A criminal charge can turn your life upside down. Getting caught in a legal battle with the threat of steep fines and prison time hanging over your head is understandably terrifying. You need a criminal defense lawyer in Bellflower to safeguard your rights and guide you through the California justice system. Turn to Attorney Justin E. Sterling.
For decades, the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling has successfully helped clients beat all types of criminal charges in the Los Angeles metro area. At our firm, we believe everyone deserves fair treatment under the law, and we’re here to ensure you get it. Contact us now for a free consultation.
What Steps Should I Take After Receiving a Criminal Charge in Bellflower?
After an arrest in Bellflower, you must take precautions to protect your rights and position yourself so your attorney can build a solid defense on your behalf. Here’s how:
- Remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions from police officers or investigators. Politely advise the officers that you wish to exercise your constitutional right to remain silent.
- Ask to speak to a criminal defense lawyer. You have the right to consult with an attorney before questioning by law enforcement and to have your attorney present during questioning. Law enforcement may not begin or continue questioning after you request a lawyer.
Our Firm Handles All Kinds of Criminal Charges in Bellflower
The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling represents clients in a wide range of criminal matters, including:
- Domestic violence: Representing individuals facing accusations of physical, emotional, or psychological harm within familial or intimate relationships, aiming to protect their rights and strive for fair outcomes in highly sensitive situations.
- Drug charges: Defending clients accused of crimes related to the possession, distribution, trafficking, or manufacturing of illegal drugs, with a focus on minimizing penalties and exploring alternative sentencing options.
- White-collar crimes: Handling cases involving financially motivated, non-violent crimes such as embezzlement, fraud, bribery, and insider trading, often requiring meticulous investigation and sophisticated defense strategies.
- Assault and battery: Providing legal representation for those accused of intentionally causing physical harm or threatening violence against another person, working diligently to challenge evidence and defend client rights.
- Sex crimes: Advocating for clients facing charges of sexual offenses, including sexual assault, harassment, exploitation, and misconduct, with an emphasis on protecting reputations and ensuring a fair trial.
- Weapons charges: Defending individuals charged with illegal possession, use, sale, or transportation of firearms and other weapons, focusing on constitutional rights and mitigating potential sentences.
- Violent crimes: Representing clients involved in serious offenses that inflict bodily harm or involve threats of violence, including armed robbery, aggravated assault, and domestic abuse, with a commitment to providing a robust defense.
- Homicide: Providing experienced defense for clients accused of manslaughter, murder, or other forms of unlawful killing, utilizing comprehensive legal strategies to navigate the complexities of high-stakes cases.
- Theft and burglary crimes: Defending against charges of stealing property, shoplifting, grand theft, or breaking and entering, aiming to reduce charges and avoid severe punishments.
- DUI: Representing clients accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, focusing on challenging breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and ensuring fair legal procedures.
- Fraud crimes: Handling cases involving deceptive practices intended to secure unlawful financial gain, such as credit card fraud, identity theft, and securities fraud, with a strategy geared towards disproving allegations and reducing repercussions.
- Traffic offenses: Defending individuals against various traffic violations, from minor infractions like speeding tickets to major offenses such as reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter, working to prevent license suspension and minimize fines.
What Penalties Could I Encounter if I’m Convicted?
Penalties for a criminal conviction in Bellflower will depend on the grading of the offense. The law categorizes criminal offenses as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are criminal offenses with penalties of six months or less in jail or a fine of several hundred dollars. However, some California misdemeanors have maximum jail terms of up to one year.
Felonies are more serious criminal offenses. Penalties for a felony include a prison term of more than a year plus fines that range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. The most serious felony offenses, such as murder, may result in a life sentence (with or without the possibility of parole) or the death penalty, which is still technically legal in California.
How Can the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling Help You?
Experienced legal representation can make a difference in the outcome of your criminal case. Our firm provides individualized attention and strategic planning to identify the best defense available to you, given the circumstances of your case. We will:
- Conduct an independent investigation of your case
- Analyze the facts and evidence to craft a solid criminal defense strategy tailored to your unique situation
- Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Negotiate for reduced charges or a dismissal when appropriate
- Vigorously advocating your innocence to a judge or jury at trial if necessary
If you’ve been accused of or charged with a crime in Bellflower, the right lawyer will work tirelessly to protect your life, liberty, and future. Get a tough, no-nonsense California criminal defense attorney on your side today. Call the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling for a free consultation.