Lynwood Criminal Defense Lawyer
A criminal charge against you changes your life in a second. Everything that seemed important to you a moment ago is now just a faded memory as you worry about the new and scary proposition of what happens to you now that a charge is hanging over you. You may face a hefty fine, jail time, or both if a jury decides you are guilty.
When dealing with a criminal defense case, you need to have the appropriate defense lawyer handle your situation. If you’re looking for a Lynwood, CA, criminal defense lawyer and law firm, keep Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, in mind. We can handle your criminal trial and give you the representation you deserve.
Call our team at (310) 361-3068 to learn more about how we can help you.
Can Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP Handle My Criminal Defense Needs?
Robert Ernenwein has been working in criminal law since 1984, and he’s seen the system from both sides. He got his start in a prosecutor’s office for a few years before transitioning into private practice and fending those accused of crimes.
Michelle A. Mathes has spent most of her career working in criminal defense since she graduated from Southwestern Law School. Like her partner Mr. Ernenwein, she also has experience working inside a district attorney’s office.
At Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, we understand that not all cases are the same. We seek to use empathy and understanding to craft a defense tailor-made for your situation. You won’t find any blanket strategies here, as we can take the time to plan a legal paradigm for you that makes sense for your situation and the nature of the case.
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"Character, class, calculated, charm, and charisma are words that describe Robert."
I cannot thank Robert enough for his efforts, knowledge, and execution in my case. He gave me a second chance.- Kevin Q. -
"I trust this powerful team with my life, because they have saved it time and time again."
Michelle has had a profound impact on my life. She not only has a firm grasp of legal matters, but also of human emotions. This dynamic duo worked all hours of the day and night on my case. They exerted effort way beyond the amount that I had paid them.- Khadijeh K. -
"No other lawyer will have more integrity than Mr. Ernenwein."
He has been there with me in the hardest of times. No other lawyer will have more integrity than Mr. Ernenwein.- Christopher G. -
"Thank you for being our family’s advocate and the best lawyer that we could have asked for!"
Now, my brother is able to FINALLY move on with his life and utilize the education he acquired and work in a field where he will be able to succeed.- Carol L. -
"I can’t say enough about how grateful we are and how fortunate we were that someone we trusted recommended him to us."
The respect from his many years of experience and integrity in his community is for certain why we are whole again today.- Karen D. -
"5 stars across the board."
If you are in need of a great attorney with an abundance of experience as well as a very professional office staff who constantly will keep you updated, call Ernenwein & Mathes!- Jake L. -
"Top notch legal counsel and representation."
They are the gold standard for defense attorneys. A+- Former Client -
"From the moment we met Robert and shook his hand, he made us feel at ease."
When you need an attorney, do yourself a favor an call Robert Ernenewein. I’m so glad we did.- Krystine R.
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
Criminal defense lawyers handle the representation of anyone accused of a criminal offense. A criminal defense lawyer differs slightly from a standard defense lawyer, as they both have their areas of skill.
In our legal system, we can divide cases roughly into two categories: criminal and civil matters. Some crimes may fall into both categories, and a defendant may find themselves dealing with two trials. Others may only apply to one branch of law.
Criminal cases are ones the state brings against someone, whether it be an individual, group, or organization. You will see criminal cases referred to with names like State of California v. James Stewart.
Criminal cases carry with them the risk of jail time and fines for a conviction. The burden of proof is higher in a criminal case than a civil one, as the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt the accused committed the crime. If any doubt remains in the jury’s mind, it must choose to acquit the accused of the charges.
Civil cases are between two individuals or groups and not the government. Unlike criminal trials, civil trials do not carry any potential jail time for the defendant. Instead, the losing party may be on the hook to pay restitution or legal fees to the other party.
The burden of proof is also lower in a civil trial. The jury does not need to find the truth within a reasonable doubt but instead just needs to lean one way to make a ruling.
In short, criminal defense lawyers handle defending anyone accused of a criminal act. Whether it be theft, violent crime, or DUI, a Lynwood criminal defense lawyer and law firm can handle the case with aplomb.
Recognized as a Top-Tier Law Firm
Should I Retain a Lawyer for a Criminal Defense Trial?
If you’ve ever watched a detective television show or movie, you’ve probably heard the officers reading a suspect their Miranda Rights. The second part informs a suspect they have the right to an attorney, and if they cannot afford one, the state will appoint one on their behalf. When you hear this, you may think taking on a public defender is the way to go.
