Norwalk Criminal Defense Lawyer

Norwalk Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing criminal charges in California can be overwhelming and stressful. A criminal conviction can have lasting consequences that can impact you for the rest of your life. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the criminal justice system alone for your criminal charges. A Norwalk criminal defense lawyer can guide you through the process.

While you don’t have to work with a criminal defense attorney, it’s highly recommended that you do, especially for serious criminal charges. Kareem Aref has experience representing clients through both misdemeanor and felony charges, and we’re ready to help you with your case.

A Brief Look at Crime in Norwalk, CA

In recent years, there were a total of 193,019 violent crimes and 902,977 property crimes reported throughout all of California. Overall, Norwalk isn’t considered an unsafe place to live. That said, it’s not the safest city in the state, either.

The crime rate in Norwalk is slightly higher than the average city. Norwalk ranks in the 45th percentile, which means it’s considered less safe than 55 percent of all cities. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department tracked reported crimes from January through March in 2024 and 2025.

From the previous year, crimes like aggravated assault, rape, and robbery went down by a significant margin. Larceny theft also experienced a decline from 2024 to 2025. Burglaries, on the other hand, saw a 240.54 percent increase, jumping from 37 to 126 reports.

Popular Defenses for Criminal Cases in Norwalk

When facing criminal charges in California, it’s up to the prosecutor to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty. Your job, on the other hand, is to gather enough evidence and build a strong enough case to provide reasonable doubt.

This entire process can be made simpler by working with a Norwalk criminal defense lawyer. Your attorney can build a defense that is unique to your case. Some common defenses used in criminal cases in California include:

• Consent. This is one of the most common defenses used in criminal cases. This defense poses the argument that the defendant had consent from the victim to commit the crime. For example, in the case of a sexual assault case, the defendant could argue that the victim agreed to the sexual activity.
• Duress. With this defense, the defendant is stating that they committed the crime under coercion, force, or threat of another person. It can be difficult to prove duress, so it may be beneficial to work with a Norwalk criminal defense lawyer.
• Incompetence to stand trial. This defense isn’t so much a defense for the crime committed as it is a defense against the legal proceedings for the crime. It basically states that the defendant is unable to understand the legal process and cannot assist in their own defense. In these situations, the defendant is usually hospitalized instead of receiving an official sentence.
• Insanity. This defense involves proving that the offender did not understand they were committing a crime because of a mental defect or illness. A Norwalk criminal defense lawyer can help you through this process.
• Mistake of fact. With this type of defense, the defendant can claim they misunderstood facts that change the elements of the crime. For example, a defendant in a robbery case can claim they thought the property was their own and, therefore, wasn’t stealing it.
• Self-defense. In criminal cases involving assault, battery, or murder, individuals can claim that they were defending themselves. This type of defense only works if the act done in defense is proportional to the initial violent act.

FAQs

Get in Touch With a Norwalk Criminal Defense Lawyer to Discuss Your Case in More Detail

With the right criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can bolster your case and work toward a favorable outcome. Your attorney can further investigate your situation and collect evidence that can lead you toward a more favorable outcome.

At Shield Law, APC, we’re committed to providing our clients with a solid defense and comprehensive legal advice to get them through their cases and move forward with their lives after a fair legal process. Reach out to our office to set up an appointment with a Norwalk criminal defense lawyer today.