Criminal and DUI Defense throughout the Los Angeles area

When you are facing a serious criminal charge, half measures or half-hearted advocacy will not do. You need a determined advocate who will fight for you.

In Beverly Hills is a successful and very active criminal defense firm serving clients throughout the Los Angeles area. We believe in providing strong and effective representation to clients facing serious misdemeanor and felony charges. Contact us now at 310-273-9600 for a free consultation about your defense.

A Former Prosecutor Who Will Fight for You

The founder of our firm, Jonathan Franklin, is a former prosecutor who now uses his skills to protect the rights and preserve the freedom of people who are facing criminal charges. When you discuss your situation with him, he will explain your legal options and how our firm can help you.

We realize that your case is of the utmost importance to you, and will seek to resolve it in the most positive way possible in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Our legal team has achieved numerous negotiated solutions involving reduced charges, mitigated penalties, and alternatives to conviction or incarceration. However, we are always prepared to take your case before a judge and jury and defend you with passion and conviction.

Choosing the Right Attorney

When you are facing a serious criminal charge, half measures or half-hearted advocacy will not do. You need a determined advocate who will fight for you. Choosing the right defense attorney for your case is vital to your freedom and protection of your legal rights. Be diligent and conduct careful research. Read online reviews and to see what clients have said about the lawyer and their services. Search the California Bar website for any disciplinary actions. After your research, contact the attorney for your free consultation.

Think of the initial consultation as a business meeting. Discuss your criminal charge, also ask the attorney tough questions. You want to know how long they’ve been practicing law, their AVVO rating, and what they have accomplished for their past clients.

The importance of selecting an experienced Beverly Hills Criminal Attorney cannot be overstated. Your future may depend on your defense. The Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin will provide a strong defense designed to protect your rights and preserve your freedom.

Jonathan Franklin is Your Dedicated Defense Attorney

The Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin understand the confusion, stress, and helplessness our clients feel. They’ve been accused of committing a criminal act. They’re facing jail or prison time. Their reputation in the Los Angeles County area is in jeopardy. Clients want their criminal case gone.

That’s why we’re here for you. We show each client our dedication to their case by offering a vigorous, strong and tough defense. Unlike other Los Angeles County criminal defense firms, we don’t have bankers’ hours. We know clients may encounter legal trouble at any hour of the day or night. Call or contact us and we’ll be here to provide you the help you need.

As a defense attorney, Jonathan Franklin has represented all types of criminal cases from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Along the way he’s earned the respect from Los Angeles County prosecutors, judges and other legal professionals. All of these other legal professionals know the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin mean business when it’s time to represent clients because they know that we are fighting for our client’s freedom and legal rights.

The Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin is Client-Centered

Jonathan is more than just a legal professional: he’s client-centered. This means he’s totally focused on the needs of his clients. Getting arrested or being suspected of a crime are perhaps the most terrifying and unnerving experiences anyone can face. That is why the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin offers free consultations. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Above all, we practice continuous communication. Other clients have to call their lawyers for an update on their cases. Jonathan is client-centered. He keeps his clients updated and informed about their matter. Fighting for justice is a team effort.

Beverly Hills Criminal Defense Attorney: The Legal Knowledge and Experience You Need When Facing a Criminal Charge



Jonathan Franklin, founder of our firm, has more than 20 years of unparalleled, criminal law experience. Jonathan began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney. He prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases from drug charges and DUI cases to white collar and major felony crimes.



Many defense attorneys have only been on one side of the law. They may know prosecutors, judges and state witnesses, but they haven’t been on the other side. Jonathan Franklin’s time as a prosecutor taught him:

How prosecutors approach a criminal case

How they try to win

What type of evidence they use to convict

How they question witnesses to help their case

How they attack defense witnesses to hurt the defendant’s case.

Jonathan is interested in helping clients avoid the harsh consequences that come from being accused of a crime. Jonathan uses his experience and knowledge as a former prosecutor to protect his clients’ legal rights and keep his clients out of jail or prison. When you discuss your legal situation with Jonathan, he’ll tell you the approach prosecutors will mostly likely take with your case and explain all your legal defenses and options.



