Sacramento Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
Protect Your Rights & Defend Your Future
"Can you go to jail for a misdemeanor in California?" While misdemeanors are considered less serious than felonies, they still carry heavy consequences that can ruin a person’s life. A misdemeanor conviction can make it harder to find a job, rent a place to live, and obtain loans. These penalties should not be taken lightly. If you were charged with a misdemeanor crime, get help from an experienced Sacramento criminal defense lawyer to protect your record. With Over a decade of experience and numerous favorable results for our clients, Donato Legal Group is here to help if you have been accused of a misdemeanor. Call today to schedule your free consultation.
Can You Go to Jail for a Misdemeanor in California?
Most people think of misdemeanors as petty theft or public indecency. However, some misdemeanors have the potential to become felonies if combined with other offenses. In other cases, these crimes can carry severe criminal sentences including up to a year in jail and thousands of dollars in fines. With Donato Legal Group on your side, you can take comfort knowing your cases is being handled by someone who understands the law and how to make effective use of it.
Contact Donato Legal Group today at (916) 318-5997 or online to schedule a meeting with our misdemeanor defense attorney in Sacramento.
What are the Different Types of Misdemeanors in California?
Serious misdemeanors can include:
- Assault
- DUI
- Theft
- Robbery
- Violating a restraining order
- Drug offenses
- Gang activity
In any of these cases, the criminal sentence can leave your life in disarray. Let our Sacramento criminal defense lawyer help you plan for the challenges ahead and avoid having your life destroyed over a mistake.
Does a Misdemeanor Go Away in California?
Misdemeanors do not go away through the passage of time. The only way to get a misdemeanor to "go away" is to have them expunged. Some confusion comes under California Civil Code § 1786.18 that restricts the reporting of certain adverse information. You must take affirmative action to expunge the case or it will appear for decades. Once relief has been granted, you can honestly answer "no" to a question regarding criminal convictions in many circumstances. If your misdemeanor case involved a grant of Probation, including informal probation, all fines, fees and community service or classes required by the court must be completed.
Do Misdemeanors Follow You From State to State?
Misdemeanors are usually prosecuted at the county level, so if an employer is running a state background check on you and your state's records don't include the county you were convicted in. It's likely your misdemeanor won't show up. There is a chance your misdemeanor won't show up on a background check; there's always the possibility that it will. Generally speaking, employers are less concerned with misdemeanors than felonies. Whether or not an employer will hire someone with a misdemeanor on their record is entirely up to the employer. For example, if you have a DUI conviction that occurred seven years ago, it's more likely your employer will be sympathetic. If you have a DUI misdemeanor that's more recent, on the other hand, your criminal record might be a more significant issue.
Can a First Time Misdemeanor Be Dismissed in California?
Yes, it is possible for a first-time misdemeanor offense to be dismissed in California, depending on the circumstances of the case and the actions taken by the defendant and their attorney.
- Diversion: One common way for a misdemeanor to be dismissed in California is through a process known as diversion, where the defendant agrees to complete certain requirements, such as community service or counseling, in exchange for the charges being dismissed. This option is typically available for less serious misdemeanor offenses, such as minor drug offenses or low-level property crimes.
- Plea Bargain: Another way for a misdemeanor to be dismissed is through a successful plea bargain negotiated between the defendant's attorney and the prosecutor. In some cases, the prosecutor may be willing to reduce the charges to an infraction or offer a deferred entry of judgment program, which can result in the charges being dismissed if the defendant meets certain requirements, such as attending classes or completing community service.
It's important to note that not all misdemeanor charges are eligible for dismissal, and the specific circumstances of each case can impact the likelihood of a dismissal. It's best to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney in California to understand the options available in your particular case.
Call Our Firm Today
Donato Legal Group offers nearly a decade of experience in understanding the strategies used by prosecutors. As a seasoned criminal defense attorney, Attorney Alan Donato has a clear understanding of how to help clients tell their side of the story through common sense. Even serious misdemeanors must undergo a fair trial before a sentence can be carried out. Let our team help you work toward a favorable outcome. Make sure to check out our reviews as well as our case results and see what everyone is saying!
Call Donato Legal Group today at (916) 318-5997 or contact us online for a FREE consultation!
