Criminal Defense Attorney in Carson

Immediate Help When You Are Facing Charges

Being arrested or learning that you are under investigation in or around Carson is frightening and confusing. Court dates arrive quickly, and what you do now can affect your record, your job, and your family. You need a criminal defense attorney in Carson who understands both California law and the Los Angeles County courts.

Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey provides focused criminal defense for people facing infractions, misdemeanors, felonies, juvenile cases, and expungements that grow out of cases from the Carson community. Our team is led by attorney Pat Carey, a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney. We use that background to evaluate charges, protect your rights, and guide you through each stage of the case.

Your future is too important to leave to chance. Call (310) 695-1118 or contact us online to speak with a criminal law attorney in Carson. We are available 24/7 and our lead counsel is a State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist.

Understanding Criminal Laws in Carson

California’s Penal Code is vast, but most offenses fall into three distinct categories: Infractions, Misdemeanors, and Felonies. In Carson, criminal matters are prosecuted by either the Los Angeles County District Attorney or local city prosecutors, depending on the nature and location of the offense.

As your criminal law attorney in Carson, we handle a wide spectrum of cases, including:

1. Violent Crimes: From simple assault to more severe "wobblers" like assault with a deadly weapon. We also defend against serious crimes such as murder or manslaughter.
2. Property Crimes: Including residential burglary and grand theft, where the value of property exceeds $950.
3. Drug Offenses: While California has moved toward rehabilitation, possession for sale remains a heavily prosecuted felony.
4. DUI and Traffic Crimes: Vehicle Code violations that can lead to license suspension and mandatory jail time.

A critical nuance in California law is the "Wobbler" statute. Many crimes can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor based on the prosecutor’s discretion and the defendant’s criminal history. Our firm specializes in intervening early to convince prosecutors to "wobble" a charge down to a misdemeanor before it ever reaches a preliminary hearing.

Why Choose Our California Defense Firm

When you look for a criminal lawyer in Carson, you may see many firms that claim to handle everything. We are different because criminal law is the core of what we do. Pat Carey holds Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist status in California, a designation held by a small fraction of lawyers in the state.

Before founding our firm, Pat served as a Deputy District Attorney in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. That experience as a top prosecutor means we know how the other side reviews police reports, screens cases, and decides what to file. We draw on that insight when we assess the strength of the accusations, look for weaknesses, and prepare negotiations.

Over the course of handling more than 7,000 criminal matters, Pat has appeared in many types of cases and fact patterns, from lower-level charges to serious felonies. With 65 jury trials completed, we are comfortable in the courtroom when a case needs to be tried instead of resolved through an agreement. Our goal is to use that depth of experience to pursue outcomes that protect your freedom and your future.

We also take the client experience seriously. We stay current on changes in California criminal law, use technology to keep files organized, and are available 24/7 when urgent issues arise. When you work with us, you are not just a case number. You are a person whose life can be significantly affected by what happens in court, and we work to reflect that in every decision we make together.

How We Defend Criminal Charges in Carson

Defending criminal charges in Carson requires more than general courtroom experience—it requires an understanding of how cases from this area move through the Los Angeles County system, often at the Torrance Courthouse and other county facilities. Because each case follows its own path, we tailor our strategy from the outset, combining local court knowledge with a careful review of the facts to build a defense designed around your specific circumstances.

Our approach includes:

1. Early case assessment: We gather detailed information about the incident, your background, and the current status of the case.
2. Thorough evidence review: After obtaining police reports and charging documents, we analyze whether proper procedures were followed and whether the evidence was lawfully obtained.
3. Strategic insight: Drawing on experience as a former prosecutor, we evaluate how the district attorney is likely to assess and approach the case.
4. Challenging unlawful evidence: We examine potential issues involving stops, searches, or identifications, and file motions to suppress or limit evidence when appropriate.
5. Proactive negotiation: When beneficial, we engage early with the prosecution to address weaknesses, clarify misunderstandings, and present mitigating information that may not appear in the police report.
6. Exploring alternative resolutions: Where available, we pursue diversion programs, treatment-based options, or other outcomes that may reduce or avoid a conviction—particularly important for clients with professional licenses, immigration concerns, or academic commitments.
7. Clear, ongoing communication: Our Carson criminal defense attorneys explain charges, consequences, and options in straightforward language, providing candid guidance so you can make informed decisions about settlement or trial.

Talk To Our Carson Defense Lawyer Today

If you are facing criminal charges or an investigation connected to Carson, you do not have to navigate the Los Angeles County system alone. Our firm represents people dealing with infractions, misdemeanors, felonies, juvenile cases, and related record issues that can affect their lives long after a case ends.

With a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, a former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney, and thousands of criminal cases and jury trials handled, we bring real courtroom experience to your side. Our goal is to make a difficult situation more manageable by explaining your options clearly and working to protect your future.

Call (310) 695-1118 or reach out online to speak with our defense team today. We can discuss what is happening in your case, what to expect next, and how we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at my first court date?

Your first court date is usually an arraignment, where the judge tells you the charges and asks for a plea. Bail or release terms may also be addressed. We appear with you, explain what is happening, and speak on your behalf to help protect your rights from the start.

How does a former prosecutor help my case?

A former prosecutor understands how the District Attorney reviews evidence, decides what to file, and evaluates offers. Pat Carey uses that insight to anticipate arguments, spot weaknesses in the case, and prepare negotiations or motions. This perspective helps us make more informed decisions about strategy together.

How quickly can your team start helping me?

We can typically begin helping as soon as you contact us. In urgent situations, such as a recent arrest, we work to speak with you or your family promptly and to prepare for the first court date. Early involvement gives us more opportunity to help protect your rights and gather information.

Will I be able to talk directly with my attorney?

Yes. Our approach is to keep you informed and involved in your defense. You will have opportunities to speak directly with attorney Pat Carey about your case, your questions, and your options. We also use our team and technology to help keep communication timely and organized.

Can you help clear my record later?

We handle expungements and certain post-conviction matters when California law allows. Whether your record can be cleared depends on the type of conviction, your history, and other legal factors. We can review your situation, explain what relief might be available, and help you plan for your long-term future.

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