Long Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer

Long Beach Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing criminal charges in Long Beach, CA is daunting. Whether you have been charged with a DUI, are navigating the aftermath of an assault, or are helping a child who has been accused of juvenile crimes, the outcome of a criminal case could have a lasting impact on your life. Understanding how a criminal case will proceed and what will be required of you can feel overwhelming.

Regardless of the criminal charges, you need an experienced Long Beach criminal defense attorney on your side. They will help you understand each step of your case, assess how the prosecution may respond, and work to craft a defense to discredit any charges brought against you. Gibbons & Gibbons have been defending criminal cases in southern California for over six combined decades and are ready to take on your case.

What Are Criminal Charges?

There are laws put in place around the world that dictate how people can legally behave. Traffic laws like speed limits and obeying traffic signals are intended to keep the roads safe. Laws restricting where alcohol can be purchased and who can buy it help keep minors away from alcohol and prevent accidents. When these statutes are disregarded, then you may face criminal charges. These charges are divided into three primary categories, with each subsequent category carrying heavier penalties.

• Infractions are very minor and do not have jail time attached to them. Running a stop sign on your way to work will earn you an infraction in the form of a traffic ticket.
• Misdemeanors are the next level of criminal charges. If you are caught shoplifting, have certain DUI charges, or are charged with solicitation, then your charges will be a misdemeanor. These charges carry penalties of up to a year in jail and a fine of $1,000.
• Felonies are the most severe type of criminal charge. Sexual battery, hate crimes, grand theft, and manslaughter all carry felony charges. If you are convicted of a felony, then you could face penalties including fines, probation, prison time of more than a year, and more.

If you are facing criminal charges, whether they are a misdemeanor theft charge or a more severe felony DUI, it is essential that you have the proper support. An accomplished Long Beach criminal defense lawyer will guide you through your case.

Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal charges can have a major impact on your life, especially if your case is not argued successfully. A Long Beach criminal defense attorney is invaluable to you during your case because they can:

• Analyze the details of your case to create a plan of action
• Craft a defense that will discredit the charges that have been brought against you to increase your chances of success
• Assess potentials ways that the prosecution may approach your case
• Prepare you for any court appearances and questions that may be posed

The accomplished Long Beach criminal defense attorneys from Gibbons & Gibbons have spent years defending clients who faced charges for DUI, theft, assault, manslaughter, and more. No matter the specifics of your case, they will give you the defense you deserve.

Common Cases that Require a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Laws regarding criminal matters at the federal and state level are extensive. The California Penal Code includes seventeen different categories of crimes, including crimes against property, crimes against the state, civil rights, and criminal threats. These also have countless sub-categories that create the web of criminal law. If you are charged with a crime connected to any of these categories, contact our firm; you will need to work with a criminal defense lawyer.

Some of the most common cases that the criminal defense attorneys at Gibbons & Gibbons work with are:

• You can be charged with assault if you approach or attack someone with the specific purpose of harming them or making them feel unsafe. An assault does not always have to be planned. If you are in an argument, lose control of your temper, and punch the other person, then you committed an assault. In some cases, verbal altercations, like yelling at someone across the room to make them feel unsafe, can be considered assault as well.
• There are many different actions that could result in you facing a criminal charge for theft. If you take an item of clothing from a retailer and are caught stealing it, that is considered petty theft. In this situation, the store could press charges. Similarly, if you steal a vehicle that does not belong to you, you have committed grand theft auto and could be charged. The severity of the theft will determine whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.
• These criminal charges are very familiar to many people and involve driving when your blood alcohol concentration is over the legal limit of 0.08% or you are under the influence of drugs. A misdemeanor DUI charge could be the result of simply having a few too many drinks at a party and driving home erratically. A felony DUI charge, however, is much more serious. You could face time in prison, the loss of your license for up to four years, and significant fines.

No matter what the nature of your criminal charges are, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you create a strong defense.

The Purpose of a Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are charged in a criminal matter, there are many steps that must be taken before your case can be closed. You will have to attend hearings, present evidence to the courts, file any required paperwork, and argue your case before a judge. A criminal defense lawyer has the skills and knowledge to prepare you for any hearings or court appearances, craft a solid defense based on a deep knowledge of the law, and defend you in front of the judge. The purpose of working with a Long Beach criminal defense attorney from Gibbons & Gibbons is to create a defense that will help ensure you have a fair trial.

FAQs

Q: How Much Do Criminal Defense Attorneys Charge Per Hour in California?

A: Criminal defense attorneys may charge their clients different amounts depending on several factors. If they have been practicing for many years or have dealt with high-profile cases, their fees will likely be higher. For cases that take more time and resources, like murder or human trafficking cases, the cost may also be higher. To have a better understanding of the costs of working with a Long Beach criminal defense attorney, you should ask about their hourly fees and how much time they anticipate committing to your case upfront.

Q: What Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Do?

A: If you have been charged with a crime, then you will work with a criminal defense lawyer. They will fight to discredit the charges that are brought against you. An experienced criminal defense attorney will look at every angle of your case, including how the prosecution may approach their argument in order to create the most optimal defense. They often have experience with cases including theft, assault, burglary, and human trafficking, among others.

Q: Who Is the Best lawyer for a Criminal Case?

A: There are several options available for you if you are facing criminal charges like assault, manslaughter, DUI, and theft. You have the option to hire a private attorney or, if you are unable to pay an attorney, you can work with a public defender. The right lawyer to defend you in a criminal case is an experienced and accomplished criminal defense attorney. They will have the time to understand the details of your case, the knowledge to assess how the prosecutor may respond, and the resources to create a solid defense for you.

Q: What Makes the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A: Long Beach criminal defense lawyers commit a significant amount of time, resources, and attention to their cases. There are so many aspects of criminal defense that it can be difficult to pinpoint what makes a criminal defense lawyer the best. The right criminal defense lawyer for you will be determined by the details of your case. If you are facing DUI charges, then the right lawyer for you will have worked with a variety of clients with similar charges and have extensive knowledge of California DUI laws. When you are looking for a criminal defense attorney, you should consider how long they have been practicing, if there are any areas that they focus on, and if they will be able to dedicate the necessary attention to your case.

Trust Gibbons & Gibbons for All of Your Long Beach, CA Criminal Defense Needs

When you have been charged with a crime like DUI, assault, theft, or drug offenses, it can be scary. The outcome of your case will have a major impact on the rest of your life, whether that means serving jail time, being exonerated, or paying fines. The support, guidance, and resources of an experienced Long Beach criminal defense attorney can give you peace of mind as you tackle your case. The team at Gibbons & Gibbons has over sixty years of experience assisting communities in southern California with their criminal defense cases. We are ready to assist you. Call us today to get started.