Experienced Attorney for Misdemeanors Serving Stockton, Manteca, Fresno, Merced, Madera

MISDEMEANOR CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

A misdemeanor may be a lesser crime that carries a lighter penalty than a felony. Nevertheless, a criminal conviction is a conviction. Even a misdemeanor conviction can significantly impact your life in many different ways. A misdemeanor charge must be taken very seriously. Selecting the right Stockton criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference.

The criminal defense legal team at the Srai Law Office will work hard to defend you and prevent a criminal misdemeanor conviction. With an experienced attorney on your side, you can be confident that you have the best chance at avoiding a criminal conviction.

Criminal defense attorney Gurjit Singh Srai serves communities across the Central Valley. He has helped many individuals with past criminal records have a second chance to living a fuller life. Our legal team will do everything possible to help you. For more information or to learn how we can help you, contact the Srai Law Office.

What Is a Misdemeanor?

Under California law, a misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is less serious than a felony. The law characterizes a misdemeanor by how much potential time you could serve and where you would serve your sentence. A misdemeanor conviction can also carry hefty fines that amount to thousands of dollars. Just like any other criminal conviction, a misdemeanor conviction goes on your criminal record.

Although misdemeanors can be expunged under certain circumstances, it is best to fight them and avoid a conviction altogether. Misdemeanor offenses include a number of crimes, such as:

Misdemeanors that involve more serious crimes are called “gross misdemeanors” or “aggravated misdemeanors.” These types of misdemeanors include:

  • DUI Offenses
  • Driving with a suspended license
  • Domestic battery involving harmful contact

The fines and penalties for a gross or aggravated misdemeanor can be more than $1,000 and up to one year in county jail.

Misdemeanor Wobbler Offenses Under California Law

A wobbler offense is when the prosecutor has the discretion to charge a criminal offense as either a felony or a misdemeanor. The facts surrounding the crime and your prior criminal history will influence the prosecutor’s decision. The prosecuting agency will have to consider the following factors in making this decision:

  • Your prior criminal record
  • The level of injury you caused the victim
  • The planning and/or sophistication of your crime
  • Whether you committed other crimes as the same or on different occasions

California law categorizes wobbler offenses into various categories, including:

  • Assault
  • Battery/sexual battery
  • Burglary
  • Certain DUI offenses
  • Receiving stolen property
  • Theft
  • Fraud

Your Stockton misdemeanor criminal defense attorney can also play an important role in whether you are charged with a felony or misdemeanor for a wobbler offense. The criminal legal team at the Srai Law Office can prepare the best defense to help avoid a conviction altogether.

Choosing The Best Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Attorney

Although a misdemeanor involves less punishment than a felony, it is still a conviction that will go on your criminal record. A misdemeanor conviction can result in up to a year in jail, in addition to losing your job, losing a license issued by the State, having your driving privileges revokes, or causing serious immigration consequences. In other words, your future can be badly impacted by a misdemeanor conviction.

You need to hire our team of criminal defense attorneys to avoid a misdemeanor conviction. We have a reputation for obtain results and aggressively fighting for our clients’ rights. Whether it is your first experience with the criminal justice system or you are facing a life sentence under California’s Three Strikes Law, our criminal defense lawyers will fight to get you the best possible result.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Expungement Process

What Penalties Will I Face If I’m Convicted of a Misdemeanor Crime?

If you are arrested for a misdemeanor crime, or any other type of crime, the penalties will depend mostly on the offense you are convicted of and whether or not you have any prior criminal convictions. Everyone who is convicted of a crime stands to face incarceration, hefty fines, probation, community service, suspension of driving privileges, and a mark on their criminal record. You need to hire an experienced Stockton misdemeanor defense attorney to avoid a conviction.

Can I Plead Not Guilty of a Misdemeanor Without a Lawyer?

It is generally not a wise decision to plead not guilty to a misdemeanor charge without first consulting with an attorney. When you plead not guilty, the judge will give you two options – whether you want your case to be tried by a judge or jury. This is an important decision with ramifications that could impact the outcome of your case. It is best to have an experienced attorney to determine what is the best choice for your particular case.

Can I speak to a criminal attorney over the phone and ask specific questions about my case?

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, it is important that you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You can call us at (209) 323-5558 to schedule a consultation with Attorney Gurjit Srai. He will answer any questions you may have.

Contact an Experienced Bankruptcy Attorney

A criminal conviction can carry severe consequences under California law. An experienced misdemeanor criminal defense attorney can help you avoid a conviction and all of the negative implications accompanied with a felony conviction.

For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our Stockton criminal defense attorneys, please call us at (209) 323-5558, or complete our online form.

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