Many people are out there looking for an attorney to help their loved ones in trouble.  They're doing their research.  They're checking on law firms.  They're making phone calls.  The best way to help them is to find the best criminal defense attorney you possibly can. That attorney will know what to do regarding everything associated with a criminal case if you get the best.

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.

I've seen, time and time again, people in custody have limited funds and spend the funds on some astronomical bail to get out and don't hire an attorney, only to be taken back in months later for many years.  Their relatives tried to help them, but they bowed down to the person's demands to get out. Our Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys will review the topic below.

Bail and Own Recognizance Release in California

In Los Angeles County, after getting arrested, you will typically have the chance to get released on bail while your case is pending in the courthouse. The California Constitution and Penal Code 1275 PC protects 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 own recognizance without having to post bail. If the judge sets a bail amount, your criminal defense lawyer will show you how to post bail to get 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 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 the possibility you might commit additional crimes if released on bail. They will also take a close look at any factors that might suggest that you would be a danger to society if released.

Another factor in bail cases in Los Angeles is the Humphries case, which says it's unfair that someone who makes a lot of money can afford bail, while others who don't make much money can't afford bail and get released.

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 figure out the best moves to make, whether to bail the person out and then finally, what the best course of action is to help them. In 1994, I became a criminal defense attorney and defended people just like your loved one since then. The bottom line is the best way you can help them is to empower them by giving them an advocate who can help them.

If you're in charge of helping get their attorney, make sure you get somebody with who 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.