What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

The role of a criminal defense attorney is to represent the interests of defendants, or people charged with criminal offenses. The accused still have legal rights even though they have been arrested and are charged with criminal violations. Having a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, fighting for you helps to protect and preserve your legal rights. Your attorney is your advocate throughout the legal process. The ways your criminal law attorney will assist you include the following: Preparing for you the most robust legal defense possible for the circumstances Representing you throughout the legal process Explaining to you your legal rights, criminal law procedures, and the options, such as a plea bargain, that may be available to you Providing legal advice so that you’re making the right moves and decisions at every stage of the legal proceedings Essentially, the role of a criminal defense lawyer is to serve the interests of the person who is accused of a crime. How your attorney can best accomplish this will depend on factors like what crimes you are charged with and what evidence exists in the case against you. For some defendants, an attorney may be able to secure a not-guilty verdict at a trial or get the charges dropped before the case even goes to trial. In other situations, the defendant’s best hope may be to accept a plea bargain that results in lighter sentences. Whatever the circumstances, having an experienced Los Angeles criminal lawyer fighting for you offers a path forward to a more favorable resolution to the criminal charges you’re facing.

What Are Criminal Defenses?

A defense in the field of criminal law refers to the case made to protect the interests of the defendant, or the person who is accused of a crime. A legal defense is an argument, based on factual or legal grounds, against a conviction of the defendant. Through a strong defense, your attorney may be able to straighten out misunderstood facts or reduce or eliminate your culpability. A skilled criminal defense attorney will use evidence to develop a strategic argument that makes the strongest possible case in favor of the defendant. That’s why it’s so important to choose a knowledgeable Los Angeles, CA, criminal defense attorney you can trust to fight for you. Defenses can be procedural, based on how evidence is collected and how criminal cases are processed. Some defenses may hinge on legal technicalities. Other defenses may involve presenting alibis and other evidence to demonstrate innocence or justifiable excuses for the actions that gave rise to the criminal charges. Some of the most common criminal defenses in California legal matters include: Innocence, including false accusations, instances of mistaken identity, and other misunderstandings Alibis Self-defense, defense of others, or defense of property Necessity to prevent more serious harm Statute of limitations defenses Constitutional violations, including illegal search and seizure Entrapment Lack of intent Mistake of fact or mistake of law defenses Good faith belief in consent to the defendant’s actions Coercion or duress (being forced to commit a crime) Withdrawal, abandonment, or otherwise choosing not to go through with an intended crime Insanity defenses The criminal attorneys at the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney explore every avenue of defense available to our clients. By leaving no stone unturned, we are able to build the most robust defense possible for them and help them explore all possible options.

Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Defend the Guilty?

A criminal defense law firm is in the business of defending those charged with crimes. Regardless of whether you are innocent or guilty of the crime you are charged with, you have legal rights that should be protected and preserved. You also deserve an advocate to fight for your best interests throughout the legal process. Both the innocent and the guilty are entitled to legal representation by a criminal defense attorney who can help them understand the criminal law process, the case against them, and the options available to them.

How Do You Find a Good Criminal Defense Attorney?

Picking the right lawyer for criminal defense is essential. Ultimately, the way the defendant handles themselves and who they choose to work with in cases involving severe crimes influences the outcome. Having the right criminal attorney can help you increase your chances of reaching a more positive outcome in this legal matter. When selecting an attorney for criminal defense, consider the following: Experience Results Skills in high-stakes negotiations Whether you trust them to advocate for you Getting to know a criminal defense attorney is critical to feeling reassured that you can count on this lawyer to fight for you. That’s why our criminal defense firm offers free consultations.

What Are Good Questions to Ask a Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer?

When deciding whether to entrust your case to a criminal defense lawyer, consider asking questions like the following: How much experience do you have practicing criminal law? Do you have experience defending against charges like those I’m facing? Can you give me examples of results you have obtained in cases similar to mine? What do past clients say about the legal services you provide? How often do your cases go to trial? Will you be the one handling my case? What options do I have? When, how, and how often can I expect communication from you? At the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we have decades of experience defending the rights of the accused in California courtrooms, offering us unrivaled experience in a wide range of practice areas.

The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney/

Criminal Defense Attorney Los Angeles

Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer

★★★★★

View Our Five-Star Reviews

Seasoned Criminal Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, CA, Represents Clients Charged With Crimes of All Kinds in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, and Across Southern California

When you’re facing criminal charges, you may feel uncertain or even frightened about what this legal trouble means for your future. In your time of greatest need, you want a dedicated legal advocate by your side each step of the way. A Los Angeles criminal lawyer at the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney can aggressively represent you against these charges. Quality legal representation is key to mitigating the consequences these charges could have on your life.

