Long Beach Criminal Justice Attorney With Over 37 Years of
Criminal Defense Experience in California
With more than three decades of experience handling criminal defense cases throughout southern California, Jerry Nicholson has the background, skills, judgment, and reputation he needs to provide clients with sound legal advice and high-quality, aggressive defense representation against criminal charges in Long Beach. Experienced Long Beach criminal defense attorney Jerry Nicholson has handled virtually every kind of criminal defense case, including DUI, sex crimes, white collar crimes, theft, drug possession charges, and assault and battery. If you face misdemeanor or felony charges in Long Beach, CA, let criminal defense lawyer Jerry Nicholson fight to keep a conviction off of your record.
Keeping You Out of Jail
If you or someone you love has been arrested in Long Beach, veteran criminal defense attorney Jerry Nicholson can help you with obtaining release on bail, having the bail amount reduced, or obtaining your release upon your promise to appear in court. Defense lawyer Jerry Nicholson routinely handles criminal cases, working to negotiate sentencing modifications and alternatives to jail including house arrest, work release, or alcohol and drug rehabilitation. He will use every available criminal law tool and service to defend your freedom, which is one of the reasons he is so highly sought after by people in the state of California. Long Beach courts are notoriously tough on crime, so you’ll need to hire a Long Beach criminal defense attorney who knows what it takes to keep you out of jail. Jerry Nicholson is that attorney who will fight for your rights. Here are some of the most common questions our criminal defense law firm receives:
What is The Role of a Criminal Defense Attorney in The Justice System?
Criminal defense attorneys play an important role in the U.S. justice system. These attorneys are trained to represent people who are accused of committing crimes, which are the defendants in a criminal case. They ensure that defendants are treated fairly by the justice system and that their constitutional rights are not violated. If defense attorneys were not around, the defendants in criminal cases would have to face skilled prosecutors on their own.
What Are The Responsibilities of Criminal Defense Attorneys?
A criminal defense attorney will take on a number of responsibilities when representing someone who is accused of committing a crime. An attorney will explain all of your legal options and make sure you understand how each will affect your future. Sometimes, a criminal defense attorney will take on the task of negotiating with the prosecution for a plea deal to save you from having to go to trial. But, if the case does go to trial, an attorney will fight for your freedom by poking holes in the prosecution’s case and presenting a convincing case to the jury. Basically, an attorney is responsible for protecting your best interests through every step of the criminal justice process.
What is The Difference Between A Criminal Defense Attorney and a Public Defender?
Both criminal defense attorneys and public defenders represent criminal defendants, but that does not mean that these two types of legal professionals are the same. A criminal defense attorney works for a private law firm and is hired by the defendant, whereas a public defender works for the government and is appointed by the court. Public defenders are only appointed when the defendant cannot afford to hire a criminal defense attorney. These legal professionals typically take on many cases at once, so they may not have a lot of time to devote to your case. For this reason–and many others–it is best to hire a criminal defense attorney instead of working with a public defender.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
A number of factors can affect the cost of legal representation, including the attorney’s experience and complexity of the case. For this reason, it is important to discuss fees with your attorney during the initial case evaluation. Having this conversation early on will ensure you know exactly what you are expected to pay in the future.
A Free, Genuine Legal Consultation
Jerry Nicholson’s phones lines are staffed by a live person 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring that you will always have access to an experienced criminal defense attorney. Many lawyers will promise you a free consultation, but they only deliver a 15-minute sales pitch. Not Jerry Nicholson. On your first visit to our law office, he will sit down with you for as long as you need to review your case fully and to consider all of your legal options. Our office is located in the Naples neighborhood in Long Beach near Mothers Beach and the Long Beach Sea Base Aquatics Center, approximately 8 miles from Long Beach Airport (LGB). Make a right on N Lakewood Blvd as you leave the Long Beach Airport. Take the second exit in the traffic circle to continue onto CA-1 S for just under 3 miles. Turn right onto E 2nd Street, then make a left onto E Naples Plaza. Take an immediate left onto N Cordova Walk and an immediate right onto Appian Way. After turning right onto N Syracuse Walk, take the first right onto E Naples Plaza to arrive at our law firm. Merge onto I-5 S from Anaheim to travel to Long Beach. Take exit 107B to merge onto CA-22 W toward Garden Grove. Continue on this road for 9.4 miles before taking exit 22 toward Seal Beach Blvd. Merge onto I-405 N, and follow the signs for Long Beach. Take exit 1 toward Studebaker Road, and keep left to continue on this road. Turn right onto E 2nd Street, and make an immediate left onto E Naples Plaza. Then, turn left onto N Cordova Walk, right onto Appian Way, and right again on N Syracuse Walk. Our law firm is located on E Naples Plaza, which is on your right at the first cross street. If you’re facing any criminal charge in the Long Beach area, you need an experienced Long Beach criminal defense attorney who can address your concerns and provide you with a sound, aggressive legal defense. See what former clients have to say about working with Jerry by reading the Google Plus reviews of the Law Offices of Jerry Nicholson, A Professional Corporation. Call the Law Offices of Jerry Nicholson as quickly as possible or fill out the form on this website to speak with our Los Angeles County criminal defense attorneys.
