Misdemeanor & Felony Defense Lawyer in Dublin, CA
Fighting Against Misdemeanor & Felony Charges in Tri-Valley Area
Criminal charges may disrupt your life and make you anxious for your future. While any conviction for a crime can affect your livelihood, your opportunities, and your personal life, some charges are more serious than others and carry the potential for negative consequences that will last the rest of your life.
At The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero, we work hard to help you understand the nature of the offense and the possible effects a conviction may have on your life. Knowing what you are up against may help you participate more fully in the construction of a strong defense strategy.
Learn more about where you stand and your legal options. Contact our Dublin misdemeanors and felonies defense attorney at (925) 259-3337.
Understanding the Impact of Misdemeanor Charges
Misdemeanors are typically minor crimes that doesn't involve serious injury. They fall into the two groups of standard misdemeanors and aggravated misdemeanors. Standard misdemeanors are punishable by up to six months in jail and/or fines of up to $1,000. You may be put on probation in lieu of jail time. Aggravated misdemeanors carry penalties of up to a year in jail and/or fines of $1,000 or more.
You may feel the penalties of a misdemeanor are tolerable and that accepting a plea could just make the whole ordeal go away much faster. However, a conviction for a misdemeanor remains on your record unless you are eligible for the complex expungement process or participate in a diversion program. The better option is to avoid the conviction altogether. An experienced criminal defense attorney can work toward that goal.
Examples of California crimes charged as misdemeanors include:
- Simple drug possession
- DUI (without injury or other aggravating factors)
- Shoplifting
- Public drunkenness
- Prostitution
- Trespassing
- Domestic violence
- Restraining order violations
- Driving with a suspended license
- Reckless driving
- Disturbing the peace
How Long Does a Misdemeanor Stay on Your Record in California?
In California, misdemeanors remain on your criminal record indefinitely, which means they are accessible to law enforcement agencies, employers, and the public. However, under certain circumstances, it is possible to mitigate the long-term impact of a misdemeanor conviction. One avenue is expungement, a legal process that allows individuals to have their misdemeanor convictions dismissed from their records. After a misdemeanor is dismissed, you are not required to disclose the information to an employer.
You can qualify for a misdemeanor dismissal if you successfully completed your probation sentence along with not serving prison time for your conviction. You cannot qualify for a dismissal if you are currently facing criminal charges or are on probation.
Understanding the Impact of Misdemeanor Charges
Even though misdemeanors are considered minor crimes, they can still have significant consequences on your life. It's important to understand the potential impact of misdemeanor charges and how they can affect your future.
Some potential consequences of misdemeanor charges include:
- Difficulty finding employment
- Limited housing options
- Loss of professional licenses
- Negative impact on immigration status
- Difficulty obtaining loans or financial aid
Having an experienced misdemeanor defense lawyer on your side can make a difference in the outcome of your case. At The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero, we have over 25 years of experience in the tri-valley area and can provide the high-quality representation you need to navigate through misdemeanor charges.
How Felony Charges Can Derail Your Life
Convictions for more serious crimes called felonies carry severe penalties, including longer sentences — perhaps even life — in state prison. These felonies are often violent crimes such as murder, voluntary manslaughter, mayhem, rape, forcible sodomy, arson, hit and run, carjacking, drive-by shooting, or crimes against children. However, they may also be nonviolent crimes that society considers especially heinous, like a fourth DUI within 10 years, white collar crimes, or grand theft.
Criminal Defense FAQ
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What is a Defense Attorney?
A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer who specializes in defending individuals, businesses and organizations accused of committing a crime. They have the knowledge to understand the laws and legal procedures related to criminal cases. A criminal defense lawyers strives to protect their client's rights and build a strong defense case against all charges.
Defense attorneys use a variety of methods to help their clients, including research and investigation, interviewing witnesses, filing motions, plea bargaining with prosecutors and advocating in court for their clients. They may also advise clients on how best to prepare for trial and present evidence that could prove innocence or legal mitigating factors. In some cases, they also negotiate with prosecutors in order to get reduced or dropped charges for their clients. As experienced professionals, criminal defense attorneys look for any weaknesses in the government's case and make sure that every aspect of the law is being followed.
By hiring an experienced lawyer, you can be rest assured knowing that your rights are protected throughout the legal process and that you will receive sound advice to help you navigate your case.
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Should I Accept a Plea Agreement?
Most criminal cases resolve through plea deals. A plea bargain allows you to accept the penalty for a lesser offense, often keeping more serious charges off your record. Whether a plea will benefit you depends on your situation, but no one should accept a plea deal from someone who is not guilty of the crime.
Having a lawyer to counsel you on your best options is critical if you hope to avoid agreeing to a deal that is not in your best interests.
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Will I Lose My Professional License if I Am Convicted of a Felony?
While California has passed a law prohibiting employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history before making a job offer, this does not mean a conviction on your record will not affect your career opportunities. Many professional licensing boards have restrictions on eligibility for those who have criminal convictions.
Depending on the type of license you hold and the circumstances of your case, a conviction may negatively affect your professional future. Having an attorney on your side can improve the chances of avoiding a career-ending conviction.
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Why Do I Need an Attorney?
After your arrest, you should waste no time seeking the counsel of an attorney who is familiar with California laws and the courts in Alameda County, Northern and Central California. You will be facing skilled prosecutors whose goal is to convict you.
Your defense attorney will have the resources to construct a defense that will give you every possible advantage to avoid a conviction of the most serious charges you face. Even a misdemeanor conviction can negatively affect your life for years. I will work to prevent that from happening.
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What Should I Do Next?
Your first step after your arrest should be to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Police and investigators should not continue questioning you once you have asked for a lawyer. When you obtain legal representation from Attorney Christopher Lamiero, our firm will protect your rights and help you make the right decisions throughout the legal process.
Call (925) 259-3337 or use our online form to obtain legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Dublin, CA. Se habla español.