You don’t have to face criminal charges alone. At the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we handle your legal matter as if it were our own, examining the facts of your case and devising a legal strategy to help mitigate the effects on your life. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

818-330-5198Get Help Today. Tell Us Your Story.

Do You Need a Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer?

Criminal charges carry serious consequences in L.A. and throughout California. Among the consequences you could be facing if convicted of criminal offenses include:

Jail time, potentially for years, decades, or even a life imprisonment sentence
Significant fines that can top $10,000 for lower-level felonies, amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars for serious violations such as human trafficking, and add up to $1 million for federal fraud charges
A permanent criminal record that will follow you around for a lifetime, affecting the way future employers, landlords, banks, and mortgage lenders view you, as well as influencing perceptions of you in personal and professional relationships

Your future is at stake. The best step you can take to protect yourself is to retain skilled legal representation.

Our Approach to Criminal Defense in Los Angeles

At the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we mobilize right away to analyze the facts, interview possible witnesses, collect evidence, and arrange the most thorough and aggressive defense possible.

You can count on our criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, to take a comprehensive approach to your case by:

Carrying out our own meticulous investigation to uncover any evidence in your favor
Pursuing all avenues of legal defense
Representing you and your interests during all legal proceedings, including the arraignment, preliminary hearing, and trial (if your case goes to trial)
Negotiating with the judge to seek a lower bail amount so you can be released from custody while your case is in progress
Negotiating a plea bargain, if one is available and if accepting a plea deal is in your best interests

The legal process is sure to raise questions, but you can count on your Los Angeles criminal lawyer to provide reliable answers drawn from our considerable experience aggressively defending clients in situations like yours. We explain the legal process, advocate for your interests, and advise you of the options available to you.

The Criminal Law Process in California

Our criminal defense lawyers manage misdemeanor and felony cases throughout Southern California. Based on our years of experience, here’s what you can expect from the criminal legal process.

After you have been arrested and detained for a crime, you will have to wait for an arraignment to find out more about the charges that have been brought against you. If you plead not guilty, a judge will schedule a pre-trial conference or a preliminary hearing, depending on the charges.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be held in custody after your arrest. During the arraignment, your Los Angeles criminal lawyer can negotiate with the judge to have you released on bail or lower the bail amount you must pay.

When you have been charged with a felony in California, you have a right to a preliminary hearing. At this hearing, the judge will review the evidence and hear witnesses’ testimony to decide whether to send the case to trial. During this hearing, a skilled defense attorney can cross-examine witnesses and highlight the weakness of the case against you.

If the case goes to trial and a plea bargain hasn’t been reached, a jury will decide if the defendant is guilty or not. Of course, the role of your criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, is to represent you in a trial, if needed, and aggressively defend against the charges against you. However, depending on the facts of your case, it may be in your best interest to avoid a trial altogether and instead accept a plea bargain. Your attorney can help you fully explore the advantages and disadvantages of accepting a plea deal versus taking a case to trial and help you determine a path forward based on your unique situation.

What to Do When You’re Charged With a Crime

A criminal charge or accusation is serious, but you still have rights.

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Los Angeles County, you’re likely scared of the consequences you could be facing and potentially confused about the charges against you and the legal process looming ahead of you.

Whether you are innocent or guilty of the crimes you have been charged with, no one wants to face the serious consequences of a conviction, including the potential for hefty financial penalties and mandatory jail time. This whole ordeal can be extremely stressful, but knowing what you should do when you’ve been charged with a crime can help you overcome this anxiety and work toward the most desirable outcome possible.

Remember Your Rights

Although law enforcement officers can be intimidating, remember that they don’t have free rein to do whatever they want. You have legal rights, even if you are suspected of criminal activity. Law enforcement officers have obligations under the law to follow proper criminal procedures. If they attempt unlawful searches or seizures or otherwise violate your rights, any evidence they obtain through such methods may be inadmissible in court, causing the charges against you to be dropped.

Two of the most important rights to keep in mind are your right to remain silent during an investigation and your right to retain an attorney who can help you protect yourself.

Remain Silent

If law enforcement officers arrive at the crime scene, you may feel compelled to start explaining what happened. This isn’t in your best interests, even if you’re innocent. Instead, try to remain calm, and use your right to remain silent.

