Misdemeanor Defense Attorney

Have You Been Charged with a Misdemeanor in San Bernardino or Riverside?

A misdemeanor is generally considered to be a lesser offense than a felony. Often the penalty for a misdemeanor is a monetary fine. Incarceration for a misdemeanor is generally less than one year.

Examples of misdemeanors are simple drug possession, vandalism, trespass, disorderly conduct, reckless driving, public intoxication, simple assault, prostitution, petty theft, shoplifting, drunk driving, loaded firearm in a public place, probation violation, illegal gambling, receipt of stolen property, violation of a domestic violence order, and domestic violence. Misdemeanors should be taken seriously by the accused because conviction of a misdemeanor will give you a criminal record. It is advisable to contact the San Bernardino and Riverside misdemeanor defense lawyer at the firm for a consultation about your misdemeanor charge. Mr. McDonald has been practicing in the area of criminal law since 1990 and can provide the capable legal representation to protect your rights and fight your charges. As a sole practitioner, he offers individualized service to all his clients. The firm serves prospective clients in San Bernardino and Riverside County. Misdemeanor cases rarely go as far as a jury trial, but when the stakes are high -- such as keeping some license to work or drive, a trial is sometimes necessary to clear you of all charges. We have handled thousands of misdemeanors and taken quite a few to juries. San Bernardino and Riverside County misdemeanor clients have had great results in trial. We have yet to lose one!

California Misdemeanors

A misdemeanor can have a negative impact on your life and future. Conviction of a misdemeanor will generally show up on a background check. Depending on several factors, a misdemeanor can sometimes be raised to a felony. These factors include the severity of the crime, injuries sustained by the victim, and the accused person's prior criminal record. This San Bernardino and Riverside Criminal Defense lawyer often can get a misdemeanor completely dismissed, or at least reduced to an infraction, leaving you with no record. Our clients almost never serve time in jail following a misdemeanor conviction, and all of our misdemeanor clients who do suffer a conviction eventually return to have their conviction expunged.

Loss of Firearm Privileges Following Certain Misdemeanor Convictions!

Certain misdemeanors listed in the California Penal Code result in a 10 year ban on your ability to own or possess a firearm upon your conviction. They include: criminal threats, simple battery, assault, misdemeanor domestic violence, and many others. Don't plead guilty to one of these misdemeanors if you like to hunt of target shoot. There is often a way to negotiate a settlement to some charge that does not take away your right to bear arms. Talk to our San Bernardino and Riverside Criminal Defense Lawyer to see how best to protect your right to own a gun.

Misdemeanor Penalties

Penalties for a misdemeanor may include probation with jail time, without jail time, or with house arrest, community service, restitution, fines ranging from $200 to $2000, court-ordered counseling, Caltrans physical labor, and restraining orders. Have you been accused of a misdemeanor in the Inland Empire? Contact the San Bernardino and Riverside Misdemeanor Defense Attorney at the firm for a case evaluation today. Consultation is free.