Misdemeanor Cases and the 90-Day Rule. With over 25 years of experience practicing in the Van Nuys courthouse and handling hundreds of criminal cases, I've developed a keen understanding of the typical timeframe for most cases. Once I gather all the information related to your case, I can provide you with a reliable estimate of how long the case will take to resolve.
For misdemeanor cases, Van Nuys operates under a 90-day rule. This means that 90 days from the date the case is filed, the judges will push for a resolution. Whether it's a trial or a negotiated settlement, the process is predictable, providing you with a clear path forward.
With the right legal representation, your misdemeanor case in Van Nuys can be resolved within 30 to 90 days, depending on the necessary investigation. Having an attorney who knows what they're doing can significantly expedite the process, giving you control over your case.
Felony Cases Are Normally Resolved Within 6 Months
As far as felony cases go, and considering the timing, courts typically aim to resolve these cases within six months, based on my experience. Sometimes, you can resolve issues much faster than in six months.
Cases are typically resolved within two to three months of a felony being filed in the Van Nuys Court. But I have seen cases take much longer. It also depends on the severity of the crime.
Suppose it's a severe case — murder, attempted murder, arson, burglary, rape — that will probably take longer — probably somewhere between six months to a year to resolve murder, attempted murder, arson, burglary, rape — that will probably take longer — probably somewhere between six months to a year to resolve itself.
The reality is that a good criminal defense attorney plays a crucial role in determining how much time is necessary to thoroughly investigate the case and prepare it for litigation. The attorney's experience, resources, and strategy can significantly influence the timeline of the case. For instance, if you're trying to negotiate a plea deal, the case will likely take a much shorter period than if you're preparing for trial.
Criminal Trials Take Much Longer
On the flip side, if you're going to fight the case and take it to trial, it's probably going to take a much more extended period to flush out all of the issues, file whatever motions are necessary, do the preliminary hearing in the case and ultimately do the trial in the case.
As you can see, several factors influence the speed at which you can resolve a Van Nuys court criminal case. These factors can include the severity of the crime, the complexity of the case, the court's schedule, and the strategies employed by the defense and prosecution. However, I've provided a general overview of the realistic time frames you can expect, based on my extensive experience.
Once I meet with the client, I can probably provide a much more precise assessment of the time frame a particular person might consider when determining how long it will take to resolve their criminal case.
So, if you have a case in the Van Nuys court, I urge you to pick up the phone. Give me a call. My office is probably about five minutes from the courthouse, and that's one of the main courthouses that I go to. I have a fairly good understanding of how cases are handled, the tendencies of prosecutors and judges, and what it will take to be successful in your particular case.
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