, or they can't post bail and remain in custody while the case is pending.
Review Your Criminal Charges with an Attorney
So, if you've been arrested and were in West Hollywood and allegedly committed a criminal offense, your best bet is to get to an attorney. Sit down with them. This crucial step will provide you with the necessary guidance and support during this challenging time.
Could you let them know what happened? I meet with people all the time, either face-to-face or over the phone, and we talk about — under the cloak of the attorney/client privilege — what occurred in their case.
Whether or not they believe the prosecutors have evidence proving they committed a crime, I get their story to figure out how to help them.
Another piece of the puzzle I will need is the police report. Once I go to court, I'll be able to do that. I'll also want to speak to the prosecutor to see their perspective. This comprehensive approach ensures we have all the necessary information to build a strong defense. That's when we have an excellent meeting about the case to discuss precisely what the charges are, what evidence the prosecutors have, and what potential defenses we might have. So, that's the procedure.
Plea Bargaining with Prosecutor
Once we decide what our position is going to be — whether we're going to go to trial or whether we're going to try to work out a plea bargain — that will dictate what we do next. A plea bargain is a negotiation between your attorney and the prosecutor where you agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence. This can be a strategic move to avoid a trial and potentially reduce the severity of your punishment.
If we decide to try to work out a plea bargain, I will want character letters from you. I will need to hear your side of the story, and we will assemble a mitigation package for the prosecutors. If necessary, I will take it through the chain to the top prosecutor to get a fair resolution.
So, if you've been arrested and have a case in West Hollywood, I know the jurisdiction very well. I feel confident I can help you. You must pick up the phone and seek legal representation immediately. With the right attorney by your side, we can get the case moving in the right direction and work towards the best possible outcome for you.
Our goal is to navigate the criminal justice system as efficiently as possible, minimizing any potential damage to your record, freedom, and reputation. We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
