California Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested for a misdemeanor offense in Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, Amador, or Yolo Counties you need experienced and aggressive Criminal Defense Attorneys who will fight to defend your rights. At The Law Office of Roland X Tiemann, you will consult with experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyers who have defended misdemeanor cases in Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, Amador, and Yolo Counties. We will represent you throughout the proceeding. If your case is a misdemeanor offense, we can appear for you in court so you don't have too, saving you time, money and embarrassment. Contact our office for a free same day consultation or to set up an appointment. We know the criminal courts in Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, Amador, and Yolo counties.

Aggressive Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer

Crimes that are regarded as less serious are referred to as misdemeanors. A misdemeanor usually is punishable by a fine, or by incarceration in a local jail for a period of less than one year. Prosecutors typically do not convene a grand jury to investigate or issue indictments for misdemeanor charges, although the same conduct may give rise to both felony and misdemeanor charges. Misdemeanors are usually charged by a written complaint, or "information." The charges may be considered minor, but being accused of a misdemeanor--not to mention being convicted of one--can cause a major disruption in the life of an accused. As in any criminal case, it is essential that a defendant in a misdemeanor prosecution have zealous representation backing him or her up. A person accused of a misdemeanor should seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Wobblers - Crimes May Be Felonies or Misdemeanors

Depending upon the circumstances of the case, some crimes may be considered either felonies or misdemeanors. Serious felonies, for example, assault or sexual abuse, often refer to conduct that could be a misdemeanor. If an assault causes severe bodily injury, for example, it is often regarded as a felony. Simple assault that causes no lasting injury, however, is a misdemeanor. Similarly, while drug offenses usually are felonies, possession of a small amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor in many states. Less serious offenses, such as traffic violations, are often prosecuted as misdemeanors, even though they may be felonies in some circumstances, or the most minor type of crime, infractions, in others. A traffic violation usually is an infraction if there was no collision, no one was hurt, and no property was damaged. The violation becomes a misdemeanor or a felony if someone is injured, or there was destruction of property.

Misdemeanor Penalties

As a rule, the penalties and other consequences of a misdemeanor conviction are less severe than those of a felony conviction. Not only do the jail sentences imposed tend to be shorter, but the broader consequences are not as dramatic. Usually, a person who has a misdemeanor conviction on his or her record may still vote, serve on a jury, and practice his or her profession. Defense counsel may, in some cases, be able to "plead down" a felony to a misdemeanor, which will not only minimize the punishment imposed, but will lessen the consequences for the future.

Misdemeanor Probation

If you are placed on probation following a misdemeanor conviction for any of the above offenses, it will most likely be summary probation with specific terms and conditions. Summary probation simply means probation without a probation officer and without probation fines. However, you must understand that you can both go to jail for an amount of time less than the maximum and also be placed on probation.

Conclusion

Misdemeanors may not carry the same threat of severe punishment and life-long consequences as felonies, but a misdemeanor conviction can nonetheless be costly, in both financial and personal terms. If you, or someone you know, are facing misdemeanor charges, you need to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney without delay.

Free Same Day Consultation

Because of work and family commitments and the uncertainty and risk of trial, many of our clients prefer to resolve their cases without a trial. If that is your preference, we will work to achieve the best possible result for you. In most cases, a resolution can be worked out that is satisfactory to you. Successful resolutions include jail alternatives like house arrest, reduced fines, and reduced/dismissed charges. Because of work most people can't have a criminal history, so we work to negate any negative consequences to your criminal record. We will keep you informed of the status of your case as it progresses to assure you understand what is occurring. You can always contact our office where you will speak to a person regarding any questions you may have in your case.

Sacramento Law Office Location

Our Northern California offices are conveniently located in Sacramento and El Dorado Counties. We accept all major credit cards. Please call my office to schedule a free initial consultation. You will be trusting your case to a proven defense firm!

Free Same Day Consultation

(530) 621-1800
(916) 939-3900

Call 24 Hours a Day

Affordable Fees
All Major Credit Cards
Consultas in Espanol

Please Contact Us about your case.