If you’ve been arrested or are facing criminal charges in Long Beach, CA, you deserve exceptional legal representation to protect your rights. At William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law, our defense team brings more than 75 years of combined criminal defense experience to every case we take.
We defend clients in Long Beach facing charges including assault, domestic violence, drug crimes, DUI, sex crimes, theft, federal crimes, and more. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Choose William S. Kroger if I’m Facing Criminal Charges in Long Beach?
When your freedom is on the line, you need more than a general attorney. You need a Long Beach criminal defense lawyer who understands the local courts, the judges, and how prosecutors in Los Angeles County build their cases.
Here is what sets our firm apart:
- More than 75 years of combined criminal defense experience across our team.
- Over 5,000 criminal cases handled throughout California.
- We secured a not guilty verdict in a case involving 220 kilos of cocaine, one of the most serious large-scale narcotics cases in the state.
- We have obtained dismissals in serious felony matters where other firms told clients to take a plea.
- Recognized by Super Lawyers and the American Institute of Criminal Defense Attorneys.
- We serve Spanish-speaking clients with interpreters when needed.
- We carefully explain each stage of the criminal process so you always know what to expect.
Our Beverly Hills office serves clients across Long Beach and throughout Los Angeles County. When you call us, you speak with someone who can actually help, not a receptionist with a script.
We Handle All Criminal Defense Cases in Long Beach
No matter what you are charged with, our team has the experience to defend you. Below are the practice areas we handle in Long Beach and across California.
Assault
An assault charge in Long Beach can range from a simple misdemeanor to a serious felony, depending on the circumstances and any prior record. Whether you are accused of a bar fight, a road rage incident, or something more serious, our team will dig into the evidence, challenge witness credibility, and fight for the best outcome in your case.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence accusations move fast. Police in Long Beach are trained to make an arrest first and sort it out later. If you have been accused by a partner, spouse, or family member, you could face a protective order, loss of your home, and criminal charges all at once. We act immediately to protect your rights.
Drug Crimes
From simple possession to large-scale distribution, drug charges in California carry serious consequences. Our firm has a documented track record in high-stakes narcotics cases, including a not guilty verdict involving 220 kilos of cocaine. If you are facing any drug charge in Long Beach, from marijuana to fentanyl, we know how to challenge the evidence against you. [INTERNAL LINK: Long Beach Drug Crimes Lawyer]
DUI
A DUI conviction in Long Beach can cost you your license, your job, and your reputation. Even a first offense carries fines, mandatory programs, and possible jail time. We examine everything: the traffic stop, the field sobriety tests, the breathalyzer calibration, and the officer’s conduct. Many DUI cases have more defenses than people realize.
Federal Crimes
Federal charges are prosecuted by U.S. attorneys with virtually unlimited resources. If you are under federal investigation or have already been indicted, you cannot afford to wait. Federal cases move on a different timeline and carry much harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Our team has experience in federal court and will take your case seriously from day one.
Restraining Orders
A restraining order can force you out of your home, cut you off from your children, and show up in background checks for years. If someone has filed against you in Long Beach, or if you have been served with a temporary protective order, act fast. We help clients contest restraining orders and protect their reputation and parental rights in court.
Sex Crimes
Sex crime allegations are among the most damaging charges a person can face, even before a conviction. The stigma, the media attention, and the mandatory sex offender registration requirements make these cases extremely high stakes. We handle these cases with discretion, urgency, and a full investigation into the facts from the start.
Theft
Theft charges in California range from petty theft misdemeanors to grand theft felonies, with significant consequences for your record and future employment. Whether you are facing charges for shoplifting, burglary, robbery, or fraud, we review all the evidence and identify every available defense. A theft conviction does not have to define the rest of your life.
Violent Crimes
Charges like robbery, carjacking, murder, or attempted murder carry some of the longest sentences in the California penal system. Prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively. Our firm has the experience, resources, and courtroom skills to mount a serious defense, challenge the evidence, and protect your right to a fair trial in Long Beach and throughout LA County.
The California Criminal Process
If you have never been through the criminal justice system, it can feel completely overwhelming. Here is a plain-English breakdown of what you can expect after an arrest in Long Beach.
- Arrest and Booking: After an arrest, you are taken to a Long Beach or LA County facility, photographed, and fingerprinted. Bail may be set at this stage.
