Ventura Criminal Defense Lawyer

A criminal conviction can impact your life immensely. In California, there are strict laws in place regarding the consequences of criminal offenses. One of these guidelines, known as the “Three Strikes Law,” makes punishments more severe as an individual accumulates more convictions on their record. Whether you’re facing a minor infraction or a felony offense, any individual involved in a criminal case in Ventura, California should seek legal assistance from a qualified defense attorney.

Ventura’s Criminal Defense Law Firm

The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein have been devoted to serving southern Californians for decades. Our priority is to offer top-tier defense representation that is tailored to our clients’ particular legal situations. Our founding attorney, James E. Silverstein, has practiced in both state and federal courtrooms and has represented a myriad of cases over the years. This gives him an incredible advantage in discovering solutions and settlements that can benefit his clients. If you or someone you know has been charged with a criminal offense in Ventura, the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein are ready for your call.

What Exactly Is Criminal Law?

Criminal law is a particular area of the legal system that focuses on dangerous or unlawful offenses. This body of law implements the state’s guidelines on how each crime must be handled and punished. Criminal law encompasses a massive range of legal offenses that can involve violent, manipulative, or threatening behavior. It is one of the most austere areas of the law.

Criminal Defense Representation for Southern California

The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein are proud to provide our clients with legal services in countless areas of criminal law. The following include the varying categories of criminal law that we offer assistance in:

Alcohol and Drug Crimes

Alcohol and drug crimes encompass numerous different offenses that vary in severity. Drug crimes are broadly defined by California law as the illegal possession or use of a controlled substance. This means that an individual can be convicted of a drug crime simply for possessing certain substances. Alcohol-related crimes involve the unlawful or dangerous use of alcohol. While the most commonly known alcohol-related offense is a DUI, there are a variety of other convictions an individual can receive. Some common drug and alcohol crimes our team has seen in Ventura include:

• DUIs
• Public intoxication
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession of paraphernalia
• Drug trafficking
• Possession with the intent to sell

Blue- and White-Collar Crimes

White-collar crimes are typically non-violent offenses that are motivated by money. These kinds of crimes can involve the deceit, manipulation, or corruption of an individual for another person’s personal gain. Blue-collar crimes, sometimes called “street crimes,” are most often violent crimes that don’t involve large sums of money. If you’re searching for legal counsel to help you through a blue- or white-collar case, the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein can assist with the following:

• Embezzlement
• Fraud
• Money laundering
• Bribery
• Theft
• Shoplifting
• Vandalism
• Armed robbery

Violent Crimes

Violent crimes can include certain blue-collar crimes, vehicle-related offenses, and more. They are often the most serious forms of crime and can result in harsh consequences if a defendant is convicted. If you are going to trial for a violent crime in California, it is essential to your case that you hire a skilled attorney. Common violent crimes in California include:

• Assault and battery
• Kidnapping
• Armed robbery
• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Domestic violence

Crimes Involving Vehicles

As a driver in California, you take on a collection of responsibilities when you get behind the wheel. You are not only in control of a vehicle and your passengers, but you must also be aware of your surroundings on the road at all times. If an individual decides to drive recklessly, and is pulled over by an officer of the law, they can be charged with a vehicle-related crime in Ventura. Basic crimes involving vehicles include the following:

• DUIs
• Reckless driving
• Traffic violations
• Speeding tickets
• Vehicular manslaughter

Sex Crimes

A sex crime is any offense that involves sexual behavior, advances, or forcible actions towards an individual who did not consent. California enforces criminal law harshly for sex crimes. This means a conviction can result in jail time, imprisonment, and a possible listing on a sexual offenders database. Sex crimes include an array of offenses, such as:

• Lewd conduct
• Indecent exposure
• Prostitution
• Sexual assault
• Rape
• Statutory rape
• Child pornography

Juvenile Court Cases

The juvenile justice system functions differently than the general court system that is used for adults. This system only handles cases involving minors and prioritizes their rehabilitation. The ultimate goal of the juvenile justice system in the United States is to give troubled minors the support and rehabilitation opportunities that they deserve while still keeping public safety in mind. Juvenile criminal convictions can result in:

• Juvenile detention
• Community service
• Fines
• Probation
• Commitment to a rehabilitation program

Juvenile crimes can involve any offense that is considered illegal for adults or minors. The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein can also represent minors if they are found to be violating their probation terms.

Criminal Hearings

The process of trying an individual who has been accused of a crime in California can be complex and grueling. They may find themselves having to attend countless hearings before their criminal trial even begins. Because of the varying legal proceedings an individual must go through after a criminal charge, it is imperative that you hire a defense counsel that can protect your rights in court and fight for your interests. The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein can represent Ventura clients looking for assistance with hearings such as:

• Administrative hearings
• DMV/license hearings
• Expungement hearings
• Sentence modification proceedings
• Bail reduction proceedings
• Asset forfeiture hearings

Levels of Criminal Conviction in California

If you are arrested for a criminal offense in California, your charge may be categorized as one of these three statuses:

1. InfractionAn infraction is the least severe charge an individual can receive and is not considered an actual crime. An infraction is considered a “minor offense” in the eyes of the law, meaning punishments are not as harsh as misdemeanor or felony convictions. With most infractions, an individual must pay a fine and may receive a ticket. Infractions cannot be punished with jail or prison time in California.
2. MisdemeanorMisdemeanors are criminal offenses that are considered less severe than felonies but more serious than infractions. Unlike infractions, defendants convicted of misdemeanors in California may face up to one year in jail. They may also be punished with fines or community service. Whether a person’s crime is considered a misdemeanor will depend on various circumstances, including the severity of the case, if the crime was violent, and more.
3. FelonyFelonies are the most severe type of criminal charge that a defendant can be convicted of in California. The exact punishment for a felony crime is dependent on the case’s details but can include extensive prison time. Common consequences for felonies in California can include:
   • Imprisonment for multiple years
   • Probation
   • Large fines
   • Community service

The Importance of Hiring Defense Lawyer During a Criminal Case

At the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein, we are more than aware of how complex a criminal trial can become. From a problematic prosecution to delays in your case, it can be burdensome to handle the stress of a criminal charge by yourself. Federal and state law both grant defendants who are going to trial the right to have a defense attorney represent them in their criminal case. This is an integral right that you should prioritize after you have been arrested. Otherwise, you can easily be outmaneuvered by law enforcement officers and prosecutors with extensive knowledge and experience.

A skilled criminal defense lawyer, like James E. Silverstein, can be advantageous to you in many ways. Defense attorneys have a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law on top of years of experience practicing it in the courtroom. This gives them extensive insight into how to handle different criminal cases and allows them to form a case that represents your interests and your story as well as possible. When you are going to trial, it is a necessity to hire a criminal attorney who you can trust to listen to you and represent you.

Don’t Wait to Find Defense Counsel for Your Criminal Case

From the moment that you are informed of your rights upon an arrest, you must start considering the idea of hiring legal counsel. At the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein, we have committed our firm to criminal defense in southern California. We empathize with the intimidation and fear that any defendant may feel when they face a potential conviction, which is why we work to offer representation that helps you feel more confident about whatever situation you may find yourself in.

For a defense counsel that you can trust to take care of you throughout your case, do not put off seeing what our firm can do for you. Contact the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein to schedule a consultation with us today.