How Cases Are Being Prosecuted in Van Nuys Criminal Court
I've been practicing in this courthouse for the last 26 years. I've handled thousands of cases, including jury trials in every courtroom. As a result, I have a pretty good feel for how the prosecutors handle a criminal case.
Typically, a case begins with an investigation. However, I often get involved before any charges are filed, allowing me to take proactive steps to potentially avoid a criminal filing altogether. This proactive approach ensures you're well-prepared for the legal journey ahead.
That could include an investigation and talking to the police in charge of the investigation. It could also consist of me talking to the prosecutor on your behalf.
Suppose you've already been arrested or your loved one has already been arrested and has a case that will be going to the Van Nuys criminal court. In that case, your best bet is to come and sit down with me, or I will visit your loved one in custody, and we will go over the options to defend the criminal case.
When the police arrest someone, the case is sent to the prosecutors. The prosecutors in the Van Nuys courthouse have filing deputies whose sole job is to examine issues and decide whether or not cases should be filed.
If they decide not to file the case, it can be referred to the District Attorney's office, which prosecutes felonies.
It could go to the Los Angeles City Attorney's office, which prosecutes misdemeanors, or they can reject the case outright, in which case no criminal case will be filed against you.
Sometimes, people are mistaken. They think that just because the police arrested them means a case was filed against them.
The police do not have the authority to file a case in Van Nuys; only the prosecutors have that authority. Often, I will try to get to those prosecutors before they decide and provide them with mitigation information. This information can include your personal circumstances, any mitigating factors in the case, or evidence that could potentially reduce the severity of the charges.
An Arraignment in Van Nuys Court Department in 101/103
If your case is filed, you will appear in court for the arraignment. In Van Nuys, department 100 is the felony arraignment court, and dependent 101 and 103 are the two misdemeanor arraignment courts. At this stage, having a defense attorney is crucial as they can argue for favorable bail or release conditions.
My familiarity with the judges and prosecutors in the Van Nuys courthouse is a crucial asset in defending your case. This knowledge allows me to craft a defense strategy with confidence, giving you peace of mind.
I know how to mitigate a case and negotiate a case in the Van Nuys courthouse because you want to end up with the best result for your case. You want to try to avoid a conviction and/or jail time.
Posting Bail or Own Recognizance Release
After the arraignment, bail is set. If you've already posted bail, you'll probably end up in a position where you remain out of custody while your case is pending, or your attorney can argue for what's called a ROR, where you've released your recognizance.
In the Van Nuys courthouse, they are giving many OR releases where people don't have to pay any money to remain out of custody because of the Coronavirus. So, I've been very successful in keeping people out of custody so they can fight their cases from the outside.
Case Assigned to a Courtroom
After the arraignment, your case will be assigned to a courtroom, and then your attorney will be provided with whatever evidence there is against you. Often, I like to give my clients the proof so they can look at it. I will look at it.
I will speak to the prosecutor to hear their perspective on the case, and then we'll sit down and develop our strategy.
One of the first things we'll decide if you have a case in the Van Nuys court is whether or not the case will be fought or negotiated. 'Fighting' a case means challenging the charges in court, while 'negotiating' involves reaching a plea deal with the prosecution. These are pretty much the two roads that we take. Of course, I'm always trying to get filed cases dismissed, but they can't be dismissed because the government has the evidence to prove it.
Call us to Review All Your Legal Options.
If the case is severe enough that they're not just going to dismiss it, then we have to look at all options for you, and that's where somebody has a lot of experience with the Van Nuys courthouse.
This means the players within the court—the judges, the prosecutors, and the court staff—will be essential for your best defense in the Van Nuys courthouse.
So, if you've got a case there, pick up the phone. Let's go over the facts of your case because not all patients are treated the same; not all results are the same.
But if you want the best result, you've got to hire somebody who has the inside track and knows how to handle a Van Nuys criminal court case.
Make an appointment right away. Sit down with Ronald D. Hedding, and I will do everything to help you. Hedding Law Firm is a criminal defense law firm located in the San Fernando Valley at 16000 Ventura Blvd #1208 Encino, CA 91436—call (213) 542-0940 for a free case evaluation.
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