Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates specialize in California misdemeanor charges and offenses. Evite carcel.
In Los Angeles, misdemeanors could have serious penalties - ranging from fines to jail. Abogado y Criminalista de Los Angeles.
Examples of California misdemeanors include DUI, DWI, Trespass, Petty Theft, Shoplifting, Disorderly Conduct, Probation Violations, Solicitation of Prostitution, Assault and Battery, Domestic Violence, and other crimes.
Infractions, felonies, and misdemeanors. Mr. Rodriguez explains the difference between your California misdemeanor and a felony. Fines can range up to $2,000. Defensa Criminal.
 
  

Misdemeanor Offense
California• LA County

Examples of California Misdemeanors

  • DUI / DWI (first, second, or third offense with no injuries)
  • Trespass
  • Petty Theft / Shoplifting
  • Disorderly Conduct
  • Obscene Matter
  • Probation Violations
  • Receipt of Stolen Property
  • Unlicensed Driver
  • Illegal Gambling
  • Public Drunkenness
  • Solicitation of Prostitution
  • Violation of Restraining Orders
  • Reckless Driving / Exhibition of Speed
  • Assault and Battery (with no minimum injury)
  • Domestic Violence
 

Misdemeanor Record

Whether charged as an adult or juvenile, having a misdemeanor conviction on your record can negatively impact your life, by denying you employment and stigmatizing you as a criminal.  The best way to prepare yourself if you are being criminally prosecuted is with a qualified California criminal attorney, such as Stephen G. Rodriguez, who specializes in the defense of those accused of misdemeanors and felonies.  In addition, Mr. Rodriguez can also assist with Alternative Sentencing, Sentence Reductions, and Record Expungements.

Expunging your Juvenile or Adult criminal record is a way to erase charges from public view and give you a clean start in life. Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates has an excellent track record in expunging criminal records.

For a free consultation about how to expunge your criminal record, contact the law firm of Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  Do I need an attorney for a misdemeanor?

A.  Yes! Representing yourself against an experienced prosecutor puts you at a major disadvantage.  Without an attorney you’re not on a level playing field.  Your attorney will be experienced in the California law and able to make decisions and arguments in your favor.

Q.  How does a misdemeanor affect my future employment?

A.  A misdemeanor conviction will result in a criminal record.  A criminal record can affect your future employability.  Companies routinely perform pre-employment background checks and screening on all applicants.  Most employers will not hire an applicant with a criminal background.  Expunging your criminal record is the only way to prevent future employers (other than governmental agencies) from seeing your criminal history.

Q.  What if I am falsely accused of a crime?

A.  Do not attempt to talk your way out of the charges or represent yourself in court.  Judges and prosecutors do not discuss charges or case facts directly with defendants.   Your first step should be to secure a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney.  A skilled attorney is extremely familiar with the criminal justice system and can talk to the judge and prosecutor on your behalf.  Remember, even innocent people end up in jail!

Q.  If I intend to plead guilty, why do I need an attorney?

A.  If you are pleading guilty, you still need an attorney to ensure that your sentence is minimized.  An experienced criminal defense lawyer can reduce your chances of going to jail.  In some cases, a good attorney can negotiate a better plea and/or reduction of charges, depending on the seriousness of the offense and the defendant’s prior criminal history.

Q.  Does a misdemeanor conviction always mean jail time?

A.  No. Jail time for a misdemeanor conviction depends on several factors:

  • Previous criminal record
  • Facts of the case
  • Victim’s attitude toward the defendant
  • Outstanding restitutions, if any
  • Current probation status

Q.  What types of alternative sentences could be substituted for jail time?

A.  Alternative sentences to jail include house arrest, community service, graffiti removal, CalTrans (physical labor), and counseling.

Q. What is a Gross Misdemeanor?

A.  In the state of California, the term gross misdemeanor is not used, but the concept is still recognized.  A gross misdemeanor carries penalties similar to a felony with the possibilities of increased jail time and even state prison.

