When someone is facing criminal charges in Westlake Village, a conviction could mean severe penalties. The consequences of a conviction can vary, depending on the charges, the defendant’s criminal history, and the circumstances of the situation. Without a Westlake Village criminal defense lawyer, there’s little chance for a successful criminal defense, and the chances of a reduced sentencing are little to none.
If you face criminal allegations, you need a criminal defense attorney who has decades of experience in LA County courts, such as the Rocky River Municipal Court, and a record of thousands of successful cases. James E. Silverstein has both. We use our background in criminal prosecution at the District Attorney’s office to understand the prosecution’s perspective, which we can then use to our clients’ benefit.
With a population of just over 7,500, Westlake Village is one of the top places to retire in California. The Westlake Village crime rate is fairly low, at less than 0.21 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
Any respectable Westlake Village criminal defense lawyer should first protect the rights of their client. They can see if law enforcement violated a defendant’s legal protections at any point during their arrest or thereafter. A seasoned attorney can also oversee the process of the case and make sure their clients get the opportunities afforded to them by law.
For anyone falsely charged with crimes they didn’t commit, it can be very hard to convince anyone they are innocent without a qualified attorney. With an attorney advocating for their innocence and backing up their story, the truth becomes more believable.
Even if the charges are warranted, prosecutors and/or the judge can be more empathetic regarding sentencing when an attorney negotiates on their client’s behalf. Hiring a qualified Westlake Village criminal defense lawyer can ultimately result in a better outcome.
James E. Silverstein represents clients in a variety of criminal cases, which include the following:
All criminal charges, including those specified above, carry serious penalties in California. As Proposition 36 increases penalties for certain crimes, it’s more important than ever to obtain the aid of a professional Westlake Village criminal defense lawyer if you’re facing these charges.
What makes Proposition 36 especially important to defendants is the introduction of wobbler offenses involving drug and theft charges. This essentially means that some charges can either be ruled as a misdemeanor or a felony, based on several factors.
Two new wobbler offenses include:
A strong legal team and knowledgeable legal counsel can potentially negotiate for a misdemeanor charge instead of a felony charge in some cases. This could greatly reduce a defendant’s sentencing and penalties; for instance, jail time may be reduced to probation under Proposition 36.
A criminal defense lawyer in California charges clients based on their experience level, their reputation, and the complexity of the case. Some attorneys will ask for a total flat fee upfront, while others will only ask for a retainer at the beginning of a case, which is applied to the overall hours spent on the case. The case is then billed accordingly, per hour, from the retainer.
There is one key difference between a criminal justice attorney and a criminal defense attorney. Both are legal professionals who practice criminal law. However, a defense attorney provides legal counsel and represents defendants who are facing criminal charges. They can negotiate and litigate on behalf of their client in the criminal justice system. A criminal justice attorney, conversely, could be either a prosecutor or a defense attorney, as both operate in the criminal justice system.
Anyone who has been charged with a crime can use a criminal defense lawyer. Criminal defense lawyers can protect the rights of the accused, work to reduce sentencing, and assist in getting a defendant out of jail on bail. They can also negotiate plea deals on their clients’ behalf, represent them in court, advocate for their freedom, and guide them through the court system until their case is closed.
The salary of both criminal defense lawyers and prosecutors depends on varying factors, such as the length of their career, their experience level, and the area they practice in. There is more potential for attorneys to make more money in the private sector, as they are in control of how many clients they represent and the rates they charge, whereas prosecutors are typically paid a salary from the government.
If you are facing criminal charges and need an experienced Westlake Village criminal defense lawyer, James E. Silverstein has a successful record of representing criminally charged defendants in the area. Contact us today to discuss your charges. We can map out an ideal criminal defense strategy for your case together.