Los Angeles Misdemeanor Attorney

In California, a misdemeanor is a criminal offense punishable by up to a year in jail. A misdemeanor conviction can also result in substantial fines. Misdemeanors are part of your criminal record, and employers learn about them during criminal background checks. While most misdemeanors can be expunged eventually, the best strategy is fighting wrongdoing charges and keeping your record clean. If you’re accused of any misdemeanor in Southern California, you’re going to need quality legal counsel; call the Los Angeles-based Miranda Rights Law Firm at once. Over the last decade,  misdemeanor defense attorney Douglas Miranda has represented thousands of criminal defendants and has established a reputation for legal excellence.

WHAT IS A MISDEMEANOR?

California has three different types of crimes: felonies, wrongdoing and infractions. Felonies are the most serious and infractions are the least serious, leaving misdemeanors right in the middle. Although misdemeanors are not as serious as felonies, they are no laughing matter. So if you are taken into custody by the police in Los Angeles County or the surrounding area, you need to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer for representation and legal advice in your case.

Crimes can sometimes be categorized as aggravated or gross misdemeanors, which means you will face harsher penalties than you would with a simple misdemeanor, but not as severe as you would with a felony. Some examples of gross misdemeanors include driving on a suspended license, domestic battery and driving under the influence.

In California, some crimes are considered “wobbler” offenses, meaning they can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor or as a wrongdoing or infraction. The prosecution will make the final call on what charges to bring against a defendant based on the facts of the case and the defendant’s criminal history. Examples of wobbler offenses include brandishing a weapon, elder abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, disturbing the peace and criminal trespassing.

Often, criminal defense lawyers with clients who are facing felony charges will argue to have the charges reduced to a misdemeanor. This is done so the client can avoid the more severe charges of a felony.

Although misdemeanors do carry possible jail sentences, there is a chance that you will receive a misdemeanor probation sentence in place of imprisonment. If you are sentenced to wrongdoing probation, you will be given certain conditions that you must follow for a specific period of time. Conditions may include paying restitution to the victim, taking part in treatment programs, wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet or participating in community service. Failure to follow the conditions given to you by the court will result in a violation of probation charge, which will send you back to court to face possible additional penalties.

In addition to the possible jail time and fines, you may face other consequences if you are convicted of a misdemeanor. The misdemeanor will remain on your record, so it could be difficult for you to find employment or even a place to live when employers and landlords run a background check on you. Friends and family may alienate you after you are charged or convicted of a misdemeanor. Depending on the crime and your career, a wrongdoing conviction could affect your ability to obtain or maintain your professional licensing. These consequences could affect every part of your life for years after a conviction. Don’t take any chances by working with an inexperienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney or public defender.

If you or a loved one has been charged with any type of misdemeanor, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Los Angeles misdemeanor lawyer as soon as possible. Some people brush off misdemeanor charges, assuming that they can’t be serious since the charges are not felonies. However, that is not the case. Misdemeanors can carry severe consequences that can impact you and your family for years to come.

AGGRESSIVELY DEFENDING THE ACCUSED

At the Miranda Rights Law Firm, you can obtain legal assistance from an experienced Los Angeles misdemeanor attorney who represents clients charged with misdemeanors including but not limited to:

• fraud;
• resisting arrest;
• theft crime;
• trespassing;
• assault and battery;
• burglary;
• domestic violence; and
• some incidences of DUI.

Although there is never a guarantee in any particular criminal case, sometimes the charges can be dropped or reduced in misdemeanor cases and you’ll face fewer consequences. If you are a Los Angeles-area resident or visitor and you’re charged with a misdemeanor here, don’t put your freedom at risk. You’ll need the services of a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer  with a record of victories in similar cases, a lawyer who successfully guides clients through the often-confusing California court system. Douglas Miranda represents both felony and misdemeanor defendants facing prosecution for cases involving everything from relatively minor criminal charges like trespassing to serious felonies such as first-degree murder.

MISDEMEANOR EXPUNGEMENT

Convictions can stay on your record long after the court case is over. In California, you may be able to have your misdemeanor conviction removed from your record through a legal process known as expungement. To have a misdemeanor expunged, you will need to submit a petition for dismissal to the court asking that your record be reviewed, the conviction be dismissed and the case to close. You will also be asked to submit a MC-030 to the court, which is a declaration that explains why you are seeking an expungement and your current situation in life. It helps to show the court how much you have grown and improved since your conviction to help the court understand why you are seeking to get rid of this part of your life.

But, just because you file a petition does not mean you will have your record expunged. Don’t count on a misdemeanor being wiped off of your record if you are convicted. Contact an experienced Los Angeles attorney for legal assistance.

IF YOU’VE BEEN CHARGED

If you’ve been charged with any misdemeanor in southern California, put an experienced LA criminal defense attorney to work for you. After examining your case, Douglas Miranda will explain your legal options and work to develop the most effective possible defense strategy. At the Miranda Rights Law Firm, we take our responsibility to our clients seriously, and we put our experience to work for you. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Los Angeles misdemeanor defense attorney, contact us today. Send an email, or call 213-293-1207. Se habla español.