Misdemeanors
We partner with each of our clients to ensure they understand their rights and their legal options without confusion.
It is important to understand that while misdemeanor charges are not as severe as felony charges, they still involve serious penalties, including fines, probation, personal or professional license suspensions, or even jail time. And in some cases, misdemeanor charges, called “wobblers” can be increased to felony charges, which enhances the penalties. The more you know about the charges waged against you, the better prepared you will be to face the prosecutor’s office with solutions to pursue the best outcome available for your unique case.
Misdemeanors in California are crimes that carry a maximum sentence of up to one year in county jail. In addition, individuals who are convicted of a misdemeanor can face fines, probation costs, and appointments, and educational classes that require both your time and resources to fully complete. Legal trouble is more than a court date; it is a life-changing event that requires representation from an experienced lawyer, so you can put the circumstances of your arrest behind you, and move forward with confidence.
Some of the most common types of misdemeanors in California include, but are not limited to:
- Disorderly conduct
- Domestic violence
- Driving on a suspended license
- DUI
- Petty theft
- Probation violations
- Public drunkenness
- Reckless driving
- Shoplifting
- Solicitation
In California, certain misdemeanors, called “wobblers” provide the District Attorney's office with the discretion to increase the charge to a felony.
Often, these misdemeanors are elevated to felonies dues to aggravating circumstances, including:
- The individual’s criminal history
- If the defendant’s behavior led to a victim suffering an injury, and the extent of that injury
Common examples of misdemeanors that are wobblers can include, but are not limited to:
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Child abuse
- Child endangerment
- Deadly threats
- Domestic violence
- DUI with an injury
- Embezzlement
- Grand theft
- Second-degree burglary
If your misdemeanor charge is eligible for elevation to a felony, the legal stakes will also increase, and can leave you facing higher penalties, including hefty fines, probation, and lengthy jail time. Do not leave your future to chance. We can help pursue the best outcome available for your circumstances, so you are not left with a felony conviction on your record.
Carrying a misdemeanor or felony on you record can lead to professional license suspensions, and the inability to get approved for loans, leases, and even educational assistance. From a social standpoint, criminal convictions, no matter how minor, can keep you from volunteering at your children’s school or on their sport’s teams, leaving you searching for excuses as to why you are unable to participate.
If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor – or even a certain type of felony – in the past, and would like to have it removed from your record, so it no longer appears in background checks, we can help. You do not have to carry the shame of a previous legal mistake. We can help you wipe the slate clean.
A misdemeanor conviction in California can cost you your freedom, as they are punishable by up to one year in county jail, and up to $1000 in fines, not to mention the stain that will appear on your record in background checks going forward.
Our Law Firm Includes The Following Practice Areas:
- DUI Defense
- Marijuana Defense
- Theft, Robbery, and Burglary
- Firearms Defense
- Felony Defense
- Federal Criminal Defense
- Prostitution
- Expungements and Motions to Terminate Probation
- Post Conviction Relief
- Sealing Your Arrest Record
If you are facing a misdemeanor charge, and are worried about the unknown legal consequences, complete the contact for below to schedule a complimentary consultation.