HARBOR CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

Criminal Defense: The Basics

So, what is criminal defense? In short, criminal defense covers any defense attorney who represents a client during a criminal trial. We separate law into two main branches: civil and criminal.

Civil cases are any legal matters between two individuals. If someone files a claim against someone else for injury or violation of rights, this is a civil case. Some defense lawyers work with clients during civil matters, but others, like ourselves at Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, focus on the criminal aspect.

Civil cases do not carry the risk of any jail time. The court may order you to pay restitution to the prosecuting party, but you will not have to pay a fine or go to prison during a civil trial. The burden of proof is also different in civil trials. The jury only needs to lean to one side to rule in their favor.

Criminal cases are between a group or individual and the government. These are the type of cases that are something akin to The State of California v. Mr. Smith. Unlike civil cases, criminal trials carry the risk of jail time and fines to the state.

In a criminal case, the burden of proof rests on the prosecution. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the crime. If any doubt or holes remain in the story, the jury will acquit the accused of the charges.

Criminal defense is a high-stakes affair. While a civil case may hurt your wallet, a conviction in a criminal trial may lead to several years in jail. Treat any criminal charge seriously.

What Types of Criminal Cases Do Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, Handle?

Let’s take a look at a few of the many case types we handle at Ernenwein and Mathes, LLP.

DUI

DUI is an all-too-common crime in California. Despite its ubiquitous nature, a jury finding you guilty of DUI charges can prove costly to the average citizen. While we don’t approve of driving under the influence of drugs, there are situations where you may not be at fault.

Even if you believe you are guilty, you should still speak with an experienced Harbor City, CA, criminal defense lawyer, and law firm. A DUI will have long-term consequences, and having someone like Ernenwein and Mathes, LLP, on board can help you navigate the situation.

Drug Crimes

California takes drug crimes seriously, but we can help defend you from the state’s accusations. Drug laws are complicated and often changing, so you need defense counsel who is keeping up with new developments in the world of law.

There are a few legal defenses you can use when caught in possession of drugs. The search and seizure may have been illegal, the chem lab may have made a mistake on the illegality of the drugs, or you may not have known the drugs were on your person at all.

Violent Crimes

Violent crimes cover many different infractions, from murder to assault. Regardless of the crime, you should contact a lawyer immediately. Most forms of violent crime carry harsh sentencing guidelines for individuals.

There are plenty of ways a defense attorney can show reasonable doubt during a violent crime trial. Having a skilled attorney on your side is crucial to getting a fair trial.

Criminal Defense Attorney FAQs

Q: What Is the Difference Between Defense Lawyers and Criminal Lawyers?

A: People often lump defense lawyers and criminal defense lawyers together, but there is a slight difference between the two. Criminal defense lawyers only handle criminal trials. These are the trials between the state and another party and can lead to jail time.

On the other hand, defense lawyers also handle some civil and criminal trials. While they aren’t as specialized as criminal defense lawyers, they can take on more cases.

Q: Is a Criminal Lawyer Worth It?

A: If you find yourself facing a criminal charge, you owe it to yourself to find a criminal lawyer near you. Having the perfect Harbor City, CA, criminal defense lawyer, and law firm could be the difference between a desirable and undesirable outcome. While a criminal lawyer may cost some money in the short term, they more than pay for themselves when looking at the alternatives of jail time.

Q: Should You Hire a Defense Lawyer?

A: It’s tempting to go it alone in a trial and represent yourself. But having a defense lawyer on your side may be the difference in a case. A lawyer will advocate for you in court and understand all the complexities of each particular case. They know the law better than you do and can use that to their advantage before, during, and after the trial.

You should always hire a lawyer when the state charges you with a criminal act.

Q: Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Change My Sentence?

A: If it seems like a case will end with a conviction, a skilled Harbor City, CA, criminal defense lawyer, and law firm can still be of use. Lawyers can negotiate for reduced sentences for you with the prosecuting attorney. Prosecutors want to hurry all cases along, so arguing for a reduced sentence in return for you pleading guilty will help everyone.