Santa Monica Criminal Defense Attorneys | Former West LA Prosecutors
Whether you have been charged with a minor offense or a serious felony, the skilled Santa Monica criminal defense attorneys at Sitkoff Law Group, Inc. can make the difference between your freedom or jail. With over 3 decades of criminal law experience in Los Angeles, Santa Monica criminal defense attorney Stephen Sitkoff has the expertise and trial skills to prepare a strong legal defense against your felony or misdemeanor case. Contact us today for a free consultation at (888) 579-4844.
Our Santa Monica Criminal Defense Specialties
DUI – Although drunk driving is typically a misdemeanor crime under California Vehicle Code 23152, it can be elevated to a felony under California Vehicle Code 23153 if circumstances such as causing a traffic collision result in serious injury or death to another. Moreover, you could be charged with 2nd Degree Murder or a “Watson Murder” if you are arrested for vehicular manslaughter with impairment with prior DUI or Wet Reckless convictions. The punishment for a Santa Monica DUI can include jail time, fines, probation, driver’s license suspension, and DMV-mandated installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).
Drug Crimes – Controlled substances such as Cocaine, Heroin, and Methamphetamine were at one time considered felony drug possession crimes in Santa Monica. However, the passage of Prop. 47 in 2014 decriminalized these drug offenses under HS 11350 and HS 11377 to misdemeanor drug charges for individuals with no prior serious felony convictions. While the majority of drug possession charges are prosecuted as misdemeanors, registered sex offenders and people with prior felony strikes could have their drug possession charges elevated to felonies due to their prior criminal history. While, possession of a controlled substance for personal use is eligible for drug diversion programs for those who qualify, drug possession with intent to sell or traffic is considered ineligible for diversion.
Theft Crimes – Our Santa Monica criminal defense experience includes both felony and misdemeanor theft crimes of petty theft, grand theft, burglary, receiving stolen property, forgery, fraud, grand theft auto, and embezzlement. A theft crime conviction can result in consequences outside of the criminal court punishments as future employment prospects, and even citizenship can be negatively impacted. Whether you are being charged with a felony or a first-offense misdemeanor, a theft charge should not be taken lightly. Avoiding a theft-related conviction is possible through diversion programs or plea agreements to lesser non-theft offenses.
Sex Crimes – The legal defense of sex crimes is a very specialized area of criminal defense, and the consequences of an inexperienced defense can be permanently catastrophic. As a former special prosecutor with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office’s Sex Crimes Special Prosecution Unit, Mr. Sitkoff is one of the most experienced Santa Monica sex crimes attorneys who has successfully defended a wide range of sex offenses at LAX Courthouse from possession of child pornography, child annoyance, lewd act with a minor, and rape, to sexual battery, indecent exposure, lewd act in public, and prostitution.
Violent Crimes – Crimes involving violence, such as murder, battery, assault with a deadly weapon, or domestic violence, are prosecuted aggressively in Santa Monica. Physical contact or even injury is not a prerequisite for a violent crime either, as violent offenses such as criminal threats, stalking, and assault are examples of offenses that do not require physical contact nor injury. Furthermore, violent crimes such as domestic violence do not require the victim to press charges nor cooperate to result in an arrest and prosecution. With all of the complexities involved in violent crimes defense, it is critical that you consult with criminal defense attorneys with experience defending violent crimes and domestic violence in Santa Monica. A violent crime conviction can not only result in harsh penalties from the criminal court, but many freedoms and liberties can also be stripped from you, such as gun ownership rights, your right to vote, and citizenship.
Call For A Free Case Review With A Santa Monica Criminal Defense Attorney
We have specialized in criminal and DUI defense law exclusively for over 30 years. Our track record of success is a product of our genuine commitment to securing only the best outcomes for our clients. If you have been arrested or are under investigation by Santa Monica PD, do not delay, and contact us now at (310) 861-6753 or toll-free at (888) 579-4844 for a free phone consultation to learn how we can help you.