Los Angeles Misdemeanor Defense LawyersCriminal Defense Firm Defending Clients in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Ventura, and San Bernardino Counties in California Facing Misdemeanor Charges
In the state of California, when an individual allegedly commits a criminal offense it will be classified either as an infraction, misdemeanor, or felony. An infraction is the least serious, while felonies are extremely serious; misdemeanors fall in the middle. However, because you are charged with a misdemeanor offense does not mean you will not face serious punishment if convicted. At The Justice Firm, our Los Angeles misdemeanor defense attorneys are dedicated to protecting you not only from harsh criminal penalties, but the damage to your reputation and career which may result from a conviction.
While a felony offense may leave an individual facing substantial fines and any number of years to life in prison depending on the circ*mstances, a misdemeanor offense typically carries penalties which may include fines of up to $1,000 and less than one year in jail. Having a criminal record can affect your current career, and make it difficult to secure employment in the future.
Misdemeanor Criminal Law Firm in Los Angeles
When arrested or charged with a misdemeanor offense, it is important to consult with a lawyer who will take the time to discuss your case and the evidence against you thoroughly, so that the best course of legal action can be determined for reaching positive results.
Some of the most common crimes charged as misdemeanors include vandalism, trespassing, disorderly conduct, and various drug crimes. In Los Angeles and throughout California, misdemeanors are often categorized as "standard" or "aggravated" (also referred to as "gross") misdemeanors. Standard misdemeanor offenses include being drunk in public and petty theft. Gross or "aggravated" misdemeanors may include first, second, and third offense driving under the influence, domestic battery, and driving on a suspended license.
In addition, some misdemeanors are what are known as "wobbler" offenses, that is they may be prosecuted either as a misdemeanor or felony at his or her discretion. Wobbler crimes include elder abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, and brandishing a weapon, although this list is not all-inclusive.
Misdemeanor Sentencing in California
Whether you plead guilty to a misdemeanor offense or are found guilty by a jury, sentencing may include jail time, community service, restitution, fines, counseling, informal probation, physical labor, and more. If convicted, you will have a permanent criminal record which will negatively impact many aspects of your life.
Contact The Justice Firm now
Many people mistakenly believe that being convicted of a misdemeanor is no big deal - it is. Most are serious charges and result in consequences which are far-reaching. For instance, if your career requires a professional license, it may be ruined. You may be unable to obtain a loan, secure employment, or rent property. A criminal record truly is a black mark on your life.
Our Los Angeles misdemeanor defense lawyers urge you not to face these types of charges without legal guidance and support. At The Justice Firm, we provide vigorous and effective representation, working to defend you against a conviction and the resulting criminal penalties. Contact us now for a free consultation at 310-914-2444.
FAQs
Misdemeanors in Texas are crimes punishable by up to one year in local or county jail. Misdemeanors are categorized as Class A, B, or C. (Tex. Penal Code Ann.
What is the most common misdemeanor? ›
What Are Some Common Misdemeanors?
- Minor drug offenses, such as possession.
- Drunk driving.
- Petty theft, including shoplifting.
- Minor or simple assault or battery.
- Trespassing.
- Vandalism.
- Minor sex crimes, including solicitation, prostitution and indecent exposure.
- Resisting arrest.
Misdemeanors in Texas are crimes punishable by up to one year in local or county jail. Misdemeanors are categorized as Class A, B, or C. (Tex. Penal Code Ann.
What is a misdemeanor in Colorado? ›
Misdemeanors are less serious criminal violations of Colorado state laws, punishable by a sentence of up to 18 months in county jail. A person convicted of a misdemeanor cannot be sentenced to state prison, unless the misdemeanor sentence is served simultaneously (concurrently) with a felony sentence.
What is the lowest misdemeanor in Texas? ›
In Texas, Class C misdemeanors are the lowest level of criminal offense. They can include a fine of no more than $500 and no jail time. But you still have a right to a trial, which can be held in Municipal Court, Traffic Court, or a Justice of the Peace Court.
What is the lowest misdemeanor class? ›
The least serious misdemeanors are classified as Class C or Level Three. These crimes can result in fines and jail time of up to a year, and may also offer the chance of probation.
What is the most serious misdemeanor? ›
A first-degree misdemeanor charge is the most serious form of a misdemeanor. A conviction for one can cost you up to six months in jail and $2,500 in fines for a first offense. First-degree misdemeanor crimes include: DUIs.
Do misdemeanors go away in Texas? ›
Legally speaking, a misdemeanor is on your record for life. However, in some cases, background checks will only go back a certain number of years. For instance, in Texas, there is a “seven-year rule” in place.
How do I clear a misdemeanor in Texas? ›
You must petition the court, requesting the removal of the offense from your record. If you have complied with all required conditions such as serving jail time, community service hours, and paying fines and restitution, then the court will grant your petition.
How long does a misdemeanor last in Texas? ›
In Texas, a Class C Misdemeanor may be removed from a person's record or “expunged” 180 days after the date of the person's arrest. Class A and Class B misdemeanors may be expunged after one year from the date of the arrest.
Infractions, which can also be called violations, are the least serious crimes and include minor offenses such as jaywalking and motor vehicle offenses that result in a simple traffic ticket.
What is petty crime? ›
1. minor crimes such as theft, trespassing etc. He committed petty crime such as minor shoplifting. 2. a small crime such as minor theft, trespassing etc.
Is stealing a car a misdemeanor in Colorado? ›
Penalties. First-degree automobile theft is a class 3 felony carrying 4 to 12 years in Colorado State Prison and/or $3,000 to $750,000. Second-degree automobile theft is a class 4 felony carrying 2 to 6 years in prison and/or $2,000 to $500,000.
Is speeding a misdemeanor in Texas? ›
Speeding is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $500 fine in Texas. While common, multiple violations can create driver's license and insurance problems for Texas motorists.
What is the lowest felony? ›
For state felonies, the number for the lowest class felony is different state by state. So, for example, in some states, a 4th Degree felony is the lowest class felony, least serious type of felony offense that a defendant can face. A 4th Degree felony is also one step above the highest level misdemeanor in the state.
What is the most serious misdemeanor in Texas? ›
1.1.
Class A Misdemeanor: Class A misdemeanors are the most serious of all misdemeanor charges. A conviction on a Class A misdemeanor offense will carry a punishment of up to a year in a county jail, and a fine of up to $4,000.
What is the most typical punishment for first time misdemeanor? ›
You can face jail time (less than one year) or pay fines up to $1,000. You may receive a charge of 90 days jail time in a city or county jail for simple misdemeanor charges. The judge can also impose jail time and a fine. The charge for a minor first time misdemeanor offense can vary depending on the crime.
What is the smallest crime you can commit? ›
Infractions. Infractions, which can also be called violations, are the least serious crimes and include minor offenses such as jaywalking and motor vehicle offenses that result in a simple traffic ticket. Infractions are generally punishable by a fine or alternative sentencing such as traffic school.
What type of Offence is most common? ›
Common offences
- Shoplifting. General theft. Speeding. Knives and offensive weapons. Harassment and stalking.
- Failure to surrender to bail. Drug offences. Drink driving. Breach of a suspended sentence order. Breach of post-sentence supervision.
- Breach of a protective order. Breach of a community order. Assault. Benefit fraud.
Misdemeanor. "Misdemeanor" means a crime for which a sentence of not more than 90 days or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both, may be imposed.
