When you’re facing criminal charges in Long Beach, California, your freedom, your future, and your reputation hang in the balance. Whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or a serious felony, the consequences of a criminal conviction can follow you for the rest of your life—affecting your employment opportunities, professional licenses, housing options, immigration status, and personal relationships. The criminal justice system is complex, intimidating, and unforgiving to those who try to navigate it alone. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows Long Beach courts, understands California criminal law inside and out, and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and your freedom.
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we provide aggressive, experienced criminal defense representation to clients throughout Long Beach and Los Angeles County facing all types of criminal charges. Our legal team has successfully defended clients against charges ranging from DUI and drug offenses to violent crimes and white-collar offenses. We understand that being charged with a crime is one of the most stressful and frightening experiences you can face, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process, protect your constitutional rights, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
If you or a loved one has been arrested or is under investigation for any criminal offense in Long Beach or Los Angeles County, contact Tu Defensor Criminalista immediately by visiting our website at / to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney who will provide honest advice, develop a powerful defense strategy, and stand by your side every step of the way.
Long Beach, California’s seventh-largest city with a population of approximately 466,742 according to the U.S. Census Bureau[1], is served by the Long Beach Police Department[2], one of the largest municipal police departments in California. With over 800 sworn officers and civilian employees, the department responds to hundreds of thousands of calls for service annually and makes thousands of arrests each year across the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Criminal cases originating in Long Beach are prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office[3], one of the largest prosecutorial agencies in the world, and are heard in the Long Beach Courthouse (Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse) at 275 Magnolia Avenue, part of the Los Angeles Superior Court[4] system—the largest unified trial court system in the United States.
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we defend clients against the full spectrum of criminal charges, including:
Understanding the local criminal justice landscape provides important context for anyone facing criminal charges in Long Beach.
According to the Long Beach Police Department’s crime statistics [5]dashboard[5], Long Beach experiences thousands of reported crimes annually across categories including violent crimes (homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, arson). The city has implemented various community policing initiatives and crime prevention programs aimed at reducing crime and improving public safety.
The California Department of Justice’s OpenJustice portal[6] provides comprehensive statewide criminal justice data showing that California law enforcement agencies make approximately 1 million arrests annually, with Los Angeles County accounting for a significant portion of those arrests.
According to data from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office[3], the office files charges in hundreds of thousands of cases annually, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The office employs hundreds of deputy district attorneys who prosecute cases throughout Los Angeles County, including in Long Beach.
Conviction rates vary significantly depending on the type of charge, the quality of evidence, and whether the defendant has experienced legal representation. Cases that go to trial result in convictions in a significant percentage, but many cases are resolved through plea negotiations, dismissals, or reductions in charges—outcomes that experienced defense attorneys can often secure through effective advocacy.
Los Angeles County operates one of the largest jail systems in the United States. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department[7], which operates county jail facilities, thousands of individuals are held in county jails at any given time awaiting trial or serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation[8] reports that California’s state prison population includes thousands of individuals serving sentences for felony convictions. However, California has implemented significant criminal justice reforms in recent years, including realignment (AB 109) that directs certain lower-level felony offenders to county jail rather than state prison, Proposition 47 that reduced certain drug possession and theft offenses from felonies to misdemeanors, and Proposition 57 that expanded parole eligibility for certain offenders.
National data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics[9] shows significant racial disparities in the criminal justice system, with Black and Latino individuals arrested, prosecuted, and incarcerated at disproportionate rates compared to their representation in the general population. In diverse Long Beach, where approximately 42% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino and 13% identify as Black or African American according to the U.S. Census Bureau[1], these disparities reflect broader patterns seen throughout California and the nation.
Organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union[10] have documented that these disparities result from multiple factors including differential law enforcement practices, implicit bias, socioeconomic factors, and systemic issues within the criminal justice system.
The consequences of criminal convictions are severe and long-lasting. Understanding what you’re facing underscores why experienced legal representation is absolutely essential.
Beyond direct criminal penalties, convictions create collateral consequences that can be even more devastating:
Understanding your constitutional rights is fundamental to any criminal defense. The United States Constitution and California Constitution provide critical protections for individuals accused of crimes.
