Criminal Defense Lawyers

The Right Criminal Attorney Can Make A Difference

Are you facing misdemeanor charges or DUI charges in Southern California as an adult or a juvenile?

What is the Criminal Law you violated? Criminal attorneys for assault and battery charges, vandalism, shoplifting, stealing, petty theft, lewd conduct 647a, prostitution 647b, 647f, DUI, drug possession, graffiti, trespassing, or drunk driving on a suspended license.

Experienced and skilled criminal attorneys in your corner can make a dramatic difference in the outcome of your drinking and driving or other misdemeanor criminal court case because criminal defense lawyers know and understand criminal defense. That is why it is important to consult with a California criminal lawyer as soon as possible.

What is A Misdemenaor Under Criminal Law?

A crime that is not a felony or an infraction is a misdemeanor. A crime punishable at the sentencing court's discretion by imprisonment in state prison, or fine or imprisonment in the county jail, is usually a misdemeanor. No misdemeanor sentence in a county jail may exceed 1 year.

As an example, the California criminal law for stealing something less than $400.00 is Penal Code Section 484 called petty theft. Criminal attorneys know the maximum punishment is up to 6 months in the county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. More serious misdemeanors result in a harsher punishment.

• Multiple DUI
• DUI with injury,
• Domestic battery, (spousal abuse) and
• Driving with a suspended license.

Misdemeanors may result in probation which can include community service, Cal-Trans, community labor, home detention, participation in an out-patient or residential treatment program, paying restitution to victims.

In some cases, the prosecution has the discretion of charging the criminal law violation as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Criminal lawyers call these "wobblers." Why and how criminal laws are charged as felony charges or misdemeanor charges depends on several things your criminal attorneys will explain to you.

Most California criminal laws are described as misdemeanors without stating a specific penalty. However, some criminal laws give the judge or commissioner the ability to reduce the offense to a misdemeanor from a felony at sentencing.

In defending a California criminal case, it is always smart to have high quality criminal lawyers at your side. Contact a California Misdemeanor Lawyer today for skilled criminal defense.