Source: https://www.losangelescriminallawyersblog.com/category/misdemeanor/
Timestamp: 2019-09-22 04:07:42
Document Index: 204404005

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 20002', '§20002', '§20003', '§20004', '§23152', 'art 1', '§647', '§647']

Misdemeanor Category Archives — Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers Blog Published by Los Angeles & San Diego Criminal Lawyer — Hoffman & Associates
What is a Wobbler in a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Case?
December 20, 2018 | Ronald N. Hoffman
There is a informal legal term that is used by legal professionals called a “wobbler”. A wobbler is a charge that can be charged as a misdemeanor, felony or an infraction. Essentially, the decision is up to the prosecutor. A wobbler also has room to be changed through negotiation with the prosecutor. This is why it is essential and important to have a Los Angeles Criminal Defense lawyer on your team. It ensures that you are fully aware of all strategies and tactics to use to ensure that if there is a possibility to have a charge reduced, it is.
Lets consider an example to better demonstrate how a wobbler works. Danny was helping a friend who was highly intoxicated outside of a bar one night. Danny has an open beer in his hand. Officers charged both Danny and his friend with a misdemeanor drunk and disorderly conduct. Danny has a very clear record, with no prior offenses, charges, or even traffic tickets. Danny was also not being disorderly, although he was intoxicated in front of the bar. Although Danny may meet the elements for a potential charge, his behavior does not give rise to that of a misdemeanor.
Danny hires a Los Angeles Criminal Defense lawyer to help argue his case. The attorney goes into court on the first appearance, which is an arraignment. The attorney has over 30 years of experience and is knowledgeable on all elements of various criminal charges, as well as the evidence required to prove those elements. The attorney also knows the prosecutor and the Judge in the courtroom where the case is being heard. The attorney goes into court prepared with evidence, arguments, as well as letters of recommendation from the community for David. He speaks to the prosecutor and presents David’s case. The attorney will argue the shortcomings prosecutor’s will have in evidence, as well as play up the points the attorneys knows the Judge will find noteworthy.
Posted in: Disorderly Conduct, Disturbing the Peace, Infractions and Misdemeanor
Updated: December 4, 2018 2:11 pm
Reducing your Los Angeles Criminal Defense Charge
October 25, 2018 | Ronald N. Hoffman
There are three levels of charges when you have been arrested for suspicion of a criminal offense. But first, it is important to understand that just because you have been arrested and charged, does not mean that you have been found guilty or convicted. An arrest and a charge simply means that authorities have reason to believe it is more likely than not, that you are guilty of this crime. But, as the saying goes, you are guilty until proven innocent. After a charge, a jury must find you guilty, or you will have to enter a plea of guilty, before you can be convicted.
If you are convicted, it will be on one of three levels; infraction, misdemeanor, or felony. To understand the different levels and their differences, we will go through some examples.
An infraction is the lowest level of criminal charges. These are minor offenses like running a red light, or making an illegal U-turn. These charges are often without damages to property, or injury to another person. The sentence generally is a fine that needs to be paid. There is no jail time, or probation. If you are to be charged, this is the best possible scenario.
Updated: October 31, 2018 2:33 pm
May 25, 2017 | Ronald N. Hoffman
Updated: July 31, 2018 2:05 pm
Is My Los Angeles Hit and Run a Felony or Misdemeanor?
January 26, 2017 | Ronald N. Hoffman
If you have been arrested or cited for a Hit and Run in Los Angeles, it can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. Which charge it is will depend on the facts of the case. Prosecutors review the officer’s statements, witness statements and the evidence to make a determination.
A Los Angeles hit and run is charged under California Vehicle Code § 20002, 20003, and 20004. If there is damage to property, it will be charged under California Vehicle Code §20002. If there is injury to person it will be charged under California Vehicle Code §20003, and if there is death it will be charged under California Vehicle code §20004.
Whether it will be charged as a felony or misdemeanor under each statute will depend on how bad the damage to property is and how bad the injury is.
