Contact Us for a Free Consultation (213) 542-0979

Blog

Who is the Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Encino, CA?

Posted by Ronald D. Hedding, ESQ. | Sep 19, 2022

If you're looking for the best, look no further.  I've been practicing in the Encino, California, area for over 30 years now, defending people who are charged with criminal offenses.  My office on Ventura Boulevard near Hayvenhurst has been there for many years and is a staple in the community.

Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Encino, CA?

If you or a loved one is charged with a crime and you're seeking the best criminal defense attorney in Encino, you've found the right place. With over 250 trial jury trials and over 10,000 cases under my belt, I've achieved significant success with my clients, providing a strong foundation for your defense.

The first thing that I do is have you meet me in my Encino office.  We sit down, and we go over your entire case.  I'll encourage you when you come in, to be honest.

Rest assured, all the information you share with me, whether it's good, bad, or ugly, is strictly confidential under the attorney-client privilege. This ensures that our communication remains private, allowing you to share openly and for me to advise you effectively.

Once we discuss your case, we will develop a plan. I think it will give you peace of mind and security, knowing that you have a professional on your side who will fight for you and that you have a game plan going into a situation that can sometimes be very stressful.

It often seems overwhelming when going to criminal court, facing jail time, prison time, and the loss of your rights.  Your reputation can be tarnished and damaged, so you want to have an attorney:

  • who knows what they're doing,
  • has much experience in the local courthouses,
  • can do the best for you,

You want to do everything you possibly could, and then you move on with your life.  Let's review further below.

What are the Common Misdemeanor Crimes?

A misdemeanor crime in California is a less serious offense that doesn't carry the possibility of receiving state prison time. A misdemeanor is defined as any crime where the maximum sentence is no longer than one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.  Some of the most common are:

What are the Common Felony Crimes?

In the state of California, any crime where you can be sentenced to more than one year in jail is considered a felony. Felonies are the most severe offenses with harsh legal penalties, such as a “strike” under the three-strikes law. A conviction will prohibit felons from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

Some crimes are “straight” felonies that can't be reduced to a misdemeanor, such as Penal Code 187 PC murder, Penal Code 261 PC rape, and Penal Code 460 PC first-degree burglary. Some of the most common felonies are:

  • Penal Code 211 PC – robbery,
  • Penal Code 207 PC – kidnapping,
  • Penal Code 261 PC – rape,
  • Penal Code 647.6 PC – child molestation,
  • Penal Code 311.1 PC – child pornography,
  • Penal Code 288 PC – lewd acts with a minor,
  • Penal Code 664/187 PC – attempted murder,
  • Penal Code 215 PC – carjacking,
  • Penal Code 245(a)(2) – assault with a firearm,
  • Penal Code 287 PC – grand theft,
  • Penal Code 192(c) PC – gross vehicular manslaughter,

What is a Wobbler?

Many crimes are called a “wobbler” because they can be filed as either a felony or misdemeanor. Prosecutors typically consider different factors, such as the underlying circumstances and the defendant's criminal record. Some common wobblers are:

  • Penal Code 273.5 PC – corporal injury to a spouse,
  • Penal Code 459 PC – burglary,
  • Penal Code 245(a)(1) PC – assault with a deadly weapon
  • Penal Code 243.4 PC – sexual battery,
  • Penal Code 136.1 PC – witness intimidation,
  • Penal Code 32 PC – accessory after the fact,
  • Penal Code 271 PC – child endangerment,
  • Penal Code 422 PC – criminal threats,
  • Penal Code 261.5 PC – statutory rape,
  • Penal Code 646.9 PC – stalking,
  • Penal Code 243(c) PC – battery on a police officer,
  • Vehicle Code 23153 VC – DUI causing injury,
  • Penal Code 503 PC – embezzlement.

It might be possible to expunge a wobbler conviction, meaning it won't have to be disclosed on a job application. Still, you must have completed or received early termination of probation. You are not eligible, however, if you served time in a California state prison or were convicted of a sexually related crime against a minor.

Contact a Criminal Defense Professional for Help

If this is your first time involved in the criminal community, you obviously want to get out of there as fast as possible. You should follow the theme of doing it once, doing it right, and never doing it again.

So, pick up the phone now and ask for a meeting with Ron Hedding. After we decide how we're going to handle everything, we put our plan into action and execute it.

I'll have you do some things. I will be the main champion on your behalf, dealing with the prosecutors and judges and figuring out the best approach, taking into consideration your life, your family, your job, and your future.

I stand at the ready to help you.  I know the Encino area very well because I basically built a career working out of my office in Encino.  I go to the local courts all the time – Van Nuys, San Fernando, and all surrounding courts in LA County.

So, if you need the best criminal defense attorney in Encino, you've come to the right place.  Pick up the phone now.  Ask for a meeting with Ron Hedding.  The Hedding Law Firm provides a free case consultation by phone, or you can fill out the contact form.

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.

Menu