Misdemeanor Crime Defense

A misdemeanor is a crime that can result in a sentence of no more than one year in custody. There are many different crimes that can be charged as a misdemeanor. These crimes include things such as Battery, Indecent Exposure, Petty Theft, Drug Possession, Driving on a Suspended License, Cannabis Related Crimes, Domestic Violence, Possession of a Loaded or Concealed Firearm, Vandalism, Violation of a Restraining Order, Hit and Run, Reckless Driving, and more. Some of these charges are called wobblers. Wobblers can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. If you are arrested for a wobbler, contact us immediately. It can be important to try to talk to the District Attorney before a filing decision is made. In that way, it may be possible to provide the DA with information that would encourage the case to be filed as a misdemeanor instead of a felony.

Some misdemeanor crimes can have alternative prosecution that allow a person to maintain a clean record. For example, “diversion” is a program that is sometimes offered on minor crimes. When placed on diversion, the person must complete specific requirements like paying a fine, doing community service, and staying out of trouble. There are also diversion options for certain drug offenses. If the person successfully completes the program, the case will be completely dismissed and treated as if it never happened.

We help those faced with charges of:

  • Drunk Driving (Vehicle Code § 23152(a)(b))
  • Driving on a Suspended License (Vehicle Code § 14601)
  • Petty Theft (Penal Code § 484)
  • Commercial Burglary (Penal Code § 459)
  • Hit and Run (Vehicle Code § 20001 or 20002)
  • Evading a Peace Officer (Vehicle Code § 2800.2 or 2800.4)
  • Possession of Certain Controlled Substances (Health and Safety § 11350 and 11377)
  • Domestic Violence (Penal Code § 243(e)(1) or 273.5)
  • Possession of a Loaded/Concealed Firearm (Penal Code § 25400 or 25850)
  • Resisting Arrest (Penal Code § 148 or 69)
  • Reckless Driving (Vehicle Code § 23103)
  • Violation of a Restraining Order (Penal Code Section 166 or 273.6)
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Health and Safety §11364)
  • Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance ( Health and Safety §11550)
  • Drunk in Public (Penal Code § 647(f))
  • Battery (Penal Code § 242)
  • Vehicular Manslaughter (Penal Code § 192)

Award Winning Legal Representation with a Proven Record of Success

Whenever you are arrested or charged with a crime, it is important to have an attorney sit down with you as soon as possible. Ibraham Dbouk has extensive experience helping defendants from serving an unnecessary length of jail time, immense fines, and an unjust verdict. Contact the Dbouk Law Office today for a free case evaluation!

Attorney-Client Privilege

It is always best to be honest with your attorney from the very beginning. There is a privilege between an attorney and their client which prohibits the attorney from revealing a clients’ communication to anybody else. This privilege is there to encourage trust and openness between the attorney and the client. This will help the attorney better represent the client. It is important that your attorney knows the good, bad and ugly about what happened so they can adequately defend you. Remember, your attorney is there to defend you to the best of their ability regardless of what happened.

Do you have to go to court for a misdemeanor in California?

For many misdemeanors your attorney can appear in court for you. The criminal charges against you are either read or waived and a plea of guilty, no contest, or not guilty is entered.

What is the punishment for a misdemeanor?

Misdemeanor crimes in California courts are punishable for up to one year in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000. Commonly issued punishments for misdemeanors include community service, probation, fines, and imprisonment in county jail for less than a year.

Do first time misdemeanor offenders go to jail in California?

While a misdemeanor conviction can result in county jail incarceration, the majority of misdemeanor defendants facing first time charges do not result in incarceration if the offense is based on a non-violent incident.

Does a misdemeanor stay on your record in California?

A misdemeanor conviction will remain on your criminal record permanently unless a dismissal (expungement) is received, or you’ve received a governor’s pardon. There is no preset expiration date for a misdemeanor.

Can employers ask about misdemeanors?

There is no rule that prohibits employers in California from being able to ask a job applicant about a misdemeanor so long as it resulted in a conviction within the last 7 years. That being said, an employer must generally wait until a job offer has been made before making certain criminal conviction inquiries.

For a Free Consultation Call +1 (916) 718-7223

During the free consultation Ibraham Dbouk will review the facts of your case, he’ll discuss strategies,
likely outcomes, and he will answer any questions that you have.

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