When it comes to finding an attorney to assist a loved one in trouble  , the search is crucial.  Researching law firms  , making phone calls-these are all steps in the right direction.  But the most significant step is finding the best criminal defense attorney possible. This attorney, if chosen wisely, will be well-versed in all aspects of a criminal case, ensuring the best possible outcome.

They're going to help you figure out the bail. They're going to help you figure out whether to bail the person out or not, and they're going to direct the case.  If they know what they're doing, they're going to take charge of their loved ones and help give you and your loved ones the best perspective.

People who are in jail, for example, are desperate.  They don't want to be there.  They want to get out, but sometimes they've dug themselves into such a deep hole and have limited funds to be able to dig themselves out.

It's a scenario I've witnessed repeatedly: individuals in custody, with limited funds, spending their resources on bail and neglecting to hire an attorney. The result? A return to custody, often for an extended period. This is why it's crucial to understand the value of legal representation in criminal cases.

Bail and Own Recognizance Release in California

In Los Angeles County, after being arrested, you will typically have the chance to be released on bail while your case is pending in the courthouse. The California Constitution and Penal Code 1275 PC protect the legal right to reasonable bail.

At the arraignment, which is the first court appearance, you might get released by the judge “O.R.,” meaning your recognizance without having to post bail. If the judge sets a bail amount, your criminal defense lawyer will guide you through the process of posting bail, providing you with the relief of getting released from jail as soon as possible.

The term “bail” is defined as financial assurance you will come back to court after release. Judges use a misdemeanor or felony California bail schedule as a guide for each crime to determine the amount of bail. The more serious crimes will have a higher bail amount. When a judge is deciding the bail amount, they review the following factors:

• the alleged crime you are arrested for,
• flight risk,
• risk to society,
• bail schedule,
• prior criminal history, and
• any failures to appear in court.

The primary factors are whether you are a flight risk and a danger to the community. To decide on flight risk issues, the judge will review whether you have family, children, or property in California that you probably don't want to leave behind.

They will also attempt to determine whether you might commit additional crimes if released on bail and examine any factors that might suggest you would be a danger to society.

Another factor in bail cases in Los Angeles is the Humphries case, which addresses the issue of financial disparity in bail. It's unfair that someone who makes a lot of money can afford bail while others who don't make much money can't. This case ensures that the legal system is fair and just, giving you hope for a positive outcome.

For example, two people may have committed the same crime, but one gets released, but not the other. Simply put, that's not fair. So, your criminal defense lawyer could also make a Humphries argument. Once they've bailed the person out, they let that person decide on what lawyer to hire, if any, and how to handle their criminal case.  They figure, well, that person got themselves into trouble; they can now figure out how to get themselves out.

Develop a Defense Strategy for Best Possible Outcome

You need to hire a criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out the best moves to make, whether to bail the person out, and, finally, what the best course of action is to help them. By making informed decisions with the guidance of a criminal defense attorney, you can empower yourself and your loved one in their legal journey.

If you're in charge of helping them get an attorney, make sure you get somebody with whom you feel comfortable. I'll have you come in, and we'll sit and talk. If you feel more comfortable, we can talk over the phone.

• We'll go through the potential realities of what could happen;
• We'll try to talk a bit realistic about what your loved one is facing.

You'll be able to look at things in a neutral, detached manner because you're not the one in trouble. Further, you're not the one facing jail or prison time. You're not the one sitting in custody just wanting to get out of custody versus looking at the overall picture of what the person did and their likelihood of getting some jail or prison sentence.

Why would you bail out if you're going to end up getting jail time anyway?  People who are in trouble can't see that.  Often, they just can't grasp the reality that if you're going to help them, you're going to have to start them on the right path towards doing that.

So, if you're looking for the best criminal defense attorney to help your loved one, you've come to the right place.  Pick up the phone now.  Ask for a meeting with Ron Hedding.  I stand at the ready to help you, to help your loved one, and to help you start making the right moves in their criminal case. The Hedding Law Firm is located in Los Angeles County and offers a free case review.