If the officers ask you any questions, treat them respectfully but insist that you wish to remain silent. Officers may even ask you questions that seem simple and harmless, such as how much you’ve had to drink. Instead of responding to the question, let them know you want to remain silent until you speak to your lawyer.

Consult Skilled Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers

When you face misdemeanor or felony charges, the preferred course of action is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Like many people, you may be tempted to cut corners to avoid the cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, especially if you believe your chances of getting convicted are slim. However, the charges against you may be more severe than you think. With your freedom and your future at risk, can you really afford not to hire an experienced L.A. criminal defense attorney to fight for you?

The benefit of trusting your case to the seasoned criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney is knowing that you have an advocate working tirelessly to provide a comprehensive legal defense and explore every avenue for preventing a conviction or otherwise mitigating the consequences of the criminal charges.

Types of Cases Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Handle in Los Angeles, CA

From misdemeanors to felonies, our knowledgeable Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer is prepared to handle whatever charges you’re facing.

Assault and battery: These are two distinct but related offenses under criminal law. Assault includes the threat of physical harm, while battery involves actual physical contact. Penalties for these offenses vary, but having a criminal defense lawyer on your side is valuable when facing any sort of assault or battery charge.
Diversion programs: In these alternatives to traditional court proceedings, individuals charged with crimes may have the opportunity to make amends and rehabilitate their behavior rather than serving jail time and receiving a criminal record.
Domestic violence: Accusations of physical, psychological, financial, or sexual abuse between family members or intimate partners can have devastating long-term effects and severe penalties. If facing D.V. charges, you should turn to a knowledgeable domestic violence defense attorney.
Drug charges: Drug crimes are among the most harshly prosecuted offenses in Los Angeles, CA. In addition, a conviction can lead to imprisonment, substantial fines, and registration in a drug treatment program. Retaining a criminal defense attorney with extensive experience handling drug crime cases can help.
DUI: California has some of the most rigid DUI laws in the country, but drivers still have rights when charged in Southern California. Our DUI criminal defense lawyers have the skills, resources, and tenacity to handle even the most challenging drunk driving cases.
Expungements: A criminal conviction can follow you forever, but it may not have to. In some cases, defendants who have served their time and wish to have a clear criminal record may be eligible for an expungement. This process almost always requires legal advice from an experienced defense attorney.
Homicide: If you’re accused of homicide, you could very well be fighting for your own life—or, at least, fighting to not spend the rest of your life in prison. Skilled legal representation is necessary when facing such a serious charge.
Misdemeanors: Though not quite as severe as felonies, misdemeanor charges are no laughing matter. Even one strike on your record can have undesirable consequences. Let a criminal defense attorney help.
Probation violations: A probation violation could land you in prison. A qualified lawyer can assess the situation, explain the options, and represent your interests in a probation violation hearing that could impact your freedom.
Sex crimes: Few offenses come with a worse stigma than sex offenses, which encompass a wide range of violations. Whether you have been accused of indecent exposure, rape, or another sex crime, the right attorney can offer the strategies specific to your case.
Theft: Accusations that you took someone else’s money or property can bring about serious consequences. A California criminal defense attorney can offer advice and representation against a theft charge.

We represent Californians accused of all types of criminal violations. Contact a Los Angeles criminal lawyer at the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney today.

Choose the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney to Fight for You

If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges, time is of the essence. No matter what type of criminal charges you face, it’s crucial to talk to a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorney immediately to develop a detailed defense strategy.

Regardless of your circumstances, you are not alone in your fight. We are ready to stand by your side and fight for your rights, freedom, and reputation.

Contact a Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer at the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Today for a Free Case Evaluation

Don’t take the criminal charges against you lightly. Without proper legal representation, you might face long-lasting negative effects that can destroy your family, career, and life.

Our criminal defense attorneys know the stakes when facing criminal charges. We are determined to fight tirelessly for your freedom each step of the way, drawing on our extensive experience representing individuals charged with various criminal offenses, misdemeanors, and felony crimes. We have the skills, experience, and dedication to take on the most challenging criminal cases in Los Angeles.

For help from a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, contact the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney online or call (310) 209-3999 today.

