San Diego Misdemeanors Lawyer
San Diego Misdemeanors Attorney
California law delineates various types of criminal offenses, and among them, misdemeanors often sit in the shadow of felonies. Yet, the impact of a misdemeanor conviction can be extensive, affecting employment prospects, and even immigration status.
At Lee Law Group, we defend clients against misdemeanor charges, striving to mitigate the long-term consequences
If you’re facing a misdemeanor charge, you should not take it lightly. Instead, find a skilled San Diego misdemeanors lawyer. An attorney may be able to help you avoid the most severe penalties or even avoid conviction.
Defending Yourself Against Misdemeanor Charges
If you are arrested or charged with a misdemeanor, it should be your priority to talk with an attorney as quickly as possible. You’ll want to select an attorney who has experience in criminal defense law and who you feel you can rely on to protect your future. At Lee Law Group, we defend clients against misdemeanor charges, striving to mitigate the long-term consequences. For more than 20 years, our attorneys have represented clients in complex and straightforward criminal defense cases.
Any criminal charge can be stressful, including misdemeanor charges. Whether you have prior offenses or convictions, the criminal justice system can be isolating and overwhelming. The support of an attorney can help. When you work with Lee Law Group, we provide you with advice for your misdemeanor charges and unique criminal history. For years, we have helped our clients in difficult and complicated cases, providing the compassion and answers they need.
At Lee Law Group, our goal is to fight fiercely for the most beneficial outcome to your criminal case, securing a favorable result that protects your future.
Misdemeanors in California
In California, misdemeanors are offenses less severe than felonies but more significant than infractions. Typical misdemeanor cases range from petty theft and disorderly conduct to certain DUIs and drug possession cases.
California Penal Code Section 19 stipulates that a misdemeanor crime can warrant up to one year in a county jail. Misdemeanors are also punishable by fines in addition to or in place of imprisonment. These fines are typically set at up to $1,000, but they can be higher for specific misdemeanor charges.
Although misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, they can still have significant short-term and long-term consequences on your life. It’s important to understand these criminal and collateral consequences to know the severity of a misdemeanor conviction.
When facing misdemeanor charges, seeking the services of a qualified California misdemeanor lawyer is imperative. Lee Law Group, as a specialized criminal defense lawyer in California, offers tailored strategies based on individual case assessments. The defense may involve challenging the evidence, negotiating plea deals, or advocating for alternative sentencing, like diversion programs.
By leveraging legal precedents and local statutes, our goal is to either lessen the charges or have them dismissed entirely. We are committed to providing rigorous criminal defense services. Contact us today for a consultation.
Misdemeanor Penalties in San Diego
Penalties can vary based on the specific offense and the defendant’s criminal history. Generally, the repercussions may include:
- Jail Time
- Fines
- Probation
- Community Service
- Court-mandated Counseling or Treatment Programs
Some of the penalties for specific misdemeanors in California include:
- Assault, Penal Code 241: Assault, which is the attempt and ability to commit a violent injury to another person, has a maximum penalty of a fine of $1,000 and six months in jail.
- Domestic Battery, Penal Code 243(e)(1): This is the crime of committing battery against a spouse, cohabitant, fiancé(e), the parent of the offender’s child, or an individual whom the offender is dating or has dated. It is punishable by maximum penalties of $2,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.
- Disturbing the Peace, Penal Code 415: This includes fighting in a public place, using offensive words to provoke someone in public, maliciously bothering another in public, and other crimes. It is punishable by a maximum of a $400 fine and 90 days in jail.
- Driving on a Suspended License, Vehicle Code 14601: It is illegal to operate a vehicle on a suspended license, and penalties for a first conviction are between $300 and $1,000 in fines and between five days and six months in jail.
These crimes can be elevated to more severe charges if there are aggravated factors or if you have prior offenses. Hiring an attorney is useful to determine your options, such as plea deals for lesser penalties or a defense strategy that allows you to avoid conviction.
Collateral Consequences of Misdemeanor Offenses
In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction results in a criminal record, which can negatively affect several opportunities in your life. Your conviction shows up on background checks completed by potential employers and landlords, as well as others.
This can cause you to lose your job, have trouble obtaining new employment, bar you from certain fields of work, limit your housing options, and prevent you from securing educational opportunities. A misdemeanor conviction can also result in the loss of a professional license.
Probation for Misdemeanor Offenses
Conviction of a misdemeanor often results in a period of probation, either in place of or in addition to a jail sentence. The judge who assigns the sentence will include terms of probation, which you must follow. These may include some of the following requirements:
- Jail time
- Community service hours
- Court fines
- Court-approved classes
- Monitoring
- Victim restitution
Probation is a form of alternative sentencing that can help convicted individuals avoid a maximum jail sentence.
FAQs:
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor in California?
You have the right to a lawyer for a misdemeanor in California, just as you have the right to legal counsel for any criminal charges. This is a right you should take advantage of. Having a criminal defense lawyer means you are more likely to mitigate your penalties or prevent conviction. In short, you’re more likely to achieve the ideal outcome for your case. An attorney can guide you through the criminal justice system, build your defense, and help you avoid the most severe penalties.
Can a Misdemeanor Be Dismissed in California?
Yes, a misdemeanor can be dismissed in California, although it is up to the court’s discretion. If you were convicted of a misdemeanor, you can request that this conviction be dismissed if the following is true:
- There are no pending cases or charges against you.
- You are not currently on probation or parole for criminal charges.
In some cases, a misdemeanor conviction is automatically cleared, and the request is unnecessary. If you did not serve probation for the misdemeanor conviction, you must wait one year from the day of conviction to request a dismissal.
How Serious Is a Misdemeanor in California?
A misdemeanor in California is more serious than an infraction and less serious than a felony. It is typically punishable by a fine and one year or less spent in county jail. The fine is often $1,000 or less, although certain offenses have higher fines.
Misdemeanors include petty theft, vandalism, and certain drunk driving offenses. In addition to fines and imprisonment, misdemeanors frequently carry probation and court-ordered programs relevant to the specific charge.
What Is a Misdemeanor Charge in San Diego?
In San Diego, a misdemeanor charge may include:
- Petty Theft
- Vandalism
- Prostitution
- Driving Under the Influence
- Domestic Violence
These charges typically result in a maximum of one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, although there are exceptions. For example, domestic battery charges carry a fine of up to $2,000 and are considered a misdemeanor offense, carrying up to a year in jail.
Discuss Your Misdemeanor Case With Lee Law Group Today
When facing misdemeanor charges, seeking the services of a qualified California misdemeanor lawyer is imperative. Lee Law Group, as a specialized criminal defense lawyer in California, offers tailored strategies based on individual case assessments. The defense may involve challenging the evidence, negotiating plea deals, or advocating for alternative sentencing, like diversion programs.
By leveraging legal precedents and local statutes, our goal is to either lessen the charges or have them dismissed entirely. We are committed to providing rigorous criminal defense services. Contact us today for a consultation.
