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Representing Actors in Criminal Cases in Los Angeles

Posted by Ronald D. Hedding, ESQ. | Apr 23, 2020

Over the last 26 years, I've represented many actors in criminal cases throughout Los Angeles county.  I think I have a pretty good feel for how to handle these cases. Our California criminal defense lawyers are providing a review below.

There are a couple of things you need to realize if you're a defendant in a case and you're an actor, and that is that (1) usually what the prosecutors do if the person is a celebrity, they're going to assign a specially assigned prosecutor to handle the case.

This is because of potential publicity so that nothing gets messed up, and also because the specially assigned prosecutor is probably going to have to report to a superior who is going to give that person a marching order as far as what the prosecutors are going to expect and how they're going to handle the criminal case.

Of course, it depends on what type of criminal case you're talking about when you're thinking about what the ramifications of that case will be.

So I, as a defense attorney, am obviously very careful about how I handle these cases and I have to realize that usually what I'm going to do. If it's a case where we're going to fight the case,  we have to be aware that the press could potentially be involved.

We have to make sure that this is dealt with in a professional manner so the press does not hurt us in any way. If the press is going to play any role, we obviously want the press to help us. So, that's one issue I'm looking at.

Plea Negotiation with Prosecutor

I obviously realize that what's eventually going to happen in the case is I'm going to have to meet with the boss if it's a case that's going to be resolved by way of a plea deal. I'm obviously going to need to have a good mitigation package related to the client's best interest.

These are all the good things about the defendant. Obviously, if it's a case where the actor/defendant may be subject to some restrictions, we want to ensure that they do not have any restrictions that prevent them from doing their job, making money, or being successful.

Prosecutors in criminal cases in Los Angeles often consider these things. Of course, it depends on the type of case, who the alleged victim is, what the person did, and what their criminal record looks like.

More importantly, how you and I relate and decide to move forward with the case should have a good strategy and plan for what we're realistically going to be able to achieve.

So, if you're an actor and you have a criminal case in Los Angeles, I've handled everything from murder cases to DUI cases. I feel pretty confident that I can get the best result.

Whether it's by way of a jury trial if the person is innocent and the prosecutors can't prove the case against them, or whether it's a situation where we're going to need to negotiate and plea bargain.

This is where we do damage control and put together a package for the prosecutors that shows all the good things about you, your family, your life, your work, and the good things that you're doing in the community so we can really try to get the best possible result for you.

So, pick up the phone. Make the call. You can talk to me directly. We can start by talking over the phone, but then I think it's a good idea to meet face to face and really get down to the nitty-gritty of what needs to be done to properly defend you in your criminal case and achieve the best possible result.

About the Author

Ronald D. Hedding, ESQ.

Ronald D. Hedding, Esq., is the founding member of the Hedding Law Firm. Mr. Hedding has an extensive well-rounded legal background in the area of Criminal Law. He has worked for the District Attorney's Office, a Superior Court Judge, and as the guiding force behind the Hedding Law Firm. His multi-faceted experience sets Mr. Hedding apart and puts him in an elite group of the best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Southern California.

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