Frequently Asked Questions

CRIMINAL LAW

Common Questions and Answers About Criminal Law

When you or someone you care for has been charged with a crime, it’s a difficult and often heart wrenching experience. Since most people have a limited amount of experience with the criminal legal system, there will always be questions which we’ll attempt to answer below. Please keep in mind all cases are unique and specific circumstances surrounding any one case could easily impact the answer to any question. Regardless, here are some answers to common questions Los Angeles criminal attorneys hear on a daily basis.

You have been contacted by, or notified by any law enforcement or prosecutorial agency that you have been accused of a criminal offense.
You have heard that a law enforcement officer wants to talk to you.
You have been arrested, or cited, for a criminal offense.

A Criminal Defense Attorney can help to arrange bail as soon as possible.
An Attorney should begin to represent you as soon as possible before any evidence is lost and witnesses memories fade.
Your Attorney can meet with you privately before you are contacted by law enforcement officers who will try to interview you without the assistance of counsel. No person is a match for a skilled police detective well trained in interrogation methods.
A Criminal Defense Attorney will work diligently to convince the police and prosecutor that criminal charges are not warranted and should not be filed.

No. It is lawful for law enforcement agencies to record and listen in on any telephone calls you make or receive from the jail. This includes jail conversations during visits by family and friends. Those conversations can be used against you in your case. You should assume that all calls are being monitored.
Conversations with other inmates, arrestees, or jail employees are not privileged. You should not talk about your case with anyone other than your attorney.
Experienced inmates will try to obtain a lesser sentence on their case by revealing the contents of your conversations.

Have your family contact an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney immediately. Make sure you provide your full name, date of birth, booking number, and jail location. If you know when and where you will go to court, provide that information as well. Learn more about information needed to arrange bail and representation.

Contact Attorney James Gregory ASAP. Even if he’s in court he’ll receive a notification of your immediately and will call you very soon.

Never, absolutely never, under any circumstances agree to a police interview without an attorney present. This rule applies especially if you are absolutely innocent of each and every charge.
The courts have ruled that it is permissible for police to engage in deceptive interview techniques.
As difficult as it might be, especially in the face of untrue or inaccurate accusations, never discuss anything at all about your case or even anything remotely connected to your case.

Arrestees unable to make bail will be arraigned in court within 2 court days of their arrest. If arrested on a Thursday or Friday it is possible that arraignment will not occur until the following Monday.

Absolutely. No one should ever attempt to represent themselves. This applies even if you have legal training.
If you do not have funds to hire a lawyer, a Public Defender will be appointed to represent you.
If you do decide to hire a criminal defense lawyer, carefully consider the attorney’s background and experience. Check with trusted friends and family in making this crucial decision.
It never makes sense to hire an attorney who tries to lure your business by sending you junk mail solicitations. So called “Jail Mail” will arrive at your home for up to 4 weeks after the date of arrest. Avoid it like any other piece of junk mail.
Hire a criminal defense lawyer who is able to devote his own time and effort in providing you the best possible legal representation.