Jonathan Franklin isn’t an “appearance attorney”, nor are the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin a “law mill.” He’s YOUR attorney, and he devotes individual time and attention to your case. An appearance attorney meets with the client during their free consultation, then the client doesn’t see the attorney again. Jonathan doesn’t meet with clients then hand their cases to associate attorneys. He represents each client aggressively and thoroughly from the moment he’s hired until the case is resolved.



Jonathan Franklin and the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin are top notch in the California legal field. Jonathan aggressively fights for clients from start to finish. He puts his years of experience as a prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer to work for each client.

Understanding the Criminal Justice System to Relieve Anxiety about Your Case

You’ve been arrested or suspected of a crime in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles County. You’re frightened, confused and wondering “What happens next?” Unanswered questions only cause more confusion and fear. Navigating your way through the criminal justice doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience.



If you are a suspect in a crime or have been arrested, do not say anything to police without speaking to a lawyer. Everything you say and do could have a negative impact on your case and your freedom.

Elements of a Criminal Case

At the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin, we strive to make the process easier for everyone. Let’s start by discussing how the criminal justice system works. After an arrest, four things may happen:

The Complaint

The Arraignment

The Preliminary Hearing

Trial

The Complaint Makes a Person a “Defendant” in a Criminal Case

After an arrest, a district attorney decides whether to file formal charges against a suspect. To formally charge a person means filing a “Complaint.” The Complaint outlines the facts and details of the criminal charges. Contrary to popular belief, a district attorney doesn’t want to formally charge everyone arrested for a crime. Charges are pursed based on a variety of factors, including the prosecutor determining if it’s a winnable case based upon the facts suggesting that the person committed the crime.



Prosecutors obtain the facts of the case from the police. During the complaint process, it’s vital to have a defense attorney. Your attorney will talk to the district attorney to explain the client’s side. Showing the facts from the client’s side may change the district attorney’s view of the case. For instance, if may no longer be a winnable, slam-dunk case.



At the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin, we work quickly and diligently in an effort to stop the process of a complaint being filed. We talk to the district attorney and argue in your favor against filing formal criminal charges.





The Arraignment Process is the First Hearing

If the district attorney decides to formally file criminal charges, the person charged the in the Complaint then becomes the defendant in the case. An arraignment is the first formal hearing. Criminal charges filed against the person are read aloud. Bail is set. The defendant has the opportunity to plead either “not guilty” or “guilty.”



The prosecutor and defense attorney don’t argue the case during an arraignment hearing. However, having a defense attorney is invaluable during an arraignment hearing because that’s where a defense attorney begins to fight for their client’s Constitutional rights. For instance, the defense lawyer can fight for a bail reduction or an “OR” release. At the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin, we’re focus on getting our clients the best possible outcome. This means getting the client out of jail and working together towards successful resolution.

The Preliminary Hearing is the Opportunity to Fight the Charges

No one wants their case to progress to the preliminary stage. However, it’s important to understand that it’s not a conviction but another stage in the process. A preliminary hearing, or probable cause hearing, is presided over by a magistrate in a felony case. During the hearing, the district attorney presents their evidence against the defendant. The district attorney’s goal is to convince the magistrate a crime was committed and the defendant was the person who committed the crime. For example, the district attorney presents witnesses who claim to have proof the defendant committed the crime.



During the preliminary hearing a defense lawyer fights to exclude improper evidence and challenge witnesses who may not be telling the truth. For instance, if witnesses are challenged during the preliminary hearing, they can’t change their mind during trial. If they do, this discrepancy can be pointed out to the judge or jury.

Jonathan fights during the preliminary hearing to discredit or challenge witnesses. Witness testimony can mean the difference between a guilty and not guilty verdict. It can also mean a dismissal of criminal charges. Discrediting witnesses’ testimony, fighting to get evidence thrown out and bolstering the strongest evidence in your favor is the best approach to take during a preliminary hearing.

If the magistrate agrees with the district attorney, the defendant is “held to answer.” Being held to answer means the case continues. If the magistrate doesn’t agree there was a crime committed or the defendant committed a crime, the case ends.

More often than not, a defendant is held to answer for the crime they’re alleged to have committed. That means the case will proceed to the next stage. Discovery motions are filed to ensure that the evidence that the district attorney has against the defendant is provided, as required by law, to defendant’s attorney.

