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Richard L. Poland
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Richard L. Poland
Richard L. Poland, Attorney at Law
333 W Broadway
Suite 200
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: (562) 437-6418 | Fax: (562) 432-2969
http://richardpoland.com
Sometimes you just need a good lawyer!
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
My preference is to work with clients who are either not guilty of the crimes charged, or interested in changing their behavior to avoid arrest in the future.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- False Identification
- Truancy
- Misdemeanors
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1974
Bar Number: 62421
Specialty Certifications
Certified Criminal Specialist
Other Court Admissions
Illinois, New Jersey and California State Courts
Association Memberships
California State Bar
Continuing Education
As a specialist, I am required to have 60 hours of education in the past four years.
Papers and Publications
I have written articles for Law and Justice in America.
Example Cases
I have represented a deputy city auditor in a complex case where he was accused of embezzlement. The case was dismissed by one judge, appealed and then reinstated. The reinstated case was taken to trial where 7 jurors voted to acquit. The case has been dismissed again was recently re-filed. Trial is pending. This case involves one principled man taking on the entire city establishment and prevailing, so far. I am also representing the ex-husband of a music celebrity who has been accused of child molestation.
Education
Degree:
A.B. - Accounting
School:
Duke University
City:
Durham
State:
NC
Year:
1970
Focus and Accomplishments:
Student Body Presidential Candidate; Student Senate; Varsity Letter: Lacrosse
Degree:
J.D.
School:
University of Texas
City:
Austin
State:
TX
Year:
1973
Focus and Accomplishments:
Best Paper in a Regulated Industry; Teaching Quizmaster
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Illinois, New Jersey, California
Firm Focus and History
My office is dedicated to representing people who have no where else to turn. We welcome challenges. Although we charge reasonable rates, our focus is not on making money, but rather securing justice. I opened up solo practice in 1981 and I have been located within a block and a half of the Long Beach Court House for the past 30 years.
Previous Employment Summary
Before I opened up practice on my own in 1981, I worked for two large corporate firms and a small practitioner.
Activities and Awards
I am available for talks to groups on any subject related to criminal law. I have spoken to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, as well as local colleges and business organizations, on the prevention of drunk driving and the avoiding arrest. Obviously, the best way to avoid arrest is not to drive while intoxicated.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I welcome a well informed client. A client who knows what he's up against helps me. Unfortunately, all too often the "information" comes from unreliable sources or is hopelessly out of date. The more a client knows, the more likely he is to hire me.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I will review whatever a client presents to me. What I will not do is provide any opinion on any written matter without seeing it for my self.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Barry Bonds can tell you how to hit a fast ball. If you think you can do it, you're deluding yourself. I am usually not willing to act as a coach.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I have always enjoyed helping people. As a lawyer, I get to use my skills and talents to make things right.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
After over 30 years in business and in practice, you can read people. You have seen most situations before and realize what can and can't be done. You can be realistic with your clients. Nothing is worse that giving a client hope and not delivering for him or her.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
It chose me. I knew I wanted to be a trial lawyer and the only real trial lawyers are criminal lawyers. Civil lawyers' cases tend to be too long and complicated to allow lawyers to try more than one or two a year. It's not unusual for me to try two in a month.
What do you like best about your career?
I like the contact with people.
Tell us about your law firm:
Jesse Gonzalez is bi-lingual and acts as my right hand. She is the first person you will talk to and the person who will be at the office when I'm in court. We have an on-site investigator and there are other attorneys in the office whom I associate with when there are matters outside of my expertise.
What are your strengths and style?
I have the ability to present a problem clearly and concisely, with a solution in mind. I can usually find common ground where settlements can be reached to the benefit of the client I represent.
I am protective of my clients without being obnoxiously aggressive. My approach is more sugar than vinegar.
Personal Interests:
I am interested in travel, nature and sports.
Office Manager/Assistant
Jesse Gonzalez
Fax
(562) 432-2969
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Spanish
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
A first offense DUI in LB is $2,000. A first offense felony without violence or added problems is $5,000
Hourly Rates
I do not work on an hourly basis, but I am willing to at $250.
Free Initial Consultation?
Free Consultation
Typical Retainer
$2,000 - $7,500
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
