Misdemeanors Trial-Tested Experience to Help Keep You Out of Jail

Salinas Misdemeanor Lawyer

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Although misdemeanors are considered “less serious” than felonies, you should always take your charges seriously if you have been accused of a crime. If convicted of a misdemeanor offense, you face possible jail time, steep fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record that can make it difficult to get a job, receive an education, obtain a loan, or even find housing. The sooner you reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney, the better.

At Law Office of John Klopfenstein, we represent people from all walks of life who have been arrested for and charged with serious criminal offenses. If you or someone you care about has been charged with a misdemeanor, we can help. Our Salinas misdemeanor attorney in attorney has helped more than 10,000 clients facing criminal charges, including thousands of misdemeanor cases. He knows what it takes to aggressively challenge the prosecution’s evidence and mount a strong defense on behalf of his clients.

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, call (831) 751-3947 or contact us online for a consultation from our Salinas misdemeanor defense attorney.

Understanding Misdemeanor Charges in Monterey County

A variety of criminal offenses are classified as “misdemeanors” under California law. Some common examples include

Shoplifting/petty theft
DUI
Certain drug crimes
Disorderly conduct
Probation violations
Driving with a suspended license
Reckless driving
Public drunkenness

This is not an exhaustive list. There are many other crimes that may be charged as misdemeanors in the state of California, each of which carries its own set of potential penalties.

When Can a Misdemeanor Be Elevated to a Felony?

Certain misdemeanors are known as “wobblers,” meaning they can be elevated to felony charge under certain circumstances. For example, if someone causes an accident while intoxicated, resulting in someone else being injured or killed, the driver could face felony DUI charges. Additionally, someone who is found to have large amounts of illicit substances in their possession could be charged with a felony drug crime, whereas possessing a small amount of the same substance could only be charged as a misdemeanor.

Some examples of misdemeanors that are wobblers include:

Assault with a deadly weapon
Domestic violenc e
DUI resulting in injury or death
Grand theft
Second-degree burglary
Embezzlement

When a misdemeanor charge is elevated, the criminal penalties are also increased. This means you could be facing incarceration for a longer period of time, as well as bigger fines. Regardless of the charges you are facing, our Salinas misdemeanors lawyer can help you pursue the most favorable outcome possible, whether that's negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or aggressively presenting your defense in court.

Avoiding a Misdemeanor Conviction

Unless the charge is elevated, a misdemeanor conviction could result in a sentence of up to a year in jail, fines, probation, a requirement to attend certain educational classes, and other penalties. In addition, the situation will cost you time and money, since you will need to pay fines, probation costs, and for other requirements, such as mandatory substance abuse classes or having an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle for DUI charges. It is important that you work with a qualified attorney who can help you mount a strong defense.

There are many possible defenses to misdemeanor charges, including:

Lack of Evidence: Insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
Alibi: Demonstrating that you were elsewhere when the crime was committed
Mistaken Identity: Arguing that you were wrongly identified as the perpetrator
Consent: Claiming that the other party consented to the actions involved
Self-Defense: Asserting that your actions were necessary to protect yourself from harm
Defense of Others: Claiming that you acted to protect someone else from imminent harm
Duress: Arguing that you were forced to commit the crime under threat of harm
Unlawful Search/Seizure: Arguing that evidence was obtained in violation of your rights
Statute of Limitations: Proving that the time allowed to prosecute the offense has expired
Provocation: Claiming that the actions of another party provoked your behavior

While a misdemeanor is certainly less serious than a felony, any criminal conviction may continue to impact your life in the future. Certain jobs, acceptance into universities and certain educational programs, and other career opportunities may be denied to individuals with a criminal record. It is always in your best interests to avoid a conviction whenever possible. You should not hesitate to seek legal advice from an experienced defense attorney after an arrest.

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Local Attorney & Former Public Defender

Attorney John Klopfenstein has practiced criminal defense law in the local community for more than 30 years, including 15 years as a public defender in two different public defenders’ offices. As a result, he is familiar with the District Attorneys and judges who will most likely be handling your case.

We offer consultations, including appointments at night and on weekends, when necessary. This is the best way to get accurate information for your case. During your consultation, our Salinas misdemeanors attorney will advise you of the penalties you could be facing, evaluate your case, and answer your questions. He can develop the most effective defense strategy and fight to protect your rights at every stage of the process.

Contact our firm today at (831) 610-5921 to speak to a knowledgeable attorney about your rights.

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Why Choose Law Office of John Klopfenstein?

Over 200 Jury Trials to Verdict
We are dedicated to achieving justice for our clients through our extensive trial experience, ensuring they receive the strongest possible defense in the courtroom.
10,000+ Clients Successfully Helped
Our commitment to justice is reflected in our track record of successfully assisting over 10,000 clients.
Over 30 Years of Legal Experience
With over 30 years of legal experience, we provide unwavering support and advocacy for our clients, ensuring their rights are protected at every turn.
Initial Consultations Available
Get started on your defense with a confidential consultation with a member of our legal team.

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