Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors Lawyers in Glendale

Proudly Serving Clients Throughout Pasadena, Burbank & North Hollywood

California categorizes crimes into two main categories: felonies and misdemeanors. Misdemeanor crimes are less serious than felonies and carry less severe penalties. However, a conviction for a misdemeanor crime can still result in jail time, fines, and other consequences, so it is important to take these charges seriously.

Common examples of misdemeanor crimes in California include:

Driving under the influence (DUI)
Simple assault
Domestic violence
Shoplifting
Petty theft
Prostitution
Public intoxication
Reckless driving
Vandalism

At Weiss and Stepanian LLP, we understand that though misdemeanors are legally classified as being “lesser” crimes than felonies, the reality is that consequences are still severe for an individual who is convicted. Choose a team that is prepared to defend your rights both in and out of court.

Call us at (818) 619-3337 or fill out our online contact form today to speak to our Glendale misdemeanors attorneys.

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What Are the Penalties for Misdemeanor Convictions?

Misdemeanor convictions can result in a number of penalties, including jail time, fines, probation, and more. The specific penalties you will face will depend on the nature of the crime you are charged with, whether you have any previous convictions, and other factors.

Generally speaking, misdemeanor convictions carry the following penalties:

Up to 6 months in county jail
Fines of up to $1,000
Summary (informal) probation

It is important to note that, in some cases, you may be able to avoid jail time by serving probation. However, you will still have a criminal record that can be accessed by employers, landlords, and other individuals and entities, which could make it difficult to secure employment, housing, and more. For this reason, if you are facing misdemeanor charges, it is crucial that you seek experienced legal representation right away.

Can I Go to Jail for a Misdemeanor?

Yes, you can go to jail for a misdemeanor conviction. The maximum jail sentence for a misdemeanor conviction in California is 365 days. However, it is important to remember that if you are convicted of a misdemeanor, you will not go to state prison. Instead, you will serve your sentence in a local county jail.

In some cases, a judge may allow you to serve your jail sentence on the weekends or at night so that you can work or go to school during the week. This is only an option for those who are employed or are enrolled in an approved education or training program. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you explore all of your available options if you are facing misdemeanor charges.

How Long Do Misdemeanors Stay on Your Record in California?

If you are convicted of a misdemeanor crime in California, the conviction will remain on your criminal record indefinitely. However, if you are granted probation and successfully complete the terms of your probation, you may be eligible to have the conviction expunged.

Expungement is a legal process that allows you to have your criminal record updated to reflect that the conviction has been dismissed. Once your record has been expunged, you do not have to disclose the conviction to potential employers, landlords, and other individuals and entities. However, certain state licensing boards, law enforcement agencies, and other employers may still be able to see your expunged conviction.

Expungement is not available for all misdemeanor convictions. Certain crimes, such as rape, child molestation, and other serious offenses, are not eligible for expungement. Additionally, you must successfully complete probation and meet all the requirements of your sentence to be eligible for expungement.

Our Glendale misdemeanor crime lawyers can help you determine if you are eligible for expungement and guide you through the process.

What Is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?

The main difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is the severity of the crime and the penalties you can face if you are convicted. Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors and carry much harsher penalties, including state prison time, fines, probation, and more.

Some of the key differences between felonies and misdemeanors include:

Felony convictions result in a sentence to state prison, while misdemeanor convictions result in a sentence to county jail
Most misdemeanor convictions carry a maximum jail sentence of 6 months, while felonies carry a maximum sentence of 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, or more
Felony convictions result in a permanent loss of your right to own or possess a firearm, while misdemeanor convictions do not
Most misdemeanor convictions can be expunged, while felony convictions cannot

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How Can I Fight Misdemeanor Charges?

If you are facing misdemeanor charges, it is crucial that you take immediate action to protect your rights and your future. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, there are a number of defenses that may be available to you. An experienced criminal defense attorney can review the evidence against you, conduct a thorough investigation of their own, and help you build a strong legal defense.

Some defenses that may be available to you if you are facing misdemeanor charges include:

Errors made during an arrest
A lack of probable cause
Self-defense
Mistakes made during tests whose results serve as evidence

Our Glendale misdemeanor crime lawyers have successfully handled thousands of cases and can help you build an effective defense strategy. We are prepared to fight aggressively to have your charges reduced or dismissed, and we are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.

To find out how we can assist you, please contact us online or call (818) 619-3337 to schedule a free consultation.

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Your future deserves aggressive representation. Reach out to us today to discover how our proactive advocacy can make a difference in your legal proceedings.

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