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Misdemeanors

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 DUI & Criminal Attorneys, 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 in San Diego, CA

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 DUI & Criminal Attorneys, 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 in San Diego, CA.

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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 DUI & Criminal Attorneys, 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.

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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.

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