How Can Marielys Acosta Help?

When you face serious criminal charges in Southern California, it takes a criminal defense lawyer with considerable experience and a passion for criminal defense to handle your case and bring it to the best possible conclusion. Marielys Acosta is that attorney. For more than a decade, she has advocated on behalf of those accused of crimes in the Los Angeles area. She has represented thousands of defendants and has handled scores of trial cases, from drug crimes, violent crimes and theft crimes, to white collar crimes and beyond.

We can take on Criminal Defense cases involving:

Top 3 Reasons People Trust Marielys Acosta:

MISDEMEANOR VS. FELONY CRIMINAL CHARGES IN CALIFORNIA

Under California law, you can be charged with three types of criminal offenses: infractions, misdemeanors or felonies. These are the three types of criminal charges that you may face if you have been arrested in the state of California.

An infraction is the most minor of these criminal offenses. These are minor violations. Examples of infractions are traffic violations. Typically, the penalty for an infraction is a fine, and jail time is usually not amongst the potential penalties for infractions.

Misdemeanors are slightly more serious offenses, and come with tougher penalties involved. For example, misdemeanors have a maximum punishment of between six months and one year in county jail, and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Examples of crimes that fall into the misdemeanor category are vandalism, driving with a suspended license, DUI, and other crimes.

The most serious types of crimes that you can face in California are felonies. These crimes are extremely serious, and if you have been arrested for, or charged with a felony crime, it is important to get in touch with Marielys Acosta. The penalties for felonies typically include a very hefty jail sentence, and in the case of serious felonies or violent crimes, you may receive the death penalty. A typical sentence for a felony could be a minimum of 16 months in prison. If you have been arrested for robbery, or any type of sex crime like rape, or certain types of drug crimes, get in touch with an expereiensed criminal defense attorney and ascertain your legal options for defense.

AFTER YOU ARE ARRESTED

After a person has been arrested, one of several things may happen. For one, the judge may decide to set bail, and the defendant must post the bail amount in order to be released from the jail.

However, a bail is not an absolute must to be released from jail. In some cases, a person may be released from jail on his own recognizance, which means that he’s released without any need for a bail. All that a defendant needs to do is to affirm that he will show up in the future to make an appearance before the court. Defendants may have to sign an agreement promising that they will show up in court at a future date when they are required to make an appearance. All that they need to do is sign the agreement, and they’re free to go.

This option is legally known as an “own recognizance release.” That means that you are basically promising that you will show up in court in the future. This option serves as an alternative to bail, and it is a very attractive option because it is much less expensive. Are you eligible for release on your own recognizance? Marielys can help offer some insight into your options in this regard.

You may be eligible for an “own recognizance release” in California, as long as you meet certain criteria. For one, you must not be facing charges for offenses that are attached to a death penalty. The court must also not have any reason to believe that you are a threat to public safety, and must have reason to believe that you can be trusted to make an appearance in the court at a future date. At the arraignment, Marielys Acosta will attempt to convince the judge that you are not a public safety threat and that you have strong community connections that would prevent you from fleeing to escape charges against you.

PRE-ARREST DEFENSE

If you are under suspicion and you believe that your arrest is impending, get in touch with our criminal defense team immediately. This gives us time to review your case, and it additionally means that all interviews and correspondence between you and the authorities have to go through Marielys, limiting the possibility of unintentional self-incrimination.

PRE-TRIAL DEFENSE

The right to counsel is the right of a person who has been arrested to have an attorney represent him. This attorney will help with his defense. If the person cannot afford to have a lawyer, the state will appoint one for him. The right to an attorney is guaranteed to you by the US Constitution’s Sixth Amendment, which gives you the right to appoint legal counsel in the case of federal prosecutions.

Your criminal defense lawyer must be able to negotiate with the prosecutors on your behalf, and must help you enter a plea. He or she must assist you during every step of the legal proceedings against you, from appearing at the arraignment with you, to, if you are convicted, the sentencing. Remember, the charges against you may be baseless, but that might not mean anything without the right attorney on your side.

While Marielys Acosta is always ready to go to trial on behalf of clients, that’s usually not necessary or sometimes even desirable. Negotiations and plea deals are routine in criminal cases, and while Attorney Marielys Acosta will explain your options – and her recommendations – accepting or rejecting a plea bargain up to you. We will fight aggressively for the result that is in your best personal long-term interests.

TRIAL DEFENSE

As criminal defense attorney, the law does not require us to prove to the authorities that you are innocent of all criminal accusations. Rather, a defense attorney’s task is to challenge and dispute the state’s evidence against you so that there is reasonable doubt as to your guilt. The Marielys will use every available legal tool and resource on your behalf to cast doubt on the evidence and the case against you.

Marielys Acosta Is Here to Help

If your being accused of a crime, you have the right to have an Attorney to defend your rights. Marielys Acosta can help outline your options and develop an effective defense strategy.

Call us today at 818-908-3000 or email info@marielysacosta.com to schedule a free consultation with our experienced, caring and compassionate team.