Norwalk Courthouse
12720 Norwalk Blvd.
Norwalk, CA 90650
Norwalk Court Criminal Defense Attorneys
I tried a big case in the Norwalk courthouse approximately twenty years ago where my client was charged with kidnapping for ransom and basically looking at spending the rest of his life in prison. It was an interesting case because the main witness in the case had done a number of things that actually ended up helping the defense in the end.
One thing he had done was lie at the preliminary hearing about a crucial element of the case. Basically, we filed an ex parte motion with the judge, and we had evidence that we were going to use to impeach the main witness, but normally, you would have to turn that evidence over to the prosecutors.
Despite having evidence that could impeach the main witness, I made a strategic decision not to disclose it to the prosecutors. I believed that doing so would give the witness an opportunity to prepare for cross-examination, potentially undermining our case.
The judge ruled in my favor and basically said that, based on his testimony at the preliminary hearing, the evidence directly contradicts that testimony, so it is pure impeachment, and the defense does not have to turn that over.
During the trial, the main witness was caught off guard when I presented the evidence he was not aware of. This led to a damaging cross-examination in front of the jury, significantly weakening his credibility and turning the tide in our favor.
It destroyed his credibility as a witness. The judge ended up dismissing the kidnapping for ransom case himself before the jury even got to it, and then he let all of the other charges go to the jury, and the jury ended up finding the client not guilty.
Attacking The Prosecutor's Evidence
It was a huge case, but it was an example of figuring out what is key to winning a case in Norwalk court—or any court for that matter—and that is attacking the prosecution's evidence.
Most of the prosecution's evidence in a case in Norwalk or anywhere is going to be through witnesses, and if those witnesses are important enough to the prosecution that they must rely on their credibility to make their case, their credibility can be destroyed through effective cross-examination.
Then, no matter what court the case is tried in—whether it be Norwalk, which is definitely a tough, conservative jury pool, or downtown Los Angeles, which is more of a reasonable liberal jury pool—if those witnesses are necessary to make their case. If you show that the witnesses have lied about something substantial or material, then that case is going to be a not-guilty verdict.
Now, if, on the other hand, they have video evidence or other forensic evidence that they can use to prove your client guilty, then obviously, you're going to have to take another tact.
My successful defense in the Norwalk Superior Court case, about twenty years ago, is a testament to my effective strategies. Despite the client facing a potential life sentence, we were able to find inconsistencies in the main witness's statements, which, combined with his perjury, significantly weakened the prosecution's case.
When clients come to me with cases in Norwalk or any of the Los Angeles courthouses, I like to discuss what evidence the prosecution needs to prove that particular case. If that evidence can be challenged effectively, that's how we get the not-guilty verdicts.
That's how we get the prosecutors to lessen the charges in the appropriate cases.
Now, if they have a strong air-tight case against you, then obviously, we're going to take a different approach. But if you're looking for a trial attorney who knows how to win, you've come to the right place. Set up a free face-to-face consultation. We'll talk about your case and see what I can do to help you.
Defending Yourself If You Have A Criminal Case In Norwalk Court
Norwalk Courthouse is known throughout Los Angeles as one of the toughest criminal courthouses in the county. Therefore, in order to properly defend yourself, you are going to need a tough, non-sense criminal defense attorney to defend you and your interests.
Someone who is battle-tested and has successfully handled criminal cases in Norwalk. There are a number of effective ways to defend a criminal case, depending on the circumstances you find yourself in. In order to really get a feel for what you are up against, I suggest you come and give all of the information about you and your case straightforwardly and honestly.
When you bring your case to me, I'll conduct a thorough assessment to provide you with an honest opinion on the best strategy for your defense. This approach ensures that we're fully prepared to tackle your case.
There is more than one way to attack a criminal case. Sometimes, the best strategy is a thorough investigation, specifically targeted at attacking the prosecutor's case and gathering evidence to impeach their witnesses.
Other times, a softer approach is the best means to the end you seek. All cases spin on their facts, and there is no secret pill that will solve your problem. Like any successful adventure in life, hard work, preparation, and a solid strategy will help you achieve the result you must have.
In my view, defending a criminal case is a step-by-step process that starts with an understanding between the client and attorney of exactly what the client wants to achieve and agreeing upon the steps to get there. Without this common-sense approach and roadmap, the path will be difficult and uncertain. I encourage you to come and sit down to start your path to success immediately.
Insight From A Seasoned Veteran About How The Norwalk Court Works
If your case is filed in the Norwalk Courthouse as a felony, you will eventually end up in Department “J,” Norwalk's early disposition courtroom. This is where the prosecutors and/or judge will offer each client a deal, and most of the negotiation in the courthouse takes place.
In my experience, an attorney must have successfully dealt with cases similar to yours in this system to be successful here. It is my practice to have the client meet with me before the appearance in Department “J” to discuss our strategy.
If we are not going to try to negotiate a deal, I will set the case for a preliminary hearing and begin the process of dismantling the prosecution's cases.
If, on the other hand, we believe it is in our best interest to resolve the case, then we will flush out all of the best arguments for us and decide what our bottom line will be for a successful result in your case. If you have a case in the Norwalk system, I will sit down with you, and we will figure out your best strategy and make sure that we get the result you deserve.
Not Guilty Verdict In A Murder Case In The Norwalk Court System
In 1997, I tried a high-profile murder case in the Norwalk Superior Courthouse. My client was alleged to be one of two gunmen who were involved in a bar fight that ended in a shooting and a death.
Three individuals were part of the group that entered the bar, but only two of the persons actually shot weapons in the bar that night.
My client was found not guilty after it was determined that the two brothers with him had gunshot residue on their hands, and some effective cross-examination made it clear that the prosecutor's cases were not proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The prosecutors were very confident that they would win the case before it went to trial. In fact, they were so confident that they refused to offer my client anything but the maximum sentence to settle the case (25 years to life in prison).
This is a good example of the plain fact that prosecutors can not win every case that they file and that it takes a seasoned, savvy criminal defense attorney to take them to task and win the case.
No matter what they say and how strong they believe their cases are, they are only as strong as the evidence and their ability to argue the case against the defense attorney. Ultimately, the jury will have the last say on how strong their case really is.
THE NORWALK COURTHOUSE
The current Norwalk Courthouse was built as part of the revitalized Norwalk Civic Center. Completed in 1969, the Norwalk Courthouse has been serving the Southeast Los Angeles County area for over 40 years. Contact Hedding Law Firm today!
