Criminal defenseLong Beach
Charged with a crime? Talk to a defense lawyer today.
You don't have to figure this out alone. Call Ostrander Defense Group and we'll tell you where your case stands and what comes next.
- Practice
- Criminal defense
- Where
- Long Beach, CA
- First call
- Confidential
- Status
- Taking calls
The charges we defend
Not sure what you've been charged with? Bring the paperwork. We'll read it with you.
Charge not listed? Call anyway. Most cases start the same way.
How a case moves
Most California criminal cases pass through the same five stages. Knowing where you are makes the next step less frightening.
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01
Arrest & booking
Police take you in, record your details and set or deny bail. Ask for a lawyer and stay quiet.
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02
Arraignment
Your first court date. The charges are read and you enter a plea, usually not guilty at this point.
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03
Pretrial
Evidence is shared, motions are filed and offers are discussed. Many cases are settled here.
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04
Trial or plea
The case goes before a judge or jury, or ends with an agreement both sides accept.
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05
Sentencing & after
If there's a conviction, the judge sets the sentence. Appeals and record clearing can come later.
General information, not legal advice for your case.
Ask these on the first call
Any defense lawyer should be able to answer them in plain words. Write the answers down.
Who will stand next to me in court?
What is the worst that could happen, and the most likely?
What happens at my next court date?
Who can I talk to about this, and who not?
Questions people ask first
General answers. Every case is different, so for yours, call.
Call (562) 555-0131How does bail work?
Bail is money paid so a person can go home while the case goes on. It may be set by a schedule or by a judge. A judge can also release someone without bail, and bail can sometimes be lowered at a hearing. We can explain the options when you call.
Will I go to jail?
Not every charge leads to jail. It depends on the charge, the facts and your history. Some cases end with reduced charges, a program or probation, and some are dismissed. No honest lawyer can promise a result, but we will tell you plainly what you're facing.
What does a consultation cost?
Ask us when you call. We'll tell you up front whether the first meeting has a fee and how fees work if you hire us, before you decide anything.
Can an old conviction be cleared?
Often, yes. In California, many people who finished their sentence or probation can ask the court to dismiss the conviction. It doesn't erase every effect, but it can help with most job and housing applications. Whether you qualify depends on the case, so call and we'll check.
Should I talk to the police to clear things up?
It's usually best not to talk about the case without a lawyer, even if you did nothing wrong. Things said to explain can be misunderstood or used later. Politely say you want a lawyer, then call us.
Call now
Talk to a defense lawyer today. The first call is confidential.
Or email intake@ostranderdefense.com