Karlin & Karlin, Attorneys at Law, provides effective criminal defense representation to people accused of state and federal criminal offenses in Los Angeles, Orange County, and throughout Southern California. The firm’s criminal defense lawyers handle any type of misdemeanor or felony charge, including property crimes such as burglary, larceny and theft, crimes of violence from assault to homicide and murder, and white collar crime.
Below are some of the types of offenses regularly encountered in the firm’s criminal defense practice.
DUI – Penalties for a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) can be as high as $1,000 in fines or six months in jail, and that is just on a first offense. The potential penalties increase with subsequent convictions. In addition to fines and jail, a DUI conviction can be very expensive with all of the surcharges and assessments the court imposes. The court can also mandate completion of an alcohol education program and order an ignition interlock device to be installed in the vehicle. At the same time, the DMV will move to suspend the defendant’s driver’s license – a four-month suspension is the period on a first offense.
A DUI conviction has serious and far-reaching consequences, beyond the criminal penalties and license suspension. One can lose the ability to work in certain occupations, and the damage to one’s reputation often extends into the personal and professional life and in the community. There are many defenses available to a charge of DUI, and any arrest should be taken seriously and immediately referred to a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney.
Domestic Violence – Charges of domestic violence can lead to actual criminal assault charges, of either a misdemeanor or felony nature. Even without actual physical violence, a charge of domestic violence can result in the immediate issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO). The subject of a TRO can be forced to move out of the residence and refrain from having any contact with certain persons. The TRO can also prohibit a person from owning a firearm, or order a person to comply with court-issued domestic relations orders. The subject of a TRO has a right to a hearing and to have the order dismissed if unsubstantiated by evidence. If domestic violence is shown, however, the TRO can be extended up to five years.
Drug Crimes – California’s controlled substances act outlaws the manufacture or cultivation, possession, distribution and sale of a wide variety of substances, including common street drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, and many prescription drugs and other painkillers obtained without a proper prescription or otherwise misused. Depending upon the type and amount of drugs involved in an arrest, along with the defendant’s criminal history and conduct at the time, such as the presence of weapons, threats or violence, conviction of a drug crime can lead to very serious fines and lengthy prison sentences, even for a first offense.
Drug arrests and other criminal prosecutions must be closely scrutinized to make sure the defendant’s Constitutional rights have not been violated, which can happen at any stage – in a search and seizure, during an arrest or interrogation, or during the trial itself. Karlin & Karlin zealously safeguards the rights of the accused and provides a vigorous defense. At the same time, the firm recognizes when plea arrangements may be lead to the best outcome. The client makes the decision based on the firm’s advice, and the firm’s lawyers proceed to provide a strong defense or effective plea negotiations accordingly. In drug cases in particular, there are many options available, such as diversion programs which lead to treatment rather than incarceration when appropriate.
Federal Offenses – The firm is also experienced in the federal courts and handles federal criminal offenses, including white collar crime such as loan fraud and identity theft, as well as charges of drug trafficking and other serious felonies.
Life, Liberty and More at Stake
If you are in the country under immigrant status, arrest and conviction of a crime can lead to immediate deportation proceedings. Karlin & Karlin is well-versed in immigration law and frequently represents immigration clients who have been arrested on various charges. Whether you are an immigrant or a U.S. citizen, any criminal arrest should be taken seriously and handled by a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney. Always talk to an attorney before you talk to the police. In Southern California, contact Karlin & Karlin, Attorneys at Law.