From the End of the Preliminary Hearing to the Beginning of Trial

The right defense attorney takes advantage of the time between the preliminary hearing and beginning of trial by using this time to build their case. A smart and comprehensive defense strategy will increase the odds of swaying a jury in the defendant’s favor. Expert witnesses can be hired and prosecution witness testimony can be investigated.



During this time, the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin work hard to get you the best outcome. Jonathan starts working on building a strong defense as soon as he meets with you. He understands you want to resolve your criminal case a quickly as possible. That is why he constantly negotiates with prosecutors during each step of the criminal justice process. Jonathan uses the time between the preliminary hearing and trial effectively. A case can be resolved prior to trial in many ways such as:

Dropped charges: This means Jonathan persuaded the district attorney that they have no case or they will lose at trial. The formal charges are eliminated and there is not trial.

Reduced charges: If possible, and that is what a client wants, Jonathan can negotiate a reduction of charges and in an effort to get them a lesser punishment and avoid trial.

Plea Deal: A plea deal is negotiated between the district attorney and defense lawyer. The defendant agrees to plead guilty to the crime, but receives a lighter sentence. For instance, the defendant may receive probation or mandatory treatment instead of a prison or jail sentence. If his client wants a plea deal, Jonathan will fight for a fair deal to help his client avoid trial.

The Trial is Where a Defendant Faces the Defendant’s Accusers

Prior to trial, both the prosecutor and defense attorney choose the jury. If the defendant opts for a bench trial, no jury is selected. Choosing the jury is called “voir dire.” Both sides get to ask potential jurors questions and select the jurors based upon the answers to the questions.



After the juror are chosen, the trial begins. Both sides present opening statements. Then, the prosecution presents witnesses and the defense attorney cross-examines them. The defense then presents its case and the prosecution gets to cross-examine defense witnesses. Closing arguments happen at the end of the trial. At that point, the case is in the hands of the judge or jury, the following outcomes may happen:

Not guilty verdict

Guilty verdict

Hung jury

What You Can Expect from the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin

The Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin are a very active and successful defense firm serving clients throughout the Los Angeles area. We realize that your case is of the utmost importance to you, and will seek to resolve it in the most positive way possible in a timely and cost-effective manner. Our legal team has achieved numerous negotiated solutions involving reduced charges, mitigated penalties and alternatives to conviction or incarceration. However, we are always prepared to take your case before a judge and jury and defend you with passion and conviction.

We provide an effective and strong defense for clients facing criminal charges from misdemeanors to felonies such as:

First DUI

DUI

Second or Subsequent DUI

Felony DUI

California DUI penalties

Administrative hearings

Breathalyzer, Urine, Blood and Field Sobriety Tests

Domestic Violence

Drug Charges

Driver’s License Suspension

Hit and Run

Lewd Conduct

Solicitation of Prostitution

Indecent Exposure

Theft

White Collar Crime

Saving Your Driver’s License

Probation Violations

Outstanding Warrants

Expungements

Contact Us Now for Immediate Help with Your Criminal Case

From the moment your free consultation begins, Jonathan starts preparing a strong defense for your case. He also will work diligently and aggressively to resolve your case quickly. Whether he talks to prosecutors during the complaint phase or argues during the preliminary hearing, Jonathan is working to resolve your case in your favor. He is not like other defense lawyers. Jonathan uses his experience as a former prosecutor to protect your freedom and legal rights. Jonathan knows what is at stake and he is going to work hard in an effort to get your charges dropped or dismissed



Contact us for a free consultation at the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 310-273-9600. We represent clients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County and throughout the Southern California area.

Our offices are located in the historic Courtyard Building, conveniently located on Canon Drive in the heart of Beverly Hills. Complimentary two-hour parking is available next door.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover

Beverly Hills DUI Attorney

The importance of selecting an experienced Beverly Hills Criminal Attorney cannot be overstated. Your future may depend on your defense. The Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin will provide a strong defense designed to protect your rights and preserve your freedom.

Our offices are located in the historic Courtyard Building, conveniently located on Canon Drive in the heart of Beverly Hills. Complimentary two-hour parking is available next door.

For a free initial consultation with a Beverly Hills DUI Lawyer at the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin, contact us at 310-273-9600. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.