If I'm Guilty of Crime in Los Angeles, Why Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?

I do get a lot of clients who say exactly this. I'm guilty. I did it.  I'm just going to go in there and take my punishment, and that's going to be the end of it.

What they do not take into account is that not all punishments are created equal. Some of the consequences in criminal cases can vary, and some are very harsh and can create a huge problem as you're trying to maneuver through your life.

So, obviously, you don't want just to accept every consequence the prosecutor and judge might want to heap on you.  In addition to that, some prosecutors and judges are very conservative and harsh, while others are much more reasonable.

Best Chance of a Favorable Outcome

If you don't have a criminal defense attorney to fight for you, you'll probably end up with the worst possible result.  Whereas, if you have a criminal attorney there, they can talk to you about:

• your past,
• your future,
• what's going on with you,
• why you were involved with the particular crime, and
• come up with a mitigation package on your behalf to present to the judge and prosecutor.

As someone with over 30 years of experience, I can guide you on potential issues with punishments and the long-term implications of the crime you're pleading guilty to. We can also work on a mitigation package, a set of arguments and evidence that can be presented to the judge and prosecutor to mitigate the severity of your punishment.

Negotiate with the Prosecutor for Lesser Charges

Even if a case is filed against you, there's often room for negotiation. A skilled attorney can often secure lesser charges than those originally filed, providing a significant relief.

For example, if you were to be charged with a battery or domestic violence battery and your attorney was able to get you disturbing the peace, that would be a much better result.

Further, it does not impact your record as future employers do a background check on you, and they see you have a disturbing peace charge versus domestic violence against your wife. Obviously, you'd rather have disturbing peace.

That's just one small example of what a criminal defense attorney can do for you. Jail and prison are other possible outcomes in criminal cases, and without an attorney, you may often end up with a long prison sentence.

I can't tell you how many times that client has come in, and I see what they were charged with years ago and then what their punishment was.

Then, I look at them and say, why did you have to plead guilty to a robbery and have a violent felony on your record the rest of your life while you were in California when you were only 16 or 17 years old? Nobody was hurt, you didn't use a gun?

It's crucial to understand that you have the right to legal representation, regardless of your financial situation.    You should never feel forced to accept a plea deal without proper legal advice. Hiring a criminal defense attorney is an investment in your future, ensuring that you navigate the legal system with confidence and control.

Even if you have a prior criminal record, that's even more reason to hire an attorney because the prosecutors are going to look at you in a bad light.

They're going to try to use that criminal record to justify giving you a worse punishment than the average person would get for the crime that you are accused of committing.

Seeking the Best Result on Your Criminal Case

Criminal defense attorneys are not just for innocent people; they're also for guilty people because guilty people are not always treated the same.

If you want the best result, if you want the least ramifications—and we all do; that's just human nature—then you're going to want to get an attorney who will fight for you.

One who you've paid money to get you the best possible resolution for your criminal case in Los Angeles. You've come to the right place.  Pick up the phone.  You've taken the first step.  Take the next step for a meeting with Ron Hedding.

I stand at the ready to help you.  It will be my pleasure.  This is where my talents lie.  This is what I enjoy doing — helping people just like you.