I can tell you right now, since the early 1990s, I've lived, breathed, and slept criminal defense. I've done everything I could to make myself the complete package.
That includes working for the district attorney's office, a superior court judge, the California state bar, and finally, working for you as the best criminal defense attorney in the San Fernando Valley.
My father, who has the same name as me, has had an office in the San Fernando Valley since the mid-1970s. My office in Encino has been there since the early 1990s.
We are well-known in the courthouses in the Valley, and we have done everything possible to make ourselves the best – to put ourselves in the position so that we can represent you and your loved ones in all of your interests to the highest possible level, and that includes being ready to go to war on your behalf.
That includes 250 jury trials and fighting cases for my clients. Over 10,000 criminal cases were tried at both the state and federal levels. I love what I do. I have a passion for it. I love to help people. I love to do everything I possibly can for my clients, so they end up with the best possible result.
I remember in 1994 when that horrible earthquake hit and how San Fernando Court was closed down, and they had to do the cases in the outbuilding. I was there. I was fighting for my clients. I remember when they opened back up again, and we started to continue to do what we could to help our clients in:
- San Fernando Court,
- Van Nuys Court,
- Glendale Court,
- Burbank Court,
- Pasadena Court,
- Malibu Court when it was open.
We've done everything we could in the San Fernando Valley to be the best.
How Can You Avoid Jail Time?
I've been to all of the judge's campaigns back in the day. I've supported people who have run for judge. I've helped people who have been involved with the district attorney's office.
I've done everything I could to understand what it takes to get the best result and understand what it takes to help my clients.
Not just to keep them out of jail but to preserve who they are as people. To represent their reputation and to fight for them when necessary. Sometimes we fight; sometimes, we negotiate. That's what we first have to do, and we have to sit down and talk about your case.
That's what being the best San Fernando criminal defense attorney comes in. You've got to know when to fight; you've got to know when to negotiate. You have to know when to file motions.
You've got to know when to investigate. That's what it's all about, and that's what years of experience will do for you. You must fight for your client. Do everything you possibly can to get them the best result.
What are the Most Common Misdemeanor Crimes?
In California, there are different crimes, including infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies, which are the most serious. A misdemeanor crime is a less severe offense and doesn't carry any potential to be sentenced to a California state prison.
A misdemeanor is described as any crime where the maximum sentence is no longer than one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Some of the most common include:
- Vehicle Code 23152 PC – Driving Under the Influence,
- Health and Safety Code 11350 – Drug Possession,
- Penal Code 647(b) PC – Prostitution,
- Penal Code 484(a) PC – Petty Theft,
- Penal Code 240 PC – Assault,
- Penal Code 242 PC – Battery,
- Penal Code 459.5 PC – Shoplifting,
- Penal Code 243(e)(1) PC – Domestic Battery,
- Penal Code 273.6 PC – Violation of Restraining Order,
- Penal Code 415 PC – Disturbing the Peace,
- Penal Code 602 PC - Trespassing,
- Penal Code 647 PC– Disorderly Conduct,
- Penal Code 647(f) PC – Public Intoxication,
- Penal Code 496 PC – Receiving Stolen Property,
- Vehicle Code 23103 PC – Reckless Driving.
What are the Most Common Felony Crimes?
In California, any crime where you can be sentenced to more than one year is considered a felony. Felonies are the most serious and often carry harsh legal consequences, such as “strikes” under the three-strikes law. Further, federal laws prohibit convicted felons from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
There are some crimes known as a "straight" felony that can only be charged and sentenced as a felony offense and can't be reduced to a misdemeanor, such as murder under Penal Code 187 PC, rape under Penal Code 261 PC, and first-degree burglary under Penal Code 459 PC. Some of the most common felony charges include:
- Penal Code 211 PC – Robbery,
- Penal Code 215 PC – Carjacking,
- Penal Code 187 PC – Murder,
- Penal Code 664/187 PC – Attempted Murder,
- Penal Code 245(a)(2) – Assault with a Firearm,
- Penal Code 207 PC – Kidnapping,
- Penal Code 261 PC – Rape,
- Penal Code 647.6 PC – Child Molestation,
- Penal Code 311.1 PC – Child Pornography,
- Penal Code 288 PC – Lewd Acts with a Minor,
- Penal Code 287 PC – Grand Theft,
- Penal Code 192(c) PC – Gross Vehicular Manslaughter,
What Are Wobblers?
Many California crimes are known as “wobblers” that can be filed as a felony or misdemeanor. Prosecutors usually consider several factors, such as the underlying circumstances of the crime and the defendant's criminal record. Common crimes include:
- Penal Code 459 PC – Burglary,
- Penal Code 273.5 PC – Corporal Injury to Spouse,
- Penal Code 245(a)(1) PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon,
- Penal Code 243.4 PC – Sexual Battery.
Contact Us for an Initial Case Review
There are a lot of attorneys out there who do resolve cases. They can't go to a jury trial in a case. That's a massive weakness.
The best attorney's in the San Fernando Valley will not have that weakness because you've got to be able to fight the prosecutors. That does two things:
- they're not going to push your client around because they know you're going to fight them and beat them in the proper case; and
- The type of attorney who knows how to win a case will be able to negotiate a case properly.
One of the big things prosecutors have to consider when resolving a case is whether they could lose it.
What are the circumstances under which they can lose a case? Are there any weaknesses in the case? Is there anything they should do to resolve the case in favor of the defense?
So, if you want the best criminal defense attorney in the San Fernando Valley, congratulations, you've come to the right place! Pick up the phone now. Ask for a meeting with Ron Hedding. The Hedding Law Firm offers a free case evaluation by phone or use the contact form.
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