Torrance Criminal Defense FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I’ve been arrested?

First of all, don’t say anything to anyone. Your right to remain silent is a right for good reason, so use it. When they say anything can and will be used against you in court, they mean it. If you’ve been arrested, you need to call a lawyer right away. Regardless of the reason for your arrest or the charges you might be facing, you’ll only benefit from having a skilled lawyer on your side to fight for your rights.

Do I need a criminal defense lawyer if I’m innocent?

Yes. While everyone is “innocent until proven guilty,” you don’t want to take any chances. If the government suspects you of criminal activity, it will use every tool at its disposal to try and convict you. The justice system isn’t perfect, and too often innocent people are wrongly accused and convicted. If you’ve been wrongfully arrested, you want to take every step you can to ensure you aren’t convicted of a crime you did not commit. That is why it’s crucial you speak with a criminal defense lawyer regarding all of your options and to figure out exactly what you’re being accused of and what steps you need to take next.

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

Simply put, felonies are much more serious than misdemeanors and carry far harsher punishments. Typically, the maximum time someone may spend in jail for a misdemeanor is a year, whereas felonies result in many years, or up to a life sentence in prison.

What is internet fraud?

Internet fraud encompasses several different fraud crimes, all of which involve computers or the internet. Some are state crimes, and some can be prosecuted in federal court. Quite often these crimes will overlap into both state and federal crimes, and are therefore able to be prosecuted in either federal or California court.

When should I hire a lawyer for dealing with my personal injury?

Immediately! To assist you in gathering information and help you deal with the complex world of insurance companies, repair facilities, and medical professionals. You should especially contact a lawyer if your injury is the result of someone else’s negligence, if you have been hurt on someone else’s property, or if your injury stems from a prescribed drug or malfunctioning medical device.

How can a lawyer help with my personal injury?

Even if your injury doesn’t initially seem very serious, issues may arise in the future, resulting in additional medical bills and other problems. Hiring a lawyer can illuminate certain aspects of your situation that you may have overlooked. They will also help you gather evidence, prove the fault of another party, and calculate the actual monetary value of your injuries. Many factors affect the amount of a reward if it’s been decided you are owed one. Without a lawyer you risk missing out on some or all of the reward you might be entitled to.

How much money could I get for a personal injury claim?

Many variables will factor into the final monetary value of your claim. The type and severity of the injury you have sustained, your level of pain and suffering, the total and future medical expenses related to your injury, and any income you have lost or may lose as a result of not being able to work can all be accounted for when determining the amount of money you may be owed.

What does business law cover?

Many kinds of laws regarding business operations and regulations fall under the umbrella of business law. It includes contract drafting and negotiation, mediating disputes between parties, and many other aspects of business. Like most states, California has its own versions of these laws, as well as penalties or punishments for violations.

Why are there different types of businesses?

Different business structures reflect the differences in taxes, liability, and ownership. Without going into the nuances of each, suffice it to say they offer different levels of protections, as well as pros and cons for the owners. To learn more about business formation, contact the Law Offices of Brian A. Newman today.

What is business mediation?

Mediation is a legal process that brings both parties in a dispute together to try to resolve the issue without going before a judge. The parties may hire a joint mediator, or each provide one. The mediator is a lawyer who explains all options and attempts to persuade the parties to settle the matter in a mutually beneficial way.

If you have questions other than what we’ve addressed here in our FAQ, feel free to call (424) 275-4014 to speak with our experienced criminal defense, personal injury, and business lawyers. The Law Offices of Brian A. Newman operates out of Torrance, Long Beach, and serves all of Los Angeles County and the South Bay area.