Los Angeles Criminal Law Blog

Why Would I Want to Hire My Own Attorney Over Having a Public Defender?

A public defender is an attorney the court assigns to represent persons facing criminal charges who cannot pay for their attorney. If you are facing criminal charges and cannot afford an attorney, the court will assign you a public defender to represent you at no cost. While public defenders are highly trained and dedicated professionals, there are several reasons why you may want to hire your attorney over having a public defender to achieve the best possible outcome, as discussed below. Smaller Caseload Public defenders often take on many cases…
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Is There a Difference Between a Theft Crime and a Robbery?

If you have been arrested for a property crime, you may be confused when the arresting officer mentions that they will determine whether to charge you with theft or robbery. Since the terms are frequently used interchangeably, you may wonder whether there is any difference between the two. According to the law, theft and robbery are different, and it is crucial to understand their differences. While both offenses involve taking someone else's property without permission, there are significant legal distinctions and penalties, and understanding them is imperative. Keep reading on…
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What Takes a Gun Crime From a Misdemeanor to a Felony?

In California, misdemeanors and felonies are different categories of crimes based on their severity. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes and carry a maximum sentence of up to 12 months in county jail. In contrast, felonies carry a longer prison sentence, ranging from 16 months to life imprisonment in state prison. If you are facing charges of a gun crime, whether a misdemeanor or a felony charge, it is crucial to consult with a qualified criminal defense lawyer to help you understand the potential consequences of the charges and develop a…
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What Do I Need to Bring to a Consultation With a Criminal Lawyer?

If you face criminal charges, you are probably not at ease and may feel overwhelmed by the circumstances. In such a situation, you may want to consult an experienced criminal lawyer who can advise you on your rights and protect your interests. At the Kosnett Law Firm, our Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys will discuss your case details and guide you on the best course of action. However, you will need to come prepared with the correct information and documents to make the most of your consultation. This article will…
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Do Drunk Driving Arrests Increase During the Holidays?

If you were pulled over for a DUI during this holiday season, you definitely were not the only one. It is a well-documented fact that DUI arrests spike during the holidays, and it does not take a genius to figure out why. With people taking time off work, more cars are on the road. Many are driving long distances to be with family members, while some are engaging in some last-minute, frantic holiday shopping. Still, others are enjoying beautiful feasts during this period and perhaps a few too many drinks.…
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What Steps Need to Be Taken to Seal an Arrest Record?

Thanks to new steps taken by Governor Newsom, sealing your arrest record is now easier than ever in California. But that does not necessarily mean that the process is straightforward. If you have a criminal record, you may now have the chance to seal your record, clear your name, and approach the rest of your life with a renewed sense of dignity and opportunity. It may now be easier to obtain reliable housing, gain meaningful employment, and enjoy many other rights that your criminal record previously impeded. If you are…
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Types of Counterfeiting in Los Angeles and Legal Penalties

The history of counterfeiting goes back to humanity’s most ancient societies. As soon as we started bartering and paying each other with currency, shrewd criminals created counterfeit money and cheap, knock-off items. Whether it is a fake gold coin or a counterfeit bill, the basic concept remains the same: Create an item convincing enough to pass for the real thing – then escape with real valuables in exchange. It might seem like a very simple crime, but the consequences can be tremendous. In California and throughout the entire nation, counterfeiters…
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LA Changing Stance on Prostitution: What Is and Isn’t Legal

Los Angeles is clearly a place with an active sex worker economy. The only problem is that prostitution is illegal in Los Angeles and throughout California. Whether you are a customer or a sex worker, you could face serious legal consequences if you engage in these acts. But if you were visiting Los Angeles for the first time, you might assume that the sex trade is entirely unregulated in the city. After all, there are certain streets and neighborhoods where sex workers freely offer their services with seemingly no fear…
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What to Do After a Solicitation or Prostitution Arrest in California?

At the Kosnett Law Firm, our Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys know that being arrested for solicitation or prostitution in California comes with multiple consequences. In some cases, the embarrassment alone can be overwhelming. Then, the worry of who can see the arrest details, and whether they are made public. This can be exceedingly devastating from both a personal and professional standpoint. Finally, if you are convicted of this crime, it will remain on your record going forward. The thought of this can bring significant anxiety and stress, knowing that…
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Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney If This is My First Arrest?

At the Kosnett Law Firm, we understand that asking a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney whether you need a criminal defense lawyer seems as though it will be answered with a biased response. The reality is, just because you do not have a criminal record — and this is your first arrest — does not mean it will not impact your future in profoundly serious ways. For starters, if you are convicted — whether it is a misdemeanor or felony — you will have a criminal record going forward. Here…
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