Hartmann Law Firm

The benefits of retaining The Hartmann Law Firm are:

We specialize in serving any person and company accused of a crime
A flat price package for all legal services, and no charge for routine in-office costs and we accept credit cards
Extended and weekend office hours, 24-hour live telephone answering
Convenient office locations near John Wayne Orange County Airport, Norman Mineta
San Jose International Airport and downtown Los Angeles
Our expertise gives you the best chance for a great result
We offer an extraordinary relationship: we will work closely with you and your family to guide you through this difficult time
In most misdemeanor cases, we can represent you and you will not have to go to court

Lawyers cannot guarantee results, but The Hartmann Law Firm assures:

We will work hard and dedicate ourselves to doing everything we can to help you
We will do the best job possible and provide you with excellent legal representation at every step
We will present the best legal arguments in court
We will return your phone calls and answer your emails the same day or by the close of the next business day
We will present every strategically appropriate defense you have
We will work to avoid or limit severe consequences wherever possible given the facts and the law of your case

Legal terms that you need to know and understand include the following:

Arrest: You are taken into custody and are otherwise not free to leave the scene.

Detention: You are held for a short period of time while law-enforcement investigates
whether you have committed a crime.

Miranda Rights: Your legal rights apply once you are in custody and include

the right to remain silent
anything you say can and will be used against you
the right to have a lawyer present while you are questioned and
if you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you prior to questioning.

If you voluntarily provide information, or if the case is at the investigatory stage, these rights
do not exist; in certain types of cases such as DUIs, these rights do not apply.

Felony/Misdemeanor: Felonies are more serious offenses and are generally punishable by more than one year in custody in state prison; misdemeanors are punishable by shorter jail terms and fines. Many offenses now have mandatory minimum punishments that include fines, counseling, and custody.

Bail: In state court, each county has a set bail schedule; many times if you consult with an attorney prior to paying the bail, the lawyer can seek to have the bail lowered, or have the client released without bail, on his own recognizance. In federal court, the district court judge either detains you (no bail permitted) or sets the bail at an amount that may include the deeding of property and/or some combination of cash to the federal court, or simply a signature and promise to pay. In setting bail, all judges must assume the charges are true. The bail amount is then determined based on the bail schedule and whether the client is 1) a flight risk and 2) a danger to the community (both physically and economically).

Arraignment: The judge will inform you of the charges against you, and the issue of bail may be discussed.

Preliminary Hearing: In state court, the prosecutor will present evidence (either through the arresting officer or through other witnesses) attempting to show by a strong suspicion that a felony occurred and you are the person responsible. A trial date will be set.

Grand Jury Indictment: In federal court, the Assistant United States Attorney may present your case to the grand jury, a secretive proceeding where evidence is taken without a defense lawyer present, and an indictment may be returned and you may be arrested.

All criminal matters are considered urgent. We will meet
with you on the same day, or the next day, after your call.