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Why Should I Hire a California Defense Attorney?

California’s criminal laws are unique, evolving, and often unforgiving. From the nuances of the “Three Strikes” sentencing laws to the specific evidentiary rules of the California Penal Code, your defense requires a team that understands the local landscape. Hiring a firm with deep roots in California is not just a preference; it is a tactical necessity.

Deep Knowledge of the State System

California criminal procedure moves quickly. From the moment of arrest, the clock begins ticking on critical deadlines—such as the 10-day window to save your driver’s license after a DUI or the specific timelines for filing motions to suppress evidence. A California-based team understands these deadlines and the “local rules” of courts in Orange County, Los Angeles, and across the state.

The Benefit of Local Relationships

Every jurisdiction has its own “courtroom culture.” The way a prosecutor in Newport Beach approaches a domestic violence case may differ significantly from how a prosecutor in downtown Los Angeles handles the same charge. We know the players, the judges, and the tendencies of the local District Attorney’s offices. This insight allows us to anticipate the prosecution’s moves and tailor our strategy to the specific environment where your case will be heard.

Navigating California’s Strict Penalties

California is known for its “wobbler” laws—crimes that can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors—and its aggressive sentencing enhancements. A skilled California defense attorney knows how to negotiate with prosecutors to “wobble” a charge down or argue for the striking of enhancements that could otherwise add years to a sentence.

Criminal Cases We Defend

Daily Aljian LLP represents clients across a wide spectrum of criminal disputes. We handle every case with the same level of tenacity, discretion, and intellectual rigor.

Sex Crimes

Allegations of sex crimes carry a unique level of social stigma and the devastating potential for mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. These cases often rely heavily on “he-said, she-said” testimony or digital forensics. We conduct exhaustive investigations to uncover ulterior motives, inconsistencies in statements, and technical flaws in digital evidence to protect our clients’ reputations and freedom.

Drug Crimes

From simple possession to complex multi-state distribution conspiracies, drug charges in California carry heavy consequences. However, California also offers robust “diversion” programs for many drug offenses. We fight to have evidence suppressed if it was obtained through an illegal search and seizure, while simultaneously pursuing rehabilitation-focused outcomes that keep our clients out of custody.

Domestic Violence

A domestic violence arrest often triggers immediate protective orders that can bar you from your own home and separate you from your children. These cases are frequently fueled by high emotions and can involve false or exaggerated accusations. Our attorneys move quickly to present the full context of the situation to the court, seeking to modify protective orders and prevent the permanent loss of firearm rights and parental privileges.

Violent Crimes

Charges such as assault, battery, robbery, or carjacking are among the most serious in the California Penal Code. Many of these are considered “strikes” under the Three Strikes law. Our defense focuses on self-defense claims, mistaken identity, and the lack of specific intent, ensuring that the state is held to its burden of proving every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

White Collar Crimes

Business-related crimes—including fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and identity theft—require a defense team that is comfortable with complex financial data. Our litigation background makes us uniquely suited for these “paper heavy” cases. We work with forensic accountants and experts to challenge the prosecution’s interpretation of financial transactions and intent.

DUI/DWI

A DUI is more than just a traffic ticket; it is a criminal offense that can lead to jail time and a permanent record. We challenge every aspect of a DUI stop: the legality of the initial pull-over, the reliability of Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs), and the scientific accuracy of breathalyzers and blood draws. We also represent you in DMV administrative hearings to protect your right to drive.

The attorneys at Daily Aljian stand out from the pack. They handled our matter with great judgment, timely turnaround, regular communication, and excellent pricing. I give them my top recommendation.

Jim Pawell

What Happens After a Criminal Arrest in California?

Navigating the criminal justice system can feel overwhelming. While every case is different, most California criminal matters follow this five-step progression:

  • Arrest and Booking: After an arrest, you are taken into custody, photographed, and fingerprinted. This is the moment your right to remain silent is most vital.
  • The Arraignment: This is your first court appearance. The judge will read the formal charges against you, and you will enter a plea (typically “not guilty”). This is also when bail is argued and set.
  • Discovery and Investigation: Our team gathers all evidence the prosecution intends to use against you. We conduct our own independent investigation, interviewing witnesses and hiring experts to find the weaknesses in the government’s case.
  • Pre-Trial Motions and Negotiations: We file motions to suppress evidence if your rights were violated. Simultaneously, we engage in “plea bargaining” to seek a dismissal or a reduction of charges to a lesser offense.
  • Resolution (Trial or Plea): If a fair resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, we take your case to trial. We advocate before a jury to hold the state to its high burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

How Daily Aljian Can Help with Your Criminal Charges

Choosing Daily Aljian and Attorney Alan Jackson means choosing a team that is Trial-Ready From Day One. Attorney Alan Jackson has built his reputation on an impressive record of taking more than 85 cases to jury trial, with a success rate of 96%. Together, we do not simply “process” cases, we litigate them.

  • Mitigation of Charges: We look for every opportunity to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor or to secure “diversion,” which can result in a clean record upon completion of a program.
  • Evidence Suppression: If the police conducted an illegal search or failed to read your Miranda rights, we fight to have that evidence thrown out, often leading to a full dismissal.
  • Ready for Trial: Prosecutors know which firms are afraid of the courtroom. Because we prepare every case for trial, we negotiate from a position of strength, often securing better deals because the state knows we are ready to fight.

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FAQs about Criminal Charges in California

Does it matter if this is my first offense?

Yes. California has several “diversion” and “deferred entry of judgment” programs for first-time offenders, particularly in drug or low-level theft cases. These programs allow you to earn a dismissal by completing certain requirements.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

In California, a misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in county jail and a maximum fine of $1,000 (plus assessments). A felony is a more serious crime that can result in time in state prison and the loss of the right to vote and possess firearms. We fight aggressively to keep charges in the misdemeanor category whenever possible.

Can a felony be reduced to a misdemeanor later?

In many cases, yes. Under Penal Code Section 17(b), “wobbler” offenses can be reduced to misdemeanors either at the time of sentencing or after probation is successfully completed.

What is the difference between “jail” and “prison” in California?

Jail is typically operated by the county (e.g., Orange County Jail) for shorter sentences or pre-trial detention. Prison is a state-run facility for long-term sentences involving serious or violent felonies.

Can I clear a conviction from my record later?

California offers “expungement” under Penal Code Section 1203.4 for many offenses. If you successfully complete probation, we can petition the court to reopen the case, set aside the conviction, and dismiss the matter. This can be a vital tool for employment purposes.

What are “sentencing enhancements”?

These are factors that, if proven, add mandatory time to a base sentence. Common enhancements include using a firearm, causing “great bodily injury” (GBI), or having prior “strike” convictions. We focus heavily on challenging these enhancements, as they often carry more prison time than the underlying crime itself.

Will I lose my professional license if I’m convicted?

Possibly. Many California licensing boards (nursing, medical, legal, real estate) require notification of a conviction. We work to mitigate the criminal outcome specifically to protect your professional standing.

What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer test in a DUI stop?

California is an “implied consent” state. Refusing a chemical test usually results in an automatic one-year driver’s license suspension and can be used against you as “consciousness of guilt” in court.

Can the police search my car without a warrant?

While the Fourth Amendment protects you, California law allows for “probable cause” searches. However, many of these searches are performed illegally. We carefully review dashcam and bodycam footage to challenge unlawful searches.

Contact a California Criminal Defense Attorney Now

The window to protect your rights is smallest immediately following an arrest. Do not wait for the “system” to decide your fate. Contact Daily Aljian today for a confidential consultation. We are ready to stand between you and the power of the state.