The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement. Police must have reasonable suspicion to stop and detain you, probable cause to arrest you, and generally must obtain a search warrant based on probable cause before searching your home, vehicle, or person (though numerous exceptions exist).
Evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment can be suppressed through motions filed by your defense attorney, potentially resulting in dismissal of charges or significant weakening of the prosecution’s case.
The Fifth Amendment provides multiple critical protections including the right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself (you cannot be forced to testify against yourself), protection against double jeopardy (you cannot be tried twice for the same offense), and the right to due process before being deprived of life, liberty, or property.
The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to legal representation at all critical stages of the criminal process, the right to a speedy and public trial, the right to an impartial jury, the right to confront witnesses against you, and the right to compulsory process to obtain witnesses in your favor.
The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment, providing important protections regarding bail amounts and sentencing.
Based on the landmark U.S. Supreme Court[16] decision in Miranda v. Arizona, law enforcement officers must advise you of specific rights before conducting custodial interrogation, including the right to remain silent, that anything you say can be used against you, the right to an attorney, and that an attorney will be appointed if you cannot afford one.
Statements obtained in violation of Miranda can be suppressed and cannot be used against you at trial.
Understanding the criminal justice process helps you know what to expect and make informed decisions about your defense.
Criminal cases begin in various ways including arrest at the scene of an alleged crime, arrest following an investigation, arrest on a warrant, or citation and release for minor offenses.
Critical Step: If you’re arrested or learn you’re under investigation, contact Tu Defensor Criminalista immediately at /. Early intervention by an experienced attorney can protect your rights, prevent you from making damaging statements, and begin building your defense before the case against you solidifies.
Following arrest, you’ll be transported to the Long Beach Police Department jail or a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s facility for booking where personal information is recorded, photographs and fingerprints are taken, your property is inventoried, and you’re held pending arraignment or release on bail.
California has reformed its bail system in recent years, moving toward risk-based assessments rather than cash bail for many offenses. However, bail is still set based on the charges, your criminal history, ties to the community, and whether you’re considered a flight risk or danger to the community.
Arraignment is your first court appearance, typically held within 48 hours if you’re in custody or several weeks later if you’ve been released. During arraignment you’re formally advised of the charges against you, informed of your constitutional rights, enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest), and bail is addressed if you’re in custody or conditions of release are imposed.
What You Should Do: Always plead not guilty at arraignment. This preserves all your legal options and gives your attorney time to investigate, obtain evidence, and develop your defense strategy. Having an attorney from Tu Defensor Criminalista at your arraignment ensures your rights are protected from the very beginning.
In felony cases, you’re entitled to a preliminary hearing where the prosecution must present sufficient evidence to establish probable cause that a crime was committed and that you committed it. This is not a trial to determine guilt, but rather a lower threshold determination of whether the case should proceed to trial.
The preliminary hearing provides an invaluable opportunity to preview the prosecution’s evidence, cross-examine their witnesses, identify weaknesses in their case, lock witnesses into testimony that can be used against them at trial, and sometimes negotiate favorable resolutions when prosecutors see weaknesses in their case.
The pretrial phase is where much of the important work happens. Your attorney will:
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office[3], the vast majority of criminal cases are resolved through plea agreements rather than trial. However, effective negotiation requires credible trial preparation—prosecutors offer better deals when they know the defense is prepared to win at trial.
If your case cannot be resolved favorably through pretrial proceedings and you choose not to accept a plea offer, your case proceeds to trial. You have the constitutional right to a jury trial for misdemeanors and felonies (12 jurors for felonies, 12 for misdemeanors unless waived, though some misdemeanors allow 8-person juries by agreement).
At trial, the prosecution must prove every element of every charge beyond a reasonable doubt—the highest burden of proof in American law. Your attorney will select a favorable jury through voir dire, cross-examine prosecution witnesses to expose weaknesses and inconsistencies, present defense witnesses and evidence, challenge the credibility and reliability of the prosecution’s case, move for acquittal when the evidence is insufficient, and deliver powerful opening statements and closing arguments.
You have the absolute constitutional right to testify in your own defense or to remain silent—the choice is yours with your attorney’s advice.
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we’re experienced trial attorneys who have successfully defended clients at jury trial in criminal cases throughout Los Angeles County. We’re not afraid to take cases to trial when that’s the best strategy to protect your freedom.
