Criminal law concerns crimes that involve acts considered to be unacceptable by a majority of the people in a society.  The types of criminal cases that are punishable by law generally include violent crimes such as murder, arson, or child abuse; drug and alcohol-related crimes including DUI cases; sex crimes such as rape and child pornography; white-collar crimes that include bribery, fraud, and extortion; appeals or post-conviction relief like plea withdrawals and sentence reversals; and other crimes such as burglary, stalking, or perjury.  But under the law, the accused is innocent until proven guilty.  The burden of proof lies with the State, and the accused is guaranteed a free public defender to present a case on behalf of the accused.  For expert advice from an experienced counselor, residents of the Golden State can easily find a good criminal law attorney; California is home to many reliable and competent lawyers that can help those accused of these crimes.

In addition to calling his or her own witnesses and cross-examining witnesses put forward by the prosecution, criminal law attorneys also work with the prosecutor to negotiate a deal, also known as a plea bargain, which often reduces the potential sentence of the accused.  Depending on the situation faced by his or her client and where the case is being heard, an experienced California criminal law attorney will also figure out a good sentencing program and navigate the case through the State’s legal system.  Attorneys may also find and hire investigators who can investigate not only the alleged crime, but also the witnesses that the prosecution plans to call to the stand.  It is very important that the criminal law attorney helps his or her clients deal with the emotional swings that come with a criminal trial, such as embarrassment, fear, or depression.  Having an experienced and skilled criminal law attorney gives the accused the assurances that the strongest case for their innocence is being presented before the judge and the jury.