RANCHO CUCAMONGA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Offering Legal Services in Spanish

One small mistake can stick with you for life. That is why Kassel and Kassel offers criminal defense legal services to those who need it most. Backed by nearly 70 years of experience, we know that the court has little sympathy for the accused, and the justice system can feel intimidating. That’s why we’ve dedicated our careers to providing aggressive advocacy for our clients in Rancho Cucamonga and the surrounding area.

When you need a strong defense, contact our Rancho Cucamonga criminal defense lawyers Kassel and Kassel at 909-792-6455.

Criminal Cases We Defend

Our firm provides legal guidance for a host of criminal cases, from drug crimes to domestic abuse and nearly everything in between.

We defend cases for the following crimes:

• Assault and battery
• Elder abuse
• Traffic violations
• Manslaughter and murder
• Fraud and theft
• Sex crimes
• Domestic violence
• Asset forfeiture
• Child abuse
• DUI and DWI
• And more

The criminal justice process is complicated, so you must have the help of a qualified attorney. Our team works with you to investigate the details of your situation, create a strategy custom fit to your needs, and build a water-tight case on your behalf.

At Kassel and Kassel, we believe you have the right to fair representation. We educate our clients of their rights and fight to defend them at every level of the criminal justice system. You should never have to face the court alone. Our compassionate team at Kassel and Kassel is here to provide the support you need.

Misdemeanors vs Felonies in California

There are two main types of crimes in California: misdemeanors and felonies. Although a felony is more serious than a misdemeanor, a conviction of the latter can still lead to harsh criminal penalties, including a jail sentence and costly fines.

A standard misdmeanor carries a maximum jail term of 6 months and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Additionally gross misdemeanors are punishable by a jail sentence of up to 364 days and/or a maximum fine of $1,000.

On the other hand, a conviction for a felony offense carries more serious penalties, such as a prison sentence of a year or longer with fines worth tens of thousands of dollars. Most felonies in California come in three determinate (or fixed) sentences (e.g., a low term, a middle term, or a high term).

The California Criminal Process

Every state has its own rules for arrests, trials, and criminal procedures, including California. Regardless of the case, the criminal process can be convoluted and often intimidating to those at the mercy of the court. We are here to help.

A criminal case begins when the police arrest someone for a crime and cite the details in a report. Police reports include the details leading up to the arrest and provide information regarding witnesses, evidence, and other relevant information.

Once the police report is in the system, the prosecutor, a representative of the state, decides whether to file charges. They may file charges for every crime alleged in the police report or file fewer charges. Ultimately, the prosecutor has the final say in what and how many charges are brought against you.

Generally, the accused will spend up to 48 hours in custody after arrest as the prosecutor files the charges. During this time, the court will schedule an arraignment, which is your first appearance in court. The judge will inform you of the charges, your constitutional rights and allow you to decide whether you would like legal representation. You may hire an attorney, or the court will appoint a public defender to your case. Keep in mind that public defenders often have extremely busy schedules and hefty caseloads. As such, they may not have the time or resources your case deserves. That’s not so at Kassel & Kassel, where personalized representation is a pillar of our practice and a commitment we don’t take lightly.

At the arraignment, you may issue a plea of "guilty," "not guilty," or "no contest," which means you agree with the charges without pleading guilty. The judge will also set a bail amount that you can pay to avoid waiting in jail.

Depending on whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, your case may go to trial. Generally, most prosecutors will offer a plea bargain that may include a guilty plea in exchange for a shorter prison sentence or fewer fines. If a case is settled through a plea deal, it is unlikely to go to court.

The most important thing to know about the criminal system is that while these steps seem straightforward, only an experienced attorney can help you navigate the system and advocate for you every step of the way.

Our Criminal Defense Attorney in Rancho Cucamonga Can Pursue Justice on Your Behalf

At Kassel and Kassel, we believe in integrity and ethical legal practices. Our team does everything in our power to protect your rights and defend your case in and out of the courtroom. We have been a trusted voice in the Rancho Cucamonga community for nearly 70 years, and we continue to pursue justice for our clients. Our firm also offers legal services 24/7 and in Spanish to better serve our clients.