Westlake Village Criminal Defense Lawyer

Westlake Village Criminal Defense Attorney

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.

Crime in Westlake Village

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.

Your Rights Are Important in Criminal Defense Cases

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.

Criminal Defense Legal Services

James E. Silverstein represents clients in a variety of criminal cases, which include the following:

• Violent crimes: such as murder, robbery, attempted murder, arson, rape, assault, battery, and manslaughter, are some examples of the charges our clients face. We have extensive experience in these cases and similar ones. We can also address cases with multiple charges.
• Sex crimes are a common type of criminal case we represent: These include sexual battery, rape, child pornography, and many others. We understand the sensitivity of these cases and approach them with the utmost care.
• DUI is also a common charge we defend: Although operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated is illegal, there are many instances when the defendant’s rights were violated and/or the arrest process was not carried out properly. In many cases, these can be grounds for dismissal.
• Drug-related crimes: such as possession charges, possession with intent to sell, trafficking, and other laws, are now made harsher by Proposition 36, which was recently passed into law. Named the “Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act,” the initiative mandates harsher penalties, drug and mental health treatment, and more accountability for drug dealers.

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:

• Possession charges for hard drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, phencyclidine, and similar substances
• Shoplifting or petty theft with two prior drug- or theft-related convictions

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.

FAQs About Westlake Village Criminal Defense Laws

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in California?

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.

What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Justice Attorney and a Criminal Defense Attorney?

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.

Why Would You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

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.

Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Make More Than Prosecutors?

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.

Contact the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein

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.

Serving Westlake Village, CA, and Southern California

When you’re facing serious criminal charges in Los Angeles or throughout Southern California, your freedom, future, and reputation depend on having an attorney with both the experience to handle complex cases and the genuine dedication to fight for clients from all walks of life. James E. Silverstein brings over 20 years of legal experience and thousands of cases to every criminal defense matter, combining sophisticated trial skills honed in Los Angeles Superior Court with the passionate advocacy that comes from truly caring about helping people change their lives—a value instilled by his mother Susan, to whom he has dedicated his entire career.

Based in Calabasas and serving the greater Los Angeles area, James E. Silverstein’s practice is built on unique insights gained from both sides of the criminal justice system. After graduating cum laude at the top of his class from Glendale University College of Law—where he earned over a dozen American Jurisprudence awards for highest grades and published nationally in his school’s law review—James worked as a law clerk for a well-known Los Angeles Superior Court judge, learning firsthand how to effectively represent people during their darkest hours. His subsequent training as a certified law clerk in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Fraud and Corruption, gave him invaluable knowledge of how prosecutors analyze cases, enabling him to anticipate and counter prosecution strategies with precision.

Whether you’re facing assault charges, arrested for DUI in Los Angeles County, accused of domestic violence, charged with drug crimes, confronting gang allegations, fighting murder charges, defending against sex crime accusations, or dealing with any violent crime prosecution in state or federal court, partnering with a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who takes considerable pride in representing clients both high-profile and low-profile—especially young adults trying to turn their lives around—and who brings nearly two decades of success in preliminary hearings, trials, post-conviction relief, and appeals can be the difference between a life-altering conviction and the effective defense that protects your future.

Additional Resources

Assault & Violent Crimes in California

• Assault & Battery Arrest in Calabasas, California: Legal Guide
• Understanding Violent Crimes in California: Types, Charges, and Legal Implications

Murder & Homicide Laws in California

• Penal Code SB 1437: Recent Changes to California Homicide Statutes

General Criminal Defense in California

• Is a Dismissed Case a Conviction in California?
• Most Common Crimes in California
• White Collar Crimes: Financial Fraud & Embezzlement in California
• How Do You Choose a Good Criminal Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles?

Traffic Violations in California

• Speeding & Traffic Violations 101: Calabasas, California Legal Options

These resources provide valuable information about criminal defense, violent crimes, sex crimes, DUI, and legal options for residents in Los Angeles and throughout California.