If you’re convicted after trial or plead guilty or no contest, the court conducts a sentencing hearing. California’s sentencing structure varies dramatically depending on the offense. Some offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences, while others provide judges with substantial discretion.
Your attorney advocates for the most lenient sentence possible by presenting mitigating factors including your lack of criminal history, circumstances of the offense, evidence of remorse and rehabilitation, character references from employers, family, and community members, participation in treatment or counseling, and advocacy for probation, alternative sentencing, or minimum custody time.
If you’re convicted, you may have grounds to appeal based on legal errors made during trial. Appeals must be filed within strict deadlines and require specialized appellate expertise.
Additionally, California provides various forms of post-conviction relief including petitions to expunge convictions under Penal Code Section 1203.4, motions to reduce felonies to misdemeanors under Penal Code Section 17(b), certificates of rehabilitation, and petitions for writs of habeas corpus based on constitutional violations.
Every criminal case is unique and requires a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts, evidence, and charges. However, common defense approaches include:
Often the evidence is consistent with multiple explanations. We present alternative theories that create reasonable doubt including that someone else committed the crime, that you had no knowledge or participation in criminal activity, that the alleged criminal conduct was actually lawful behavior, or that you lacked the mental state required for the offense.
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we provide specialized representation in various areas of criminal defense:
DUI cases present unique challenges and opportunities for defense. California DUI law under Vehicle Code Sections 23152 and related statutes is highly technical, involving complex issues regarding traffic stops, field sobriety tests, breathalyzer and blood testing, Title 17 regulations governing chemical testing, and scientific evidence regarding blood alcohol concentration.
We challenge DUI cases by examining whether the stop was legal under the Fourth Amendment, whether field sobriety tests were properly administered and are reliable, whether breath or blood tests were accurate and properly conducted, whether you were actually driving or in control of the vehicle, whether your BAC was above the legal limit at the time you were driving (rising BAC defense), and whether medical conditions or other factors affected test results.
DUI convictions carry serious consequences including jail time, substantial fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI school, ignition interlock device requirements, and increased insurance rates. For repeat offenders or DUI causing injury, consequences escalate to felony charges and state prison sentences.
Domestic violence charges under California Penal Code Section 273.5 (corporal injury), 243(e) (domestic battery), and related statutes carry serious consequences including jail time, mandatory domestic violence classes, protective orders, loss of gun rights, and impacts on child custody.
Unfortunately, false allegations of domestic violence are common in contentious relationships, custody disputes, and divorce proceedings. We defend domestic violence cases by exposing false allegations and ulterior motives, challenging witness credibility, presenting evidence of defensive injuries showing mutual combat or self-defense, demonstrating that injuries were accidental or not caused by our client, and proving that the prosecution cannot meet its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
California has implemented significant drug law reforms in recent years including Proposition 36 providing drug treatment diversion for non-violent drug possession offenses, Proposition 47 reducing simple drug possession from felonies to misdemeanors, and expanded access to drug courts and treatment programs as alternatives to incarceration.
We defend drug cases by challenging illegal searches and seizures, proving lack of knowledge or possession, showing you had a valid prescription, demonstrating drugs were for personal use rather than sales, arguing for diversion and treatment programs, and advocating for rehabilitation over incarceration.
Theft offenses range from petty theft (under $950) to grand theft and more serious fraud schemes. We defend these cases by proving lack of intent to steal, showing the property was actually yours or you had permission to take it, demonstrating mistaken identity or false accusations, negotiating restitution and civil compromise dismissals under Penal Code Section 1377, and securing diversion programs for first-time offenders.
Charges for assault, robbery, homicide, and other violent crimes carry the most serious consequences including long prison sentences, strikes under California’s Three Strikes law, and lifelong stigma. These cases require aggressive defense including thorough investigation, expert witnesses, and willingness to take cases to trial.
We defend violent crime charges through comprehensive investigation, self-defense theories, alibi evidence, challenging witness identification, forensic evidence challenges, and demonstrating that the prosecution cannot prove intent or other required elements.
White collar offenses including fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, and financial crimes involve complex financial transactions and documentation. These cases often involve extensive investigations by federal and state agencies, voluminous documentary evidence, and complicated legal and factual issues.