Posted in: Felony and Misdemeanor
Updated: July 31, 2018 2:03 pm
How to Reduce Your Los Angeles Criminal Charge
June 23, 2016 | Ronald N. Hoffman
If you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense, it will be listed as one of three different categories: infraction, misdemeanor or felony. Each level has different consequences and means something different if it remains on your record.
Infractions are the lowest level of criminal offenses. This class includes traffic tickets, and small offenses such as littering or jaywalking. Because it is the lowest level of criminal offenses, the potential consequences are low as well. A person who has been found guilty of an infraction will likely just pay a fine. They will not be required to report it on applications and it will not show up on background searches.
Posted in: Infractions and Misdemeanor
Los Angeles Misdemeanor in Comparison to a Los Angeles Felony Criminal Charge
May 12, 2016 | Ronald N. Hoffman
Many factors will influence prosecutors in how the charge a criminal offense. Most often it is the variable of injuries that will persuade their final decision. However, many times misdemeanors are overcharged as felonies, and a person ends up facing charges and proving innocence on a much higher charge than it should have been. This is why the services of a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer are crucial from the very beginning of your case.
When a person has been charged with an offense, the case will be submitted for review by the Prosecutors. The prosecutors will review the facts and make a determination of whether or not the case will move forward, and whether or not it will be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
Different Levels of Criminal Offenses
October 14, 2014 | Ronald N. Hoffman
When you have been arrested on suspicion of having committed a criminal offense, you will be issued a citation. The citation will contain the date in which you have to appear in court, the courthouse, the law that you have violated, and whether the charge is an infraction, felony, or misdemeanor. It is important to understand the dynamic of each, and to understand that some charges can be charged as either.
At the time of the arrest, the officer will give you the citation and he, or she, will determine what the level of the citation will be. However, the prosecutor’s office will determine whether you will be charged, and whether that charge will be changed from what is stated on your citation.
For example, if you have been arrested for driving under the influence, the citation may read, VC 23152, Misdemeanor. This means that you are being charged under California Vehicle Code §23152, as a misdemeanor. Each level carries with it its own characteristics, and can be reduced with the right arguments and defenses.
Updated: July 31, 2018 2:01 pm
A Los Angeles Criminal Case from Start to Finish Part 1
January 21, 2014 | Ronald N. Hoffman
If you are not a lawyer, the criminal judicial system is somewhat complex and confusing. You must have a lot of questions, such as, when do I have to appear in Court? When do I enter a plea? Can I enter a plea at anytime or do I lose my chance?
Breaking down the process helps understand how it works. Additionally, seeking the guidance and advice of a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney will give you the best possible chances of dismissing or reducing your case because a legal professional not only went to school for this, but they know the ins and outs of the system. Furthermore, if you hire an experienced attorney, they will be familiar with the Courts, the Judges, the Prosecutors and even the court clerks.
Let’s consider an example, and walk through the process.
Posted in: Misdemeanor, Plea Bargaining and Rights
Updated: July 31, 2018 1:08 pm
Can an Attorney Reduce my Los Angeles Criminal Charge from a Misdemeanor to an Infraction?
September 12, 2013 | Ronald N. Hoffman
When a person has been arrested on suspicion of committing a criminal offense, they will be given a citation specifying the code section. Oftentimes the code section will allow for a reduction from a misdemeanor to an infraction. If it does not, the charge will have to be negotiated to a lesser charge so that an infraction is possible.
The concept is made clear through the use of an example. Let’s say that David lives down the street from his favorite bar. One night, his friends all come over and they head out to celebrate David’s birthday. After the celebrations, they are walking back to David’s place from the bar being loud, yelling at each other, and shouting out at passersby. An officer observes David’s behavior and writes him a citation for a violation of California Penal Code §647(f).
California Penal Code §647 starts with the following phrase: “Every person who commits any of the following acts is guilty of disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor”. There is no vagueness or ambiguity, a person who is charged under this code section shall be charged as a misdemeanor.
Posted in: Misdemeanor and Plea Bargaining