 

Stephen G. Rodriguez, with his competent team of California criminal defense attorneys, will sit down to discuss the facts of your case and prepare any necessary defenses.  They will also contact the prosecutor’s office in advance of your first court date and attempt to speak on your behalf in order to dismiss the case or reduce the charges.

For effective representation, including a free consultation, contact California criminal defense attorney Stephen G. Rodriguez.
Se habla espanol - Stephen G. Rodriguez can help with your LA County misdemeanor charge - whether adult or juvenile. Don't risk having a misdemeanor on your record. Call Mr. Rodriguez for alternative sentencing options.
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MISDEMEANOR CHARGE

Felony • Misdemeanor
Crime • Penalty • Law

Los Angeles Criminal Attorney
California Defense Lawyer

Misdemeanors and the Law
Under the California Penal Code misdemeanors are crimes that are considered less serious than felonies but can bring jail time of up to one year and fines totaling $2000.

In California criminal offenses are classified as infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies.

  • Infractions such as traffic violations are punishable by a fine and no jail time.
  • Misdemeanors are, by definition, crimes that carry a less severe punishment than a felony.
  • Felonies are serious offenses that generally carry a jail sentence of one year or more.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor
Know the Difference
In California a felony is a serious offense such as an assault & battery with bodily harm, domestic violence, murder, rape, kidnapping, certain sexual offenses, and other violent crimes.  Felonies are punishable by a jail term in excess of one year.

A misdemeanor in California is a less serious crime carrying with it possible jail time of less than one year and/or a fine of up to $1 000 plus penalties and assessments. Although generally considered minor, a California misdemeanor should be taken seriously because, if convicted, it results in your having a criminal record .

Misdemeanor Facts:

  • A misdemeanor will likely show up on a background check
  • Being accused of a misdemeanor or convicted of one can have devastating effects in the life of the accused
  • In some cases, a misdemeanor can be raised to the level of a felony

Elevating Misdemeanors to Felonies
Under certain circumstances, a misdemeanor may be charged as a felony, depending on the following factors, including: 

  • The seriousness of the crime
  • Injuries to the victim
  • The defendant’s prior criminal record

In addition, when certain prior criminal offenses exist on the defendant’s record at the time of misdemeanor arrest, the chances of having the current offense elevated to a felony are much greater. 

Criminal offenses that increase the risk of having your misdemeanor elevated to a felony, include:

  • Petty Theft / Shoplifting
  • Domestic Violence
  • Violation of a Domestic Violence Order
  • Drunk Driving (DUI / DWI) with 3 prior charges in 10 years
  • Indecent Exposure
  • Loaded Firearm in a Public Place
  • Receipt of Stolen Property
Misdemeanor Sentencing and Punishment
For misdemeanor charges, the range of California sentencing may include jail time, probation, fines, and/or community service.  A skilled criminal defense attorney can assist in an alternative or reduced sentence for the defendant.

Misdemeanor Penalties

  • Probation -
    • With Jail Time - In some cases jail time may be served under House Arrest or weekends in a private jail
    • Without Jail Time – For less severe offenses, probation may be given without any jail time
  • Community Service
  • CalTrans (physical labor)
  • Counseling or supervised anger management classes
  • Restitution - The court may order financial compensation to the victim by the defendant
  • Fines - Fines vary from $200 to $2 000 in court-ordered fines
  • Stay-Away Orders – The court may order the defendant to have no contact with certain persons and locations

For misdemeanor crimes, an experienced California criminal defense lawyer can make the difference between going to jail and staying out of jail. 

If you have been notified by the prosecutor’s office that you are being charged with a misdemeanor, contact Stephen G. Rodriguez immediately to discuss your case.  

Law Offices of Stephen G. Rodriguez
633 West 5th Street
26th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90071

Telephone
(213) 223-2173

California Criminal Attorney

At Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates we defend people who have been accused of a crime.. We focus exclusively on criminal defense and we understand how to get the best results for our clients.

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