Criminal Defense Law Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

The role of a criminal defense attorney is to represent the interests of defendants, or people charged with criminal offenses. The accused still have legal rights even though they have been arrested and are charged with criminal violations. Having a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, fighting for you helps to protect and preserve your legal rights.
Your attorney is your advocate throughout the legal process. The ways your criminal law attorney will assist you include the following:
Preparing for you the most robust legal defense possible for the circumstances
Representing you throughout the legal process
Explaining to you your legal rights, criminal law procedures, and the options, such as a plea bargain, that may be available to you
Providing legal advice so that you’re making the right moves and decisions at every stage of the legal proceedings
Essentially, the role of a criminal defense lawyer is to serve the interests of the person who is accused of a crime. How your attorney can best accomplish this will depend on factors like what crimes you are charged with and what evidence exists in the case against you. For some defendants, an attorney may be able to secure a not-guilty verdict at a trial or get the charges dropped before the case even goes to trial. In other situations, the defendant’s best hope may be to accept a plea bargain that results in lighter sentences.
Whatever the circumstances, having an experienced Los Angeles criminal lawyer fighting for you offers a path forward to a more favorable resolution to the criminal charges you’re facing.
A defense in the field of criminal law refers to the case made to protect the interests of the defendant, or the person who is accused of a crime. A legal defense is an argument, based on factual or legal grounds, against a conviction of the defendant. Through a strong defense, your attorney may be able to straighten out misunderstood facts or reduce or eliminate your culpability.
A skilled criminal defense attorney will use evidence to develop a strategic argument that makes the strongest possible case in favor of the defendant. That’s why it’s so important to choose a knowledgeable Los Angeles, CA, criminal defense attorney you can trust to fight for you.
Defenses can be procedural, based on how evidence is collected and how criminal cases are processed. Some defenses may hinge on legal technicalities. Other defenses may involve presenting alibis and other evidence to demonstrate innocence or justifiable excuses for the actions that gave rise to the criminal charges.
Some of the most common criminal defenses in California legal matters include:
Innocence, including false accusations, instances of mistaken identity, and other misunderstandings
Alibis
Self-defense, defense of others, or defense of property
Necessity to prevent more serious harm
Statute of limitations defenses
Constitutional violations, including illegal search and seizure
Entrapment
Lack of intent
Mistake of fact or mistake of law defenses
Good faith belief in consent to the defendant’s actions
Coercion or duress (being forced to commit a crime)
Withdrawal, abandonment, or otherwise choosing not to go through with an intended crime
Insanity defenses
The criminal attorneys at the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney explore every avenue of defense available to our clients. By leaving no stone unturned, we are able to build the most robust defense possible for them and help them explore all possible options.
A criminal defense law firm is in the business of defending those charged with crimes. Regardless of whether you are innocent or guilty of the crime you are charged with, you have legal rights that should be protected and preserved.

You also deserve an advocate to fight for your best interests throughout the legal process. Both the innocent and the guilty are entitled to legal representation by a criminal defense attorney who can help them understand the criminal law process, the case against them, and the options available to them.
Picking the right lawyer for criminal defense is essential. Ultimately, the way the defendant handles themselves and who they choose to work with in cases involving severe crimes influences the outcome. Having the right criminal attorney can help you increase your chances of reaching a more positive outcome in this legal matter.
When selecting an attorney for criminal defense, consider the following:
Experience
Results
Skills in high-stakes negotiations
Whether you trust them to advocate for you
Getting to know a criminal defense attorney is critical to feeling reassured that you can count on this lawyer to fight for you. That’s why our criminal defense firm offers free consultations.
When deciding whether to entrust your case to a criminal defense lawyer, consider asking questions like the following:
How much experience do you have practicing criminal law?
Do you have experience defending against charges like those I’m facing?
Can you give me examples of results you have obtained in cases similar to mine?
What do past clients say about the legal services you provide?
How often do your cases go to trial?
Will you be the one handling my case?
What options do I have?
When, how, and how often can I expect communication from you?
At the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we have decades of experience defending the rights of the accused in California courtrooms, offering us unrivaled experience in a wide range of practice areas.

Schedule Your Consultation

Regardless of your circumstance, you are not alone in your fight. We are ready to stand by your side and fight for your rights, freedom, and reputation. Contact us today to schedule a free remote or in-person consultation, and let us assist you in finding a solution to your problem.

Schedule Your Consultation 818-330-5198

Client Reviews

Reviews matter when choosing an attorney. Here what our clients have to say about working with our firm.

Meet Our Team

Our team will listen to your concerns, examine all the facts surrounding your case, and come up with a strategy to get you back on your feet.

Helpful Articles

Explore our collection of helpful blogs and articles designed to answer questions you may have regarding your criminal case.

Get in Touch

Contact us today to schedule a free remote or in-person consultation, and let us assist you in finding a solution to your problem.