The nature of a criminal case can vary significantly depending on what offense you are accused of and how that offense is prosecuted by the court. Minor charges may be punishable by only a small fine or a brief stay in county jail, while more severe offenses could lead to steep financial penalties as well as several years of confinement in state prison.
No matter what you are accused of you have the right to representation from a knowledgeable defense attorney throughout every stage of your case. Working with a Marin County criminal lawyer could be essential to effectively contest the prosecution’s case against you, and potentially mitigate the sanctions you could face upon conviction.
There are three categories the state of California uses to classify criminal offenses. The least severe type of offense a person could be charged with is an infraction, which is typically a minor violation of a city ordinance, state law, or traffic regulation punishable by no more than a fine.
However, because of how minor they are, these offenses are not technically considered crimes, so defendants do not have the same rights they would during a criminal case. For example, the court would not provide a lawyer to someone charged with an infraction, and they would not have the right to a jury trial.
These and other rights are guaranteed to anyone charged with any kind of misdemeanor or felony offense. Misdemeanor offenses include, but are not limited to, offenses such as shoplifting and petty theft, soliciting a prostitute, assault, battery, domestic battery, and first-offense DUI. Standard misdemeanors are punishable by a maximum of six months in jail and $1,000 fine, and aggravated misdemeanors may result in a one-year jail sentence and a fine greater than $1,000 upon conviction. Finally, particularly severe offenses like sexual assault, rape, robbery, mayhem, kidnapping, distribution of controlled substances, human trafficking, pimping and pandering, and murder are classified as felonies and punishable by more than a year in prison upon conviction.
Certain offenses are known colloquially as “wobblers,” meaning they could fall into either category depending on the circumstances of the case. For instance, a criminal defense attorney may be able to negotiate a charge for felony domestic violence or felony assault with a deadly weapon down from a felony offense to a misdemeanor or even get it dismissed based on the evidence, mitigation, and other legal insufficiencies.
Anyone who is facing criminal charges of any kind should strongly consider seeking experienced legal counsel if possible.
A seasoned criminal lawyer in Marin County could work tirelessly on a defendant’s behalf to locate and preserve exculpatory evidence, negotiate with prosecutors and court officials, and pursue alternative means of resolving a criminal matter when possible. A qualified legal professional could also help seek a positive resolution of a dismissal, which may be especially important for someone who has a prior record of similar offenses or other collateral consequences like immigration considerations such as deportation, exclusion, and denial of naturalization.
Retaining a professional defense attorney is usually the best way for a defendant in California to ensure their rights are respected and their case is dealt with as effectively and efficiently as possible. Without guidance and support from experienced legal counsel, you may have a difficult time even mitigating the penalties you might face upon conviction.
By hiring a Marin County criminal lawyer, you could put yourself in the strongest possible position to resolve your criminal matter and move on with your life. To set up a consultation and discuss your legal options, call today.
The Nieves Law Firm is dedicated to providing aggressive criminal defense representation to working professionals who have found themselves in trouble with the law. We show up to win, and we’re not afraid to fight aggressively to accomplish our client’s goals.
We understand that being accused of a crime can be a scary and confusing experience. That’s why we take the stress off our clients by handling the full scope of their legal situation from the initial consultation to the final outcome. Our bilingual attorneys and staff are here to ensure that our clients feel heard and understood every step of the way.
As one of the largest criminal defense teams in Oakland and the Greater Bay Area, we have the resources and experience to handle even the most complex cases. Our experienced team examines various aspects of your case and, perhaps most importantly, we genuinely care about our clients and their future. We take the time to learn about their goals and priorities so that we can achieve an outcome that allows them to move past their mistakes and focus on the future they want. When you work with us, you become part of our team.
Our skilled criminal defense attorneys have experience handling a wide range of criminal cases. With a deep understanding of the legal system and a track record of successful cases, our lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome in your case.
When facing a criminal charge, having dedicated and experienced attorneys on your side is critical. At The Nieves Law Firm, we understand the gravity of your situation, and our criminal defense attorneys provide unwavering support and legal guidance.
From the moment you reach out to us, we prioritize your well-being and legal interests. Our criminal lawyers are with you every step of the way, from arrest to hearings and beyond, to ensure that your rights are protected. Whether you’re facing charges related to DUI, drug offenses, assault, sex crimes or any other allegation, we have the knowledge and courtroom experience to fight vigorously on your behalf.
We believe in the power of collaboration and will actively involve you in the decision-making process, ensuring you are well-informed and empowered to make the best choices for your defense. Our goal is not only to navigate the legal complexities but also to provide you with the peace of mind and reassurance you deserve during this challenging time.
Give us a call or contact us online so we can schedule a meeting to discuss your legal needs.
Schedule a meeting with our intake coordinator so we can determine the best plan to solve your legal problems.
We work to resolve your legal problems so you can focus on what is most important
Case Dismissed after Completion of Drug Court
All Charges Dismissed and Property Ordered to be Returned to Client
Deferred Entry of Judgment
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed without Trial
Motion to Vacate Granted
Restraining Order Denied and Sealed
Both Cases Dismissed Prior to Trial
No Charges Filed
No Criminal Charges Filed & Detention
No Jail Time & No Sex Offender Registration
Pled to 1 Petty Misdemeanor and Not Required to Register as Sex Offender
