Long Beach Criminal Defense Attorney

Practice Areas

Long Beach Criminal Defense Attorney

Misdemeanors

A misdemeanor is a crime that carries a maximum sentence of one year in the county jail whereas a felony case can carry a state prison sentence.

A person charged with a misdemeanor has the right to legal counsel at all stages of the proceedings. In fact, on a misdemeanor case, an attorney can make all the court appearances, except for a trial, without the attendance of the client.

The most common misdemeanor is a traffic related crime such as driving while suspended or DUI. Both these crimes, although they are traffic related do carry potential jail sentences. However, unlike being accused of a traffic violation, such as speeding, a person accused of a traffic crime is entitled to a jury trial if he desires one. It is that right to a trial that gives an experienced criminal law attorney the leverage to obtain a favorable plea bargain or win the case at trial.

Other misdemeanors such as battery, domestic violence, and other types of assault, not only carry jail sentences but often require the attendance in programs. These types of convictions can also result in a gun ownership prohibition for up to ten years.

Although some persons equate the term "misdemeanor" with trivial or unimportant, a misdemeanor conviction can have life long consequences. For non-citizens, a misdemeanor conviction can lead to deportation, denial of citizenship or denial of naturalization. For citizens, a misdemeanor conviction can lead to a denial of certain professional licenses, such as a nursing license, etc. and can affect all varieties of employment opportunities.

Without an experienced aggressive attorney, most persons feel they have no hope and can’t fight the governments accusation. However with an aggressive experienced criminal attorney many or all of the consequences of a criminal conviction can be avoided.

Long Beach Criminal Law Specialist Matthew G. Kaestner, has been practicing criminal law for over 20 years. Mr. Kaestner has fought and won virtually every type of criminal case. If you find yourself or a loved one accused of a misdemeanor charge call Mr. Kaestner directly at (562) 688-3445.