Testimonials
My wife was ticketed by a police sting on grub hub drivers delivering alcohol. This was a misdemeanor charge. They used a dummy minor (17 years old, but he looked like he was in his 20's. This guy was buffer than any 17 year old Id ever met.) We hired Jerry and Julissa. A couple months later, they got the DA to dismiss the charge in a special hearing before the arraignment. My wife was out of the country during the hearing, while Jerry and Julissa were handling everything. They were always quick to respond to any questions we had. We also want to mention that it brought us great comfort to know that Jerry was a former DA for many years and was able to give us insight into what to expect, and with superb accuracy too. We are more than happy to recommend Jerry and Julissa as your criminal defense! Thank you Jerry and Julissa!
Criminal Defense Services
Violent Crimes
Violent crimes can result in injuries or death, so if you’re convicted in California of a crime that involves violence, the penalty will probably be severe. A “violent” crime is a crime where a perpetrator – armed or unarmed – uses or threatens violence against a victim. If you’re charged with any of the following crimes, contact Long Beach criminal defense attorney Jerry Nicholson as quickly as possible for the skilled defense representation you’re going to need: arson, assault, battery, armed robbery, domestic violence, criminal threats, and driving-related offenses including hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter. Whether you’re innocent or guilty, contact defense lawyer Jerry Nicholson at once.
Child Molestation/Pornography Cases
In California, anyone who commits a “lewd or lascivious act” on a child under age 14 is guilty of a felony punishable upon conviction with three to eight years in prison. Possession or distribution of child pornography is almost always prosecuted as a felony punishable upon conviction with up to eight years in prison. A conviction for either of these crimes may also require lifelong registration as a sex offender. If you are charged with child molestation or child pornography, or if you are being investigated for one of these crimes, it is critically important to contact Long Beach criminal defense attorney Jerry Nicholson immediately.
Victims of Crimes
If you’re a crime victim, you don’t need hassles or harassment from the system that’s supposed to guarantee justice. Victims have the right to be treated with dignity and receive restitution, but obtaining the benefit of these rights isn’t always easy. A victim advocate attorney can help. A crime victim advocate attorney knows the criminal justice system and uses that knowledge on behalf of victims. A victim advocate attorney can help you prepare to testify, speak on your behalf at sentencing, and help calculate and collect your restitution. Attorney Jerry Nicholson’s background uniquely qualifies him to serve on your behalf as your victim advocate attorney.
Sexual Offenses
If anyone accuses you of a sex crime, you’ll need to be represented by an aggressive, experienced Long Beach sex crimes attorney. Sex crimes can be some of the most serious offenses that the criminal justice system addresses. In California, sexual assault, rape, and statutory rape are punished without leniency. Attorney Jerry Nicholson handles cases ranging from physical child abuse charges to accusations of lewd conduct in public. Call the Law Offices of Jerry Nicholson as quickly as possible after an arrest for any sex crime in the Long Beach area.
Arrest Warrants
Typically, an arrest warrant will be issued after a grand jury indictment or when law enforcement officials reasonably suspect that criminal activity has occurred. In most cases, a person is not even aware that an arrest warrant exists until the arrest is made. Having the assistance of an experienced Long Beach arrest warrants attorney is beneficial. If you believe that an arrest warrant has been issued for you, you need the help of experienced Long Beach arrest warrants attorney Jerry Nicholson. He knows what the courts will require and in some cases can help you avoid time in jail. If there’s a warrant with your name on it, don’t wait to make the call.
Domestic Violence
If you’re accused of domestic violence, you’ll need to contact a Long Beach domestic violence defense attorney at once. The state will prosecute aggressively anyone charged with domestic violence. A domestic violence charge may be filed as either a misdemeanor or as a felony hinging on the seriousness of the alleged abusive behavior, but severe injuries will almost always generate a felony charge. The laws governing domestic violence are complicated and govern a variety of circumstances and behaviors. If you are charged with domestic violence in or near Long Beach, you must hire an experienced domestic violence defense attorney.
Driving Under the Influence
If you are charged with DUI, contact Long Beach DUI lawyer Jerry Nicholson for the legal help you’ll need. Jerry Nicholson can challenge the legality of the traffic stop, the results of DUI tests, and the testimony of the police. With your future at stake, don’t take unnecessary risks. Jerry Nicholson has the experience and the dedication you’ll need if you are arrested and charged with DUI. With the likelihood of fines, a license suspension, and possible jail time if you’re convicted, it’s imperative to have an experienced Long Beach DUI attorney working for you.
Assault with Deadly Weapon
Assault with a deadly weapon is an assault that is likely to produce “great bodily injury.” A deadly weapon is defined by California law as any object or weapon that is inherently deadly or used in a manner that is capable of causing, or is likely to cause, great bodily injury or death: a baseball bat, a knife, brass knuckles, or even a vehicle, for example. A felony conviction for assault with a deadly weapon is punishable with up to four years in prison, so if you are charged with this crime, you must be advised and represented by Long Beach defense attorney Jerry Nicholson.
Should You Post Bail After An Arrest?
Even though bail is usually set pursuant to a fixed schedule for each crime, judges can sometimes deviate from these schedules & adjust the bail amounts. Any adjustments can, however, only be made during or after your first arraignment & unless you post the bail as quoted then you will remain in custody until you are arraigned. At your first arraignment, your attorneys can try to convince the judge to reduce the bail amount but there is a real risk that the prosecutors will also try to have it increased. The best way to beat the prosecution’s arguments, in this respect, is to prepare adequately & for that you need enough time. Posting bail as it is means that you do not have to appear for your first arraignment for up to 30 days instead of 3 & this time should be enough for your attorneys to craft the best arguments to get your bail reduced.