Stay silent
You have the right not to answer questions. You can say: "I am going to remain silent. I want a lawyer." Show ID when required, but do not explain what happened or try to talk your way out of it.
Criminal Defense · Statewide · English & Mandarin · Los Angeles Office
California Criminal Defense Lawyer: Call a Lawyer Before You Say Anything.
If you have been arrested, contacted by police, or given a date to appear in court, do not try to explain things yourself. Our criminal defense attorney handles court appearances, our Mandarin-speaking team keeps you informed, and if you are not a citizen, you can have one of our in-house immigration lawyers review the immigration impact before any plea. The first consultation is free.
Criminal defense line · Bilingual415·547·9999Monday–Friday 9:30–18:00 (Pacific Time) · Outside those hours, message us on WeChat at lingtulaw or through the form and we will contact you the next business day.
30+ yearsCombined team experience
10,000+Matters handled
5.0Google rating
中/ENEnglish and Mandarin service
StatewideCalifornia court appearances
2 teamsCriminal & immigration lawyers
The figures above reflect historical data provided by the firm. Results vary according to the facts and law; past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
What to Do Right After an Arrest
Ask for a lawyer
Say clearly that you want a lawyer. Questioning is supposed to stop. Do not give up that right because an officer says you can go home once you explain.
Do not explain to the police or the other side
That includes calling or texting the other person or any witness. What you say can become evidence, and jail calls are usually recorded.
Do not consent to a search, but do not resist
If police want to search your car, phone, or home, you can say "I do not consent to a search." Do not physically interfere. Your lawyer can challenge the search later.
Write down your case number and court date
Your release paperwork shows the case number, the courthouse, and your first court date. Take a photo and send it to your lawyer. Missing court can lead to a bench warrant.
Not a citizen? Do not plead or sign anything yet
If you hold a visa or green card, have a lawyer review any plea offer first. Which charge you plead to, and how, can change the immigration outcome.
Criminal Cases We Handle
01
DUI
Request the DMV hearing within 10 days
The court case and the DMV license case run separately, and we handle both. A first DUI is usually a misdemeanor, but it still leaves a criminal record.
Learn more 02Hit and run and traffic crimes
If police call, do not explain it yourself
Hit and run with property damage only is a misdemeanor; with an injury it can be a felony. We also handle unlicensed driving, extreme speeding, traffic court, and warrants.
Learn more 03Record clearing and sealing
Fewer obstacles for jobs and housing
If you were arrested but never charged, you can petition to seal the arrest. If you finished probation, you can petition to dismiss the conviction. If you plan to naturalize, have an immigration lawyer review it first.
Learn more 04Immigration consequences
Check the impact on your status before any plea
For green card holders, visa holders, and anyone with a pending immigration case, which charge you plead to, and how, can change the outcome.
Learn more 05Domestic violence
Follow the protective order and do not contact the other person
The prosecutor, not the other person, decides whether the case goes forward. Domestic violence cases carry heavy immigration risk, and you can have one of Lingtu's immigration lawyers review it before any plea.
Learn more 06Theft and shoplifting
Got a citation? Do not panic, and do not wait
Property worth $950 or less is generally a misdemeanor, and many cases have a path to diversion and dismissal. Students and work visa holders should check the immigration impact first.
Learn more 07Drug crimes
Do not rush to plead
Simple possession is generally a misdemeanor, and some cases can go to diversion or a treatment program. Drug convictions are especially serious for non-citizens, so have an immigration lawyer review any plea first.
Learn more 08Fraud and white-collar
Under investigation? Do not talk to investigators yourself
If an investigator calls, or you receive a subpoena or search warrant, do not explain and do not touch any records. A lawyer can do the most at the investigation stage. We handle California state-court cases.
Learn moreWe also handle other charges, in courts across California. If you are not sure which category applies, call and tell us what happened.
