Whittier Criminal Defense Attorney
When facing criminal charges, it's crucial to have a skilled legal representative who can mount a vigorous defense against any type of misdemeanor or felony criminal charge, particularly those with the most severe consequences.
Our experienced Whittier criminal defense lawyers are here to provide you with the expertise and confidence you need during this challenging time.
It's important to remember that you are not alone in your situation. Some of the most common charges we handle are drunk driving and DUI, including repeat offenses and high-BAC cases, and drug crimes, including possession, intent to distribute, manufacturing, and trafficking. We deal with these issues regularly and are well-equipped to assist you with them.
Allegations of domestic violence, which may or may not include a restraining order, are one of the most common cases in Whittier and throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
Other common offenses include different types of violent crimes, such as aggravated assault, weapons offenses, manslaughter, murder, etc. Any type of sex offense or related matter, including internet sex crimes, child pornography, rape, statutory rape, failure to register as a sex offender, etc.
Whittier, California, is a city in Los Angeles County. It is located southeast of downtown Los Angeles and is known for being home to Whittier College. The city has experienced significant growth in the last several years. Central to the City is its government center, which includes its courthouse.
Whittier Courthouse
The Whittier Courthouse is located at 7339 South Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602, and its phone number is (562) 968-2699. This state trial court is an LA County Superior Court with jurisdiction over cases in La Habra Heights, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, and Whittier.
The Los Angeles District Attorney prosecutes criminal cases from the Whitter Area Office located in the courthouse.
The Whittier Police Department is located at 13200 East Penn St, Whittier, CA 90602, and their phone number is (562) 567-9200. It is responsible for investigating crimes, making arrests, and gathering evidence.
The Whittier jail, located within the Whittier Police Department, is a temporary holding facility for men and women arrested by the Whittier and Santa Fe Springs Police.
Most arrestees are typically only held at this facility for up to 72 hours until they are released on their own recognizance (OR release), post bail, or are taken to court for their arraignment.
Male defendants who can't post bail or because they were convicted of their crime will normally be transferred to a Los Angeles County jail, such as the Twin Towers Jail, the Pitchess Detention Center, or the Los Angeles Men's Central Jail. Women are transferred to the Century Regional Detention Facility.
What is the Court Process?
After an arrest, defendants typically have options to get released. If the DA decides to file charges, there is an arraignment, which is the formal reading of criminal charges.
Defendants who fail to appear in court when required will have a bench warrant issued for their arrest. The judge will only recall the warrant with a court hearing. While the warrant is active, they can be arrested at any time.
After the arraignment, the defense attorney and prosecutor negotiate to settle. Prosecutors want to avoid a trial and will often agree to lesser charges or might even dismiss the case, especially if the defense lawyer can convince them that the charges are insufficient to obtain a conviction.
Felony cases take longer than misdemeanors. Anyone charged with a felony might have a preliminary hearing to decide whether there is enough evidence to keep prosecuting the case.
If a plea bargain cannot be reached, then the case will proceed to trial, where the DA has the burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the defendant is convicted, the judge will impose a sentence. Often, defendants are eligible for probation instead of jail.
What are the Common Crimes?
Some of the most commonly charged crimes our criminal defense lawyers handle include the following:
- Driving under the influence (DUI),
- Domestic violence,
- Corporal injury to spouse,
- Restraining order violations,
- Probation violations,
- Drug crimes, such as possession,
- Gang crimes,
- Grand theft auto,
- Shoplifting,
- Robbery,
- Burglary,
- Juvenile crimes,
- Sex crimes,
- White-collar crimes
One of our key strategies is 'prefiling intervention.' This process involves advocating with law enforcement and prosecuting agencies to reduce charges or have them dropped completely before the first court date.
By presenting compelling evidence and legal arguments early in the process, we aim to influence the direction of the case in our client's favor.
There may be legally significant issues of proof that must be highlighted to show that a case cannot be successfully prosecuted against our client beyond a reasonable doubt.
Once we have gathered all the necessary information with the help of our clients, we prepare a comprehensive and persuasive formal written position. This document outlines our client's case, presents our legal arguments, and requests specific actions from law enforcement and prosecuting agencies.
For more information about this process, contact Eisner Gorin LLP, based in Los Angeles.
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