We defend white collar cases through detailed analysis of financial records, expert witnesses including forensic accountants, negotiation with prosecutors and regulatory agencies, restitution agreements, and advocacy for probation and alternatives to incarceration.
For non-citizens living in Long Beach—a diverse city where a significant portion of residents are immigrants or have family members who are immigrants—the immigration consequences of criminal convictions can be even more devastating than the criminal penalties themselves.
Under federal immigration law administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services[14] and enforced by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, certain criminal convictions render non-citizens deportable including aggravated felonies as defined by federal immigration law, crimes involving moral turpitude, controlled substance violations (with very limited exceptions), firearms offenses, domestic violence and child abuse offenses, and multiple criminal convictions with aggregate sentences exceeding certain thresholds.
Even lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who have lived in the United States for decades can be deported based on criminal convictions.
Criminal convictions can render non-citizens inadmissible, preventing them from returning to the United States if they travel abroad, adjusting status to lawful permanent residence, obtaining or renewing visas, and naturalizing as U.S. citizens.
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we carefully analyze the immigration consequences of all criminal charges and potential resolutions. Under the U.S. Supreme Court[16] decision in Padilla v. Kentucky, criminal defense attorneys have a constitutional obligation to advise non-citizen clients about immigration consequences before they accept plea agreements.
We work to achieve resolutions that minimize or avoid immigration consequences by negotiating for charges that don’t trigger deportability, advocating for deferred adjudication or diversion that doesn’t result in a conviction, ensuring any conviction doesn’t meet the definition of aggravated felony or crime involving moral turpitude, and coordinating with immigration attorneys when necessary.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen, inform your criminal defense attorney immediately so immigration consequences can be properly addressed.
When you’re facing criminal charges in Long Beach, the attorney you choose can make the difference between conviction and acquittal, between years in prison and your freedom, between a permanent criminal record and a clean slate. Here’s why clients throughout Long Beach and Los Angeles County trust Tu Defensor Criminalista:
We have successfully defended clients against all types of criminal charges throughout Los Angeles County. Our experience includes numerous jury trials, countless successful motion hearings, favorable plea negotiations, case dismissals, and acquittals. We know California criminal law, we know the Long Beach courts, and we know how to win.
We fight tirelessly for our clients. We’re not passive attorneys who simply process cases—we investigate thoroughly, challenge the prosecution’s evidence aggressively, file motions to suppress evidence and dismiss charges, prepare comprehensively for trial, and advocate passionately for the best possible outcome.
You’re not just a case number or file to us. We provide personalized attention to every client, taking time to understand your unique situation, your concerns, your goals, and your priorities. We’re accessible when you need us, we return calls promptly, and we keep you informed throughout your case.
While many criminal cases are resolved through negotiation, some cases require taking the fight to trial. We’re experienced trial attorneys who know how to pick favorable juries, cross-examine witnesses effectively, present compelling defenses, and deliver persuasive arguments that create reasonable doubt. Our willingness and ability to try cases gives us leverage in plea negotiations.
We practice regularly in the Long Beach Courthouse and throughout Los Angeles County. Our familiarity with local judges, prosecutors, court procedures, and the legal culture enables us to develop effective strategies tailored to the Long Beach legal environment.
We don’t just focus narrowly on the criminal charges—we consider all aspects of your situation including immigration consequences, professional license implications, custody and family law matters, employment concerns, and long-term collateral consequences. We develop strategies that protect your interests comprehensively.
Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve achieved dismissals, acquittals, reduced charges, probation instead of prison, alternative sentencing, successful suppression motions, favorable plea agreements, and successful appeals for clients throughout Long Beach and Los Angeles County.
No. Exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and your Sixth Amendment right to counsel. Politely tell officers “I’m exercising my right to remain silent and I want to speak with an attorney.” Then contact Tu Defensor Criminalista immediately. Anything you say can and will be used against you, even if you think you’re providing innocent explanations or helping yourself.
Misdemeanors are less serious crimes punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines up to $1,000 (though often much higher with penalty assessments). Felonies are more serious crimes punishable by more than one year, served in state prison, and carrying fines up to $10,000 or more. Felonies carry more serious collateral consequences including loss of gun rights, impacts on professional licenses, and immigration consequences.