Criminal Defense Case Results
Criminal DefenseDeclined plea terms
Dismissed after diversion
View caseCriminal DefenseFirst offenseDiversion, case dismissed without conviction
View caseCriminal DefenseFelony reduced and conviction vacated in one hearingView caseThese cases are adapted from similar matters handled by our firm and other firms, with names, dates, places and amounts changed. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Why Choose Us
A Mandarin-speaking team from start to finish
From the first call to the end of the case, court papers, each hearing's result, and the next step are explained to you in Mandarin or English.
Immigration lawyers in-house
Lingtu is an immigration firm too. If you are not a citizen, you can ask one of our immigration lawyers to review how any plea would affect a visa, green card, or citizenship application.
Flat fees
The fee is explained before you sign and written into the agreement.
Every California court
We appear in courts in every California county. Consultations, signing, and most communication can be handled remotely.
How a Criminal Case Moves Forward
Free consultation
Tell us by phone or WeChat what happened and send photos of your release papers or citation. We check the charge, the deadlines, and your next court date.
Get the reports and assess the charge
Once retained, your lawyer obtains the police report and evidence from the prosecutor, looks for weaknesses in the charge, and reviews the immigration impact.
Court appearances
The first hearing is the arraignment. In most misdemeanor cases your lawyer can appear for you under Penal Code 977. In felony and domestic violence cases you usually must attend in person.
Negotiation or trial
Your lawyer negotiates with the prosecutor for a dismissal, a reduced charge, diversion, or a lighter outcome, and prepares for trial if talks fail. You hear every option and you make the call.
Cleaning up the record
After the case ends, we look at whether the conviction can be dismissed or the record sealed, and what you will still need to disclose on future immigration or naturalization forms.
Fee Arrangements
Flat fee
Criminal matters are handled for a flat fee. What it covers, and what is billed separately, is written into the engagement agreement before you sign. California's rules do not allow outcome-based fees in criminal cases.
Free consultation
Tell us what happened and what paperwork you have. We will tell you how serious the charge is and what needs to happen next. Court fines, class fees, and other third-party costs are separate and explained in advance.
Our Attorneys
Shenqi Cai
California Bar #348794 · 中文 / English
- California attorney
- Juris Doctor, Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law
- Certificate in Dispute Resolution, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
Hernán Simó
California & Mendoza, Argentina · Español / English
- More than a decade of litigation, judicial, and law firm management experience
- Former managing attorney overseeing 60+ active matters
- LL.M., University of Dayton School of Law
- MBA, Barcelona
Client Reviews
View all reviews →Frequently Asked Questions
I was arrested at night or on a weekend. What if I cannot reach a lawyer?
Stay silent, ask for a lawyer, and do not sign any plea paperwork. Our office hours are Monday–Friday 9:30–18:00 (Pacific Time). Outside those hours, message us on WeChat at lingtulaw or through the form on this page and we will contact you the next business day. A family member can also reach out for you.
Can my lawyer go to court for me?
In most misdemeanor cases, yes. Under Penal Code 977 your lawyer can appear on your behalf. In felony cases, domestic violence misdemeanors, and whenever the judge orders it, you must be there in person.
I was arrested but not charged. Do I need a lawyer?
It is better to call early. Prosecutors can take weeks or longer to decide whether to file charges, and a lawyer can talk with them during that time and check the immigration impact. Even if no charges are filed, the arrest record remains and can later be sealed.
How are fees charged?
Criminal cases are handled for a flat fee that is explained before you sign and put in writing. California's rules do not allow outcome-based fees in criminal cases. The first consultation is free.
I am not a U.S. citizen. Can a criminal case affect my status?
It can, and how much often depends on what you plead to and how. Look at the immigration consequences before any plea. Our page on immigration consequences of criminal cases is a good place to start.
Where do you appear in court?
In courts throughout California. Consultations and signing can be done remotely, so you do not have to come to the office.
The following is general legal information and is not legal advice for any specific matter. For your situation, contact Lingtu Law APC at 415-547-9999 or on WeChat at lingtulaw.
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Call now415·547·9999Monday–Friday 9:30–18:00 (Pacific Time)
Arrested or got a court date? Talk to a lawyer first.
Call us or add WeChat lingtulaw and tell us what happened, in Mandarin or English.
Free consultation. Flat fee, explained before you sign.