Orange County Criminal Defense: Misdemeanors
These are serious criminal crimes punishable by up to one year in local, county jail. Additionally, fines up to $1,000 can be ordered by the court. The most common types of criminal misdemeanor offenses are D.U.I., petty theft, simple drug possession, and most domestic violence. While jail is a distinct possibility, other more likely outcomes can include counseling and/or work service. Additionally, unlike felony cases, you have the right to "waive" your presence at all misdemeanor court appearances and have your criminal defense lawyer appear on your behalf. Not only does it save you time, but it saves you money and the potential for embarrassment. And contrary to what you think, your "waiver" does not harm you in the judge's eyes. In fact, given that most clients at this level "waive" their appearance, an actual client appearance is a most unusual sight in the courtroom. Regardless, it is your decision and our criminal defense attorneys will advise you accordingly.
Orange County Criminal Defense: Felonies
These represent the most serious types of crimes, and for that reason, you must personally appear for each court date. Common types of felonies include robbery, grand theft, drug possession and/or sales, sexual assault, and some domestic violence. Punishment can range from probation to straight prison time with a minimum sentence of 16 months. Typical probation terms can include the following: fines, restitution, counseling, work service, and up to one year of county jail.If you learn that you are under investigation for a federal charge, it is very likely that you will be charged. By the time you are charged or indicted, the feds will have built a substantial criminal case against you. Because of their vast resources, that evidence may include wire taps and video surveillance.
It is important to understand whether you are facing criminal charges by a state or the federal government. Although the federal government can charge you with a crime for any violation of federal legal code, it typically focuses on major drug offenses, white collar crimes and cybercrimes. Increasingly, the FBI has been engaging in sting operations designed to trap sex offenders, such as distributors of child pornography or charges for solicitation of minors over the Internet.However, you don't have to be accused of an extremely serious criminal offense to face federal charges. Even a minor offense, if committed on federal property such as a national park, can result in federal criminal charges. If you are convicted of a federal criminal charge, you may be facing long prison sentences. Federal judges are very strict and almost always adhere to severe sentencing guidelines, and there is usually no chance for parole.
Many of our pre-screened orange county criminal attorneys specialize in federal criminal defense. The best time to get a defense team is when you first learn that you are under investigation. Even if the investigation is centered around someone else, if federal agents are talking to you, you need expert counsel immediately.If charges are filed against you in federal court, it is critical that you have an experienced Orange County criminal defense lawyer representing you in court. Your criminal defense attorney must have extensive trial experience in the federal court system. The federal courts are quite different from state courts not only in their procedures but also in the criminal defense strategies and potential punishments.
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