Some offenses are “wobblers” that can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on circumstances and your criminal history.
Possibly. Charges can be dismissed if the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence, if your constitutional rights were violated, if witnesses are unavailable or unreliable, through successful motion practice, or through negotiated resolutions including diversion programs. An experienced attorney from Tu Defensor Criminalista will evaluate whether dismissal is possible and fight to achieve it.
Diversion programs allow eligible defendants to complete counseling, treatment, community service, or other requirements in exchange for dismissal of charges. California offers various diversion programs including pretrial diversion under Penal Code Section 1001.36 for defendants with mental health conditions, drug diversion programs for non-violent drug offenses, and informal diversion for first-time offenders. Successfully completing diversion results in dismissal of charges, avoiding a conviction.
Legal fees vary based on the complexity of the case, the severity of charges, and whether the case goes to trial. However, the cost of quality legal representation is far less than the lifelong consequences of a conviction. We offer free consultations and flexible payment plans. Many clients find our services more affordable than they expected, and the investment in your freedom and future is invaluable.
If you cannot afford a private attorney, the court will appoint a public defender to represent you. Public defenders are often skilled attorneys, but they’re also severely overworked with enormous caseloads. Private counsel from Tu Defensor Criminalista provides you with dedicated, personalized attention focused exclusively on your case.
Generally no. Prosecutors’ initial offers are often their worst offers. An experienced defense attorney can negotiate for better terms, reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or dismissal after investigating your case, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and demonstrating trial readiness. Never accept a plea offer without consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
If convicted, you’ll be sentenced according to California law. Sentences can include incarceration, fines, probation, restitution, treatment programs, community service, and other conditions. Beyond direct criminal penalties, you’ll face collateral consequences affecting employment, housing, professional licenses, immigration status, gun rights, and other aspects of your life. This is why fighting criminal charges with an experienced attorney is so important.
If you’re facing criminal charges in Long Beach, or if you’re under investigation or have been arrested, time is absolutely critical. Evidence must be preserved, witnesses must be located and interviewed, legal deadlines must be met, and your defense must be built immediately.
Don’t try to navigate the criminal justice system alone. Don’t make statements to law enforcement without an attorney present. Don’t accept plea offers without having an experienced attorney evaluate your case and explore all your options. Don’t risk your freedom, your future, and everything you’ve worked for by failing to get the aggressive legal representation you need.
Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista immediately by visiting our website at / or calling our office to schedule a free confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Criminal charges are serious, but charges are not convictions. The prosecution must prove every element of every charge beyond a reasonable doubt. You have constitutional rights. You have defenses. And you have Tu Defensor Criminalista ready to fight for you.
We understand that being charged with a crime is frightening and overwhelming. We understand that you may feel like the system is stacked against you. We understand that your freedom, your family, your career, and your future are on the line. That’s exactly why we do what we do—to stand between our clients and a system that can be unforgiving, to protect constitutional rights, to hold the government to its burden of proof, and to fight tirelessly for justice.
Visit our website at /and take the first step toward protecting your freedom today.
Don’t wait. Don’t risk your future. Don’t face this alone. Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista now.
Throughout this page, we have referenced the following authoritative sources to provide accurate, reliable information about criminal defense, criminal justice statistics, and legal processes in Long Beach:
All statistics, facts, and legal information provided have been sourced from official government agencies, courts, non-profit organizations, and public resources. No private law firms have been cited as sources.
Disclaimer: This webpage provides general information about criminal defense and related legal matters in Long Beach, California. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. For advice about your particular situation, contact Tu Defensor Criminalista for a confidential consultation at /.
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Speak directly with Attorney Armando Josué Cespedes about your Long Beach robbery or theft arrest. Your consultation is completely free and confidential. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Your freedom is worth fighting for. Your future is worth protecting.
Let Tu Defensor Criminalista fight for you. Don’t wait. Don’t risk your future. Contact us today at /
Attorney Armando Josué Cespedes is rated 5.0 on Avvo, with 34 five-star reviews from clients praising his dedication, professionalism, and results. Many note how his trial skills and attention to detail led to reduced charges or outright dismissals.
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