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Top-Rated Long Beach Criminal Defense Attorneys

Advocating on Your Behalf in a Criminal Case

Facing criminal charges on your own can be extremely terrifying. Very few people understand the intricacies of the law or why they have been charged in the first place. What do misdemeanor charges mean? Will a public defender be able to handle my case? Will these charges affect my job? When you step into a courtroom, you want to know that all of your questions have been answered and that your attorney is prepared to vigorously fight every charge.

If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime in Long Beach, look no further than The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV. Our lead trial attorney has extensive experience trying cases across the country. Whatever charges you are facing, you want the best attorney at your side throughout the entire legal process. To get started on your case, call our office at (562) 901-0840 or toll-free at (888) 454-5569 and speak to a nationally recognized Long Beach criminal defense attorney.

Criminal Cases Handled by The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV

Joseph H. Low IV is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people. He has dedicated his legal career to fighting against the greed of corporate America; oppression by federal and state government; and the constant abuse by police and law enforcement agencies. When you work with our firm, you know that you are getting the best legal aid available from a nationally recognized trial attorney. Our lead attorney has tried numerous cases across the country and can provide you with the same thorough defense, whatever your charges may be.

The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV handles all criminal defense and military law/courts martial matters, including:

Mr. Low is the trial lawyer other lawyers call when they have a difficult case to take to trial. His expertise in picking a jury and presenting a case to them is known throughout the legal community. If you are in trouble and your freedom is on the line, you need a top Long Beach criminal attorney who is not afraid to fight for you and your rights, a lawyer who is passionate about your situation, dedicated to your case and will NOT quit.

What About a Public Defender?

Public defenders are hardworking attorneys, but they are often burdened with numerous cases. If you work with a public defender, they may not be able to review your case or prepare a defense strategy until minutes before a hearing, meaning you are not going to get the best defense you need. However, if you work with Joseph H. Low IV, our attorney will begin working on your case immediately and answer all of your concerns in a timely manner. Our firm’s focus is on ensuring that you receive sound legal advice throughout the entire trial procedure.

When you are facing criminal charges, you want to know that your defense attorney can handle your case. That means being able to launch an in-depth investigation into the charges against you and the circumstances of your arrest. That means being able to enter early negotiations with the district attorney to have your charges reduced or dropped before a trial commences. That means knowing how to be professional at trail, from thoroughly explaining your situation to the judge to crafting a persuasive story to the jury.

That is where The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV comes into play. Mr. Low has more than 20 years of experience practicing law, has tried cases in 14 different states, and is routinely asked to teach trial techniques to other lawyers across the country. He can offer you far more legal knowledge and experience than a public defender and is your best shot at avoiding serving time in prison.

The Role of Your Attorney

At the end of the day, the duty of your lawyer is to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Every case is different, and while one case can be resolved through negotiations with the district attorney, others may lead to a lengthy and complicated trial. Your attorney will need the skill and expertise to respond effectively to both situations so that your case ends in a positive outcome. In some cases, this may mean a lighter sentence with few restrictions on your day-to-day life, but it is fully possible to end your trial without having to service a single day in jail.

Other criminal defense attorneys may put you in the backseat throughout your case and never explain to you where it could end. That is not our method. Throughout every aspect of your case, from your bail to jury selection to the trial, we will answer all of your questions and ensure that you understand your rights. While we are perfectly capable of taking the reins, we are also here to offer guidance, meaning we not only want you to understand the charges against you, but how to protect yourself in the future from ending up on the wrong side of the criminal justice system.

Criminal Trials in California

The California criminal justice system can be intimidating from the outside, and it often only gets more confusing when you are within its grasp. However, it does have clear rules and regulations that determine when and how a criminal trial can proceed. In addition, from the moment you are arrested, you have a right to an attorney, and even before an arrest, you can contact one if you are afraid that the police are investigating you.

To ensure that you understand what is expected of you – and what you should expect of your lawyer – throughout a criminal trial, we have broken down each step so that you are prepared to make informed decisions about your case.

Arrest

At this stage, the police will transport you to jail. Your charges will be reviewed by a district attorney and, if they feel your case lacks evidence, then you may be released with no charges being filed. The district attorney has 48 hours to file charges; after that point, they must release you. But if you are charged, then you may remain in custody until your arraignment. While in jail, you do have several rights, such as a right to an attorney, and any violations of those can lead to police misconduct, which may lead to your case being thrown out.

Arraignment

Typically, this is the first court appearance you must attend. By now, you will want to have a criminal defense attorney representing you or at least a public defender. The court will explain the charges against you, and you will be given the chance to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. No contest means that you are not disputing the charges and will amount to the same result as a guilty plea. If you plead not guilty, then the court will determine the date of your trial and any restrictions you may face, such as whether or not you have to pay bail, are released on house arrest, or have other such restrictions on where you can go.

Discovery

After your arraignment, the trial will enter the “Discovery” phase where both sides will exchange information and evidence. This includes witness statements, police reports, photos, video footage, and any other relevant information. Your attorney can also file several motions, such as a motion to exclude certain evidence or to have a case dismissed if there is not enough evidence for a conviction. Your attorney will also build upon your defense strategy, which we will start the moment you contact us and even before arraignment.

Trial

You have a right to a trial by a jury of your peers or a court trial in which a judge will decide your fate. If you choose a jury trial, the court has set deadlines on when the trial can start. These deadlines are designed to allow the prosecution and defense enough time to select a jury and to ensure both sides can review the case. For misdemeanor charges, that can be between 30 and 45 days from the arraignment, while felony trials have 60 days to start.

At the start of the trial, your attorney will make a powerful and thorough statement in order to set the stage for your defense; in turn, the prosecution will do the same in order to convince the jury that you are guilty. Both sides will present evidence, question witnesses, and perform cross-examinations of any testimonies. After all the evidence has been presented, the jury or judge will review the case to decide on a verdict.

Appeals

Even if you are found guilty, you do have a right to an appeal. This process is just as complicated as a trial, and you will want to discuss all of your options with your attorney first. Appeals are often based on the fact that someone committed misconduct during the trial or that there was not enough evidence to convict you.

Contact Us Today!

Throughout the entire legal process, you will want to remain calm, collected, and focused. We understand you are scared and confused and may be at a complete loss as to what to do, but your rights are on the line. You will want to trust your attorney to guide you through the justice system and out the other side to a positive result.

If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime, then you should not hesitate to contact the Long Beach criminal defense attorney at The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV. With an experienced trial attorney at your side, you may have your charges dropped altogether before a trial even commences. But first, you will need to pick up the phone and get in touch with our offices. Call us at (562) 901-0840 or toll-free at (888) 454-5569 and schedule a free case evaluation today.

"Joseph, Thank you for your assistance. Your understanding compassion & incredible expertise are admired & appreciated. I will be referring any of my clients who require legal help to you."
- M.D.