California Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer

Serving Downey, CA for More Than 35 Years

Do not be deceived into believing that a misdemeanor, though a lesser charge than a felony, requires little legal representation. While the consequences are not as severe as a felony, you still require intelligent legal representation if you aim to achieve the best possible results in your case.

When you are charged with a misdemeanor in California, both your freedom and reputation are at stake. That is why the most important step you must take is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights throughout the entire legal process. At The Law Office of Ronald M. Hall, our Downey misdemeanor defense attorney has more than four decades of experience handling a wide range of misdemeanors and helping our clients obtain the most favorable outcome, which includes not serving any time behind bars.

What are the Most Common Misdemeanors in California

In California, crimes are organized into the categories "misdemeanor" and "felony" to distinguish between lesser and greater offenses. A misdemeanor is the less serious classification of the two, and carries less severe penalties.

However, a conviction of a misdemeanor in California will go on your criminal record, which can affect your reputation and ability to find work. Additionally, the penalties for a misdemeanor can still be significant, often including jail time and fines.

Though many of these crimes seem minor, the courts are not lenient in pursuing an aggressive sentence against the individual who allegedly committed the crime.

Can You Go to Jail for a Misdemeanor in California?

In California, the penalties for a misdemeanor are determined on a crime-by-crime basis. If no explicit jail sentence is stated in the law's statutes for a particular crime, then the court can sentence the defendant to a maximum of 6 months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. (Cal. Pen. Code § 19.)

Once you have been accused and charged with a misdemeanor crime, you will not likely be immediately jailed. Most misdemeanors are charged through a ticket. Occasionally, individuals are arrested for misdemeanor crimes such as DUI and public drunkenness, but in most of these cases you will not be required to post bail.

Our experienced Downey misdemeanor defense attorney can give you the tools you need to successfully navigate these charges. When you seek the help of our team, you can expect to meet personally with a respectful and attentive lawyer.

In your free case evaluation, we review the facts of your case and explain the most likely outcomes for your case. Your initial meeting with us will include outlining potential consequences of a conviction and how we can fight against those outcomes.

Penalties for misdemeanors in California usually include some or all of the following:

• Jail
• Fines
• Community service
• Rehabilitation programs

How Many Misdemeanors Equal a Felony in CA?

In California, the number of misdemeanors that equal a felony depends on the specific circumstances of each case and the charged individual's criminal history. Many misdemeanors may be punished as felonies when the defendant has a prior conviction for the same crime or for another type of serious or violent felony.

Generally speaking, certain types of misdemeanors can be charged as a felony if the defendant has prior convictions for the same offense or related offenses.

• For example, a third conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) within 10 years can be charged as a felony in California.

Additionally, some misdemeanors may be considered "wobblers," meaning they can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the severity of the offense and other factors. Examples of wobblers in California include assault with a deadly weapon and grand theft.

There is no specific number of misdemeanors that automatically equals a felony in California. It depends on the specific circumstances of each case and the discretion of the prosecutor and judge involved.