In a related post, we spoke about fighting felony charges in Santa Ana, CA. This time out we’re going to talk about misdemeanor offenses. While misdemeanor offenses aren’t as serious as felony offenses, a conviction could still result in probation, jail time, and hefty fines.
What Crimes Are Considered to Be Misdemeanor Offenses in California?
In California, a wide range of offenses can result in misdemeanor charges:
- Minor drug offenses
- Petty theft
- Trespassing
- Driving with a suspended license
- Vandalism
- Driving under the influence
- Resisting arrest
- Assault or battery that doesn’t involve a deadly weapon or result in serious injury or death
- Violation of a domestic violence restraining order
Consequences for a Misdemeanor Conviction in California
If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor offense in Santa Ana, CA it’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible after your arrest. A misdemeanor conviction could impact your life in many ways. You could be facing:
- Court-supervised probation
- Up to one year in a county jail
- Fines of up to $1000
The misdemeanor conviction will remain on your permanent public record, which could prevent you from holding certain jobs, obtaining a loan, leasing an apartment, or attending the school of your choice.
What are “Wobbler” Offenses in California?
In California, “wobbler” offenses are offenses that can result in either a misdemeanor or felony charge. Which way they wobble depends on many factors, including:
- Your criminal history
- Whether anyone was harmed during the commission of the offense
- You used a firearm during the commission of the offense
- The value of the property that was destroyed or stolen
For instance, the theft of property worth $950 or less is considered to be petty theft, which is a misdemeanor offense. However, the theft of property valued at above $950 is considered to be grand theft, which is a felony offense.
Defenses Against Misdemeanor Charges in Santa Ana, CA
The best way to avoid a misdemeanor conviction is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. In order to be convicted of a misdemeanor offense in Santa Ana, CA, the prosecutor must prove to the judge or jury, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you are guilty of the charges against you. This is a high threshold to meet. Your attorney will review the facts and evidence in your case, to look for flaws in the state’s case that can be used to show the jury that you might not be guilty of the charges.
Common misdemeanor defense strategies can include:
- The incident was the result of an accident or mistake
- The defendant believed they had ownership, authorization, or consent
- Constitutional violations, such as an illegal search
- False accusations/mistaken identity
Talk to a Santa Ana, CA Criminal Defense Attorney About Your Misdemeanor Case
If you’ve been arrested and charged with a misdemeanor offense in Santa Ana, CA, contact the law office of Santa Ana, CA criminal defense attorney Jim Tanizaki ASAP. Jim is a former Orange County DA turned criminal defense attorney. He’s familiar with the tactics the prosecution will use to get their conviction and knows how to craft effective defense strategies to counter their charges. Jim’s experienced legal representation often results in lesser or even dropped charges for his clients.
Contact the law office of Jim Tanizaki through our website, or call us at (714) 655-7633 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case with a leading Santa Ana, CA criminal defense attorney.