- Arraignment: This is your first court appearance, usually within 48 to 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays). The judge reads the charges against you, and you enter a plea. This is a critical moment, and you should have an attorney by your side.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): For felony charges, a judge reviews the evidence to decide if there is enough to take the case to trial. This is one of the earliest opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, dismiss charges for lack of probable cause, or exclude certain testimony. Winning a motion at this stage can change everything.
- Plea Negotiations: Many cases are resolved before trial. Your attorney will evaluate any plea offers from the prosecution and advise you on whether accepting makes sense, given the specific facts and risks in your case.
- Trial: If your case goes to trial, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. You have the right to a jury trial, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to present evidence in your defense.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge determines your sentence based on the charge, your record, and any aggravating or mitigating factors. Your attorney can advocate for a reduced sentence or alternative sentencing options.
At every single stage of this process, having an experienced Long Beach criminal defense lawyer on your side makes a measurable difference in how your case is handled and resolved.
Why Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
The criminal justice system is not designed to protect you. It is designed to process cases and secure convictions. Prosecutors are experienced attorneys whose entire job is to prove you guilty. If you try to handle your case alone, or rely on an overworked public defender with hundreds of other cases, you are at a serious disadvantage from the start.
A private criminal defense attorney like William Kroger gives your case the individual attention it deserves. We review the police reports, examine the evidence, identify what the prosecution cannot prove, and build a real defense strategy. The earlier you hire an attorney, the more options you have.
Criminal Defense FAQs
Should I Hire a Lawyer If I’m Innocent?
Yes. Absolutely. Innocent people are convicted every day in the United States. Being innocent does not mean the system will protect you. False accusations happen in domestic violence cases, sex crime cases, assault cases, and more. Without an attorney, you may say or do something that unintentionally hurts your case, even if you have nothing to hide.
An experienced Long Beach criminal defense lawyer knows how to document your innocence, gather exculpatory evidence, identify inconsistencies in the accusations, and present a compelling case to the judge or jury on your behalf.
What Should I Do if I Have Been Arrested for a Crime in Long Beach?
Stay calm and do not say anything beyond your basic identifying information. You have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Even a casual comment to an officer can be used against you in court. Do not consent to searches. Do not try to explain yourself. The moment you can, contact an attorney.
Call William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney At Law as soon as possible. We are available to take your call, review your situation, and advise you on exactly what to do next. Time is critical, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours after an arrest.
What’s the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?
In California, crimes are classified as infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies based on their severity.
- Misdemeanors are less serious crimes punishable by up to one year in county jail, fines, and probation. Examples include petty theft, simple DUI, and first-time drug possession.
- Felonies are more serious and carry state prison sentences of more than one year, heavier fines, and long-term consequences like loss of voting rights and firearm rights. Examples include robbery, sexual assault, and drug trafficking.
Some crimes in California are called “wobblers,” meaning they can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of the case and your criminal history. An experienced defense attorney may be able to argue for the lesser charge.
What Is a Plea Bargain? Should I Accept One?
A plea bargain is an agreement between you and the prosecution. You agree to plead guilty or no contest to a charge, usually a lesser one, in exchange for a reduced sentence or the dismissal of other charges. Plea deals resolve the vast majority of criminal cases in California.
Whether you should accept a plea depends entirely on the facts of your specific case. Some plea offers are genuinely favorable. Others are not. Before you agree to anything, you deserve a full evaluation from an experienced Long Beach criminal defense attorney. Accepting a bad plea can follow you for decades. Our team will tell you honestly what your options are and what the risks look like on each path.
Can my charges be dismissed or reduced?
Yes. Charges may be dropped or reduced if the legal team identifies weaknesses in the police investigation, procedural errors, or uses effective negotiation strategies early in the criminal justice process.
How much does a criminal lawyer cost?
Costs vary based on the case complexity. However, many defense lawyers, including William S. Kroger, Criminal Defense Attorney at Law, offer a free consultation to discuss your legal options first.
Contact Our Long Beach Criminal Defense Attorneys For Legal Help
If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in Long Beach, do not wait. The state is already building a case against you. Every hour that passes without legal representation is time the prosecution is using to its advantage.
William Kroger is a recognized Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer with a proven record in serious and complex criminal cases. He and his team serve Long Beach, Beverly Hills, and clients throughout Los Angeles County. Spanish-language services are available.
Call us today for your free consultation. Your future is worth fighting for.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney At Law to speak with a licensed attorney about your specific situation.