Southern California Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you or a loved one is arrested or facing criminal charges, it’s important to find the right criminal defense attorney that is experienced and understands the complicated criminal justice system. Attorney Chris Lee has over a decade of experience handling different types of cases that include driving under the influence (DUI), theft cases, robbery, child sex abuse, assault, battery, and drug possession or sales.
Not only is attorney Chris Lee well respected by judges and his peers, he is an experienced trial lawyer. Having tried numerous cases involving serious felonies and misdemeanors, he’s not afraid to push the case to trial to ensure the district attorney meets its burden. As a former Orange County public defender, he is familiar with the criminal justice system and developed professional relationships with prosecutors and judges.
It’s important to call and speak with a knowledgeable and aggressive criminal defense attorney at (714) 889-9147 to find out what defenses you have for your case and how attorney Chris Lee can help. All case evaluations are free of charge and conducted personally by our attorney who can provide you with all the information you need and what steps you can take to protect your rights.
Types of Cases we Handle
We handle all types of misdemeanor and felony cases. Whether they’re serious and violent felonies or low level misdemeanors, we can provide proper representation and advocate on your behalf. We also have experience in handling juvenile criminal cases as well. Given so much at risk when your child is arrested, be sure to contact attorney Chris Lee who is an experienced Orange County juvenile attorney.
We have extensive experience in handling cases involving:
- Driving under the influence cases
- Domestic violence
- Child abuse
- Drug possession and sales
- Grand theft
- Petty theft
- Robbery
- Sex cases
- Identity theft
- Public intoxication
- Forgery
Process of a criminal case
Usually a criminal case starts with an arrest or citation. Once you’ve been arrested or cited, you can either be released by the police officer with a promise to appear at your court date. This is also known being released on your own recognizance. Or, you can be arrested and taken the jail where bail is set. If you are taken into jail, you have the option to post bail from the jail or not. If you post bail, you’ll be released with the promise to appear at your scheduled court date. However, if you’re unable to post bail, then you will have to wait to see a judge which can take up to two business days. If you’re unable to post bail, it’s important you reach out to a criminal defense attorney to see if they can assist you in requesting a bail reduction from the judge. Bail can usually be reduced to an amount that is affordable based on your ability to pay.
Arraignment on the Charges
Your first court date is known as the arraignment. At this court date, you will be in front of the judge where he will read your charges from the criminal complaint and you can plead guilty or not guilty. It’s important you plead not guilty and ask the judge time to hire a Southern California criminal defense attorney to represent you. You should never go into court alone without an attorney to plead guilty. Doing so, will result in serious consequences you may not be aware of and could result in spending time in jail. If you’ve been charged with a crime and have an arraignment date soon, please call attorney Chris Lee at (714) 889-9147 for a free case evaluation to learn how he can help defend you in your case.
Case negotiations and Trial
After your first court date, you will have many more court dates afterwards. These court dates are meant for your criminal defense attorney to properly investigate your case, negotiate an offer with the prosecutor, and receive additional evidence like police reports and audio/video evidence to determine your involvement and how strong the prosecutor’s case is. During this time, you’re case can resolve for an offer of reduced charges or reduced punishment. However, if the offer is not favorable to you, our experienced and aggressive attorney may consider taking the case to trial. Taking the case to trial is a decision the client has to make with the assistance of their attorney.
To see whether you should take an offer and resolve your case, or take the case to trial call attorney Chris Lee at (714) 889-9147 to get an honest legal opinion. He will also explain to you your options and help you understand the consequences of your decision.