While public defenders are a necessary part of our legal system to ensure everyone has access to an attorney, they are not always the right person for the job. Public defenders take on many cases at a time and work hard to get the situation resolved as quickly as possible. A public defender may not have the time to handle each case with a loving touch, as they have many clients they need to deal with in a short time.
Alternatively, some people choose to represent themselves when dealing with a criminal case. These people think they can study a few laws and then use their perspective to win over the jury. In practice, this approach is not always fruitful. You need to have a textbook knowledge of the law to stand in the courtroom, something most laypeople do not possess.
A Lynwood criminal defense lawyer can advocate for you in court from an unbiased point of view. You will be too close to the situation and the subject matter to have an unbiased view of how to deal with the trial. An experienced defense lawyer will be able to give you a realistic appraisal of your chances and what you can do.
If it becomes clear you may be looking at a guilty verdict, a criminal defense lawyer will assist to ensure you get the fairest sentence possible. They may negotiate with the prosecuting attorneys for a plea deal or inform the judge of any mitigating circumstances that demand leniency.
What Cases Will Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP Take On?
Here are just a few of the types of cases we handle at Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP:
Arson
Arson is a common crime, and penalties for a conviction are quite high. Anytime a structure burns, investigators will look for signs of foul play. Sometimes, a fire that looks like arson is just an accident. Other times, the accused was not the person who started the fire.
We can help you defend your innocence of any arson claims.
DUI
DUIs happen all the time in California, but the penalties can be costly for the average person. There are several defense methods for fighting a DUI charge, including showcasing that the officers did not have probable cause or that there was a mistake in the chemical lab.
Theft
Theft involves someone taking something or a service with the intent to deprive another party of stolen goods. Theft is a crime against property and not people, but the law treats theft harshly. You may be looking at jail time if the stolen items are worth enough or if you have a criminal record.
A criminal defense attorney can help, as we can demonstrate to a judge or jury you made an honest mistake and didn’t realize you were stealing something.
Lynwood Criminal Charges FAQs
Q: How Much Is the Cost of a Criminal Attorney?
A: There’s no set charge for a criminal attorney in California, and you can be looking at a range of prices depending on the law firm you go with. Typically, a criminal defense lawyer will cost between $200 and $500 per hour, depending on the firm or attorney’s experience. You may also have to pay extra based on the nature of the case you’re asking them to help you with.
Q: What Type of Lawyer Will I Need for a Criminal Case?
A: When you’re facing a criminal case, the ideal type of representation is a criminal defense attorney. While any defense attorney, or general lawyer for that matter, can represent you in court, having someone with criminal experience is vital. Criminal defense lawyers know how to advocate for clients in and out of the courtroom, and they have experience working on similar cases to yours.
Q: What Is the Difference Between a Lawyer and a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
A: A regular lawyer may handle all sorts of issues or claims. They may deal mostly with property issues or with handling civil cases. A criminal defense lawyer specializes in representing a client when the client is facing criminal charges. Unlike civil cases, these trials and accusations come with the risk of jail time and hefty fines to the state. While any lawyer can handle criminal cases, a criminal defense lawyer will give you the greatest value in the courtroom.
Q: Is a Criminal Lawyer Worth It?
A: Yes! Criminal cases come with the risk of a long prison sentence or fine. The state will also hold any criminal convictions against you in the event of another charge against you. Having an experienced Lynwood, CA, criminal defense lawyer backing you can help you end up with a desirable outcome to your trial. These lawyers know how to advocate for you during the legal process and try and achieve a happy ending to your accusation.
Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP: Seasoned Criminal Defense Attorneys
Has the state charged you or someone you know with a crime? If so, you need to speak with a Lynwood, CA, criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to begin building a defense case. In a criminal case, every second is precious to allow your attorney to gather evidence and formulate a strategy.
At Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, we have many years of experience working with criminal cases and can bring that knowledge with us to your situation. Contact us today for a consultation so we can plan your next actions and get the process started on your defense.
Why Choose Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP?
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Client Focused RepresentationOur clients have direct communication with their legal team from start to finish.
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Board Certified Criminal Defense AttorneyAttorney Robert Ernenwein is a certified specialist in criminal law, by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization.
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Over 60 Years of Combined Criminal Defense ExperienceOur team has decades of experience and a strong track record of success.
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Former Prosecutor on Your TeamWe have experience on both sides of the courtroom.
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Providing Service in SpanishWork with a criminal defense attorney who speaks your language.
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We Provide Free ConsultationsLearn how our defense lawyers can help during a free consult.