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Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Westlake Village
The Criminal Justice System
A person enters the criminal justice system when they are arrested for committing a crime. The criminal process then begins. You may be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on your prior record and the severity of the crime. If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial to retain a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible in order to carefully plan your defense. It requires the expertise of a knowledgeable attorney to help you through it.
After your arrest, you must have an Arraignment within 48 hours. You will appear before a judge and get formally charged for the crime you have been accused of. Depending on the crime, bail will be set, or you may be released on your own recognizance if the crime is minor or it is your first offense. Our office can assist you in negotiating your bail, and attempting to get it waived or as low as possible. At the arraignment you are required to plead guilty or not guilty. In most cases it is in your best interests to plead not guilty and attempt to plea bargain for a lesser charge or attempt to get a dismissal.
In the case of misdemeanors, after a defendant pleads not guilty his case is often set for a pre-trial conference. This is an opportunity for the defense attorney to discuss the case and possible settlement with the prosecutor and/or the judge prior to setting the case for trial.
In the case of felonies, after a defendant pleads not guilty a preliminary examination or preliminary hearing is set, to establish a probable cause determination. The prosecutor must prove that there is a reasonable likelihood that a crime was committed and that the defendant was the one that committed the crime. If the judge finds that probable cause exists, then the defendant is charged with the felony charges. A trial date will then be set.
This office works with a variety of expert witnesses and investigators. Our chief investigator, Donald Tabak, is a retired robbery/homicide investigator with the Los Angeles Police Department. Mr. Tabak retired from LAPD after a distinguished career. He now dedicates himself to criminal defense investigation as he did for the LAPD.
Strong Criminal Defense When You Need It Most
When you are charged with a crime or have an outstanding arrest warrant, it can be a frightening and stressful event in your life. Make sure you know what your rights are. When you retain the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Vallens, you can count on the experience gained from numerous successful trials and negotiations. Our firm is dedicated to providing you one on one attention. Our people will work hard to obtain the best possible outcome for your criminal charge.
Contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Vallens for an experienced criminal defense lawyer to help you with any criminal charges you may be facing. Use this crime center to locate courthouses, police and sheriffs addresses and phone numbers, plus inmates, Witnesses, and investigations information. Military appeals, Felonies, Drunk Driving, dwi, and California Supreme Courts.
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Licensed criminal defense and DUI defense attorneys located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. Attorney Jeffrey S. Vallens has been practicing law for over fourteen years. The law offices of Jeffrey Vallens can represent you in all courts in Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura Counties.
Vallens Law Firm strives to give each of client the time and attention they need to properly and effectively handle their case. Because of this, we are not able to represent every client that calls the office. Those that are taken can expect exceptional legal representation with personalized service.
Our firm is experienced at handling a variety of different criminal offenses ranging from driving offenses, to serious and violent felonies. No case is too small nor too large.
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