Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Now that I have been arrested, what do I do next?
Q: My family member has just been arrested, how do I get them out of jail now? Q: Do I have to pay anything for the consultation?
Q: Are there any alternatives to going to jail?
Q: Can I get the charges against me reduced?
Q: Can I use a credit card to pay my retainer for the legal services?
Q: In a domestic violence case, can an injured spouse "drop" the charges?
Q: What are my chances of convincing the city attorney not to file charges at a city attorney hearing?
Q: If I have a past conviction, how can I get it off my record?
Q: Is it possible to get a first-time drug possession case dismissed without it being on my record?
Q: If I have a "hit and run" case, is there a way to deal with the other party directly without being charged criminally?
Q: Can a juvenile charged with their first offense avoid a conviction?
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Q: Now that I have been arrested, what do I do next?
A: The first thing you must do is contact an experienced criminal attorney who can explain the law to you. An attorney may be necessary to assist you in determining your options and establishing a defense. If you're inquiring for a friend or family member -- The Hedding Law Firm can assist you in getting them released from custody and protecting their rights immediately.
Q: My family member has just been arrested, how do I get them out of jail now?
A: Depending on the seriousness of the charge, a judge will either order a bail amount, permit the defendant to be released on their own recognizance or not set a bail amount. We can appear in court and present the necessary information to the judge so as to maximize the likelihood of convincing the court to release the person as soon as possible.
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Q: Do I have to pay anything for the consultation?
A: No. The consultation is free and will at the very least provide you with the guidance and education as to the correct course of action to take in your particular circumstance. You will most likely be able to see us the same day you call.
Q: Are there any alternatives to going to jail?
A: Yes there are. Some include work furlough, community service, fines and house arrest.
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Q: Can I get the charges against me reduced?
A: Sometimes. That is where an experienced and dedicated criminal attorney comes into play. Through negotiations with the prosecution, a defense attorney often times can reach a favorable disposition (agreement) for their client.
Q: Can I use a credit card to pay my retainer for the legal services?
A: Yes, we accept most major credit cards.
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Q: In a domestic violence case, can an injured spouse "drop" the charges?
A: No. It is up to the prosecution whether to drop charges. In a domestic violence situation, it is the People of the State of California against the offending party and they decide how the charges will be dealt with. Of course, an experienced defense attorney can impact how a particular case will be handled.
Q: What are my chances of convincing the city attorney not to file charges at a city attorney hearing?
A: If handled appropriately your chances are actually good. We have had great success in numerous cases before the city attorney in getting the charges dropped against our clients.
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Q: If I have a past conviction, how can I get it off my record?
A: We have been very successful in having convictions removed from a wide range of juvenile and adult offenses.
Q: Is it possible to get a first-time drug possession case dismissed without it being on my record?
A: Yes. In fact, this happens commonly if the matter is handled in the appropriate manner and you have been properly advised.
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Q: If I have a "hit and run" case, is there a way to deal with the other party directly without being charged criminally?
A: Yes. We are experienced in successfully negotiating a disposition for such cases which permit the party whose
car has been damaged to be compensated while helping you avoid a criminal conviction.
Q: Can a juvenile charged with their first offense avoid a conviction?
A: Yes, depending on the circumstances it is possible to have the juvenile placed on informal probation and ultimately get the case dismissed without ever sustaining a conviction.
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Q: Does your firm handle DUI charges?
A: Yes, our firm has a very heavy focus on DUI charges throughout Los Angeles. Moreover, our attorneys handle cases in every court in Los Angeles County and the San Fernando Valley.
Q: What is the difference between one criminal defense attorney to another?
A: Like any profession, experience and reputation matters. Because criminal charges are so life altering, you don't want to trust your future with anyone but the best available. This means that the lawyer you hire must have devoted his entire practice to criminal defense and that he has years of experience handling cases just like yours. Additionally, his/her reputation with judges and prosecutors is crucial to getting your case resolved in the most efficient and possitive manner possible. If your attorney has a good working relationship in that particular courthouse, you stand a very good chance of obtaining a favorable outcome to the case or have it dismissed altogether. Again, experience matters most.
Do you have a question, but don't see it here?
Get the answers to your own legal questions by clicking here.
Our California criminal defense attorneys focus primarily on defending clients in courts throughout the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County, including San Fernando Valley, San Fernando, Glendale, Burbank, Hidden Hills, Calabasas, Sylmar, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills, Mission Hills, Sherman Oaks, Granada Hills, Reseda, Canoga Park, West Hills, Winnetka, Pacoima, Chatsworth, and North Hollywood, CA.