Orange County Misdemeanor Lawyer

Facing misdemeanor charges in Orange County can be scary. Even though misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, they can still carry jail time and fines. Having an experienced misdemeanor lawyer on your side makes all the difference.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about misdemeanors in Orange County. We’ll cover:

• What is a misdemeanor?
• Common misdemeanors charged in OC
• Penalties for misdemeanor convictions
• How a lawyer can help fight the charges
• Finding the right misdemeanor attorney for your case

What is a Misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor is a minor criminal offense. It is less serious than a felony charge.

Under California law, misdemeanors are punishable by:

• Up to 1 year in county jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• Probation

Misdemeanors are handled in misdemeanor or municipal courts. Felonies go through superior courts.

Some common examples of misdemeanor charges in California include:

• DUI
• Petty theft
• Simple assault or battery
• Possession of small amounts of drugs
• Minor vandalism
• Trespassing

Many misdemeanors are “wobblers.” This means the prosecutor can choose to charge them as misdemeanors or felonies.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Common Orange County Misdemeanors

Some of the most common misdemeanors charged in Orange County include:

DUI Misdemeanor

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a misdemeanor if it’s your first or second offense in 10 years. Penalties include:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• Driver’s license suspension

DUI charges have complex defenses. An experienced DUI lawyer can often get charges reduced or dismissed.

Petty Theft Misdemeanor

Petty theft under $950 is a misdemeanor in California. Common petty theft charges include:

• Shoplifting
• Stealing a bicycle
• Taking packages from porches

Defenses like mistaken identity and lack of proof can beat petty theft charges.

Drug Possession Misdemeanors

Possession of small amounts of drugs like:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine
• Prescription pills

is a misdemeanor in California. You may be able to avoid charges through drug counseling programs.

Assault and Battery Misdemeanors

Simple assault and battery charges are misdemeanors. More serious assault charges become felonies.

Self-defense, mistaken identity, and mental health defenses can often beat these types of charges.

Resisting Arrest and Public Intoxication

Resisting arrest and public drunkenness charges are common California misdemeanors.

With smart legal defenses, these charges can often be reduced or dismissed.

Penalties for Misdemeanor Convictions

The maximum misdemeanor sentence is 1 year in county jail. But many carry lighter sentences like:

• 1-6 months in jail
• Probation
• Community service
• Fines from $100-$1,000

Misdemeanors still create criminal records. They can impact your job, education, and immigration status.

That’s why fighting misdemeanor charges is so important. An experienced misdemeanor lawyer can often get charges reduced or dismissed.

How a Lawyer Can Help Fight Misdemeanor Charges

The prosecutor must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” An attorney can poke holes in the prosecution’s case by using legal defenses.

Some examples of how lawyers beat misdemeanor charges:

• Suppressing evidence illegally obtained by police
• Discrediting witnesses through cross-examination
• Proving self-defense against assault charges
• Fighting breathalyzer results in DUI cases
• Seeking mental health diversions for applicable charges

In many cases, the lawyer negotiates with the prosecutor to get charges:

• Reduced to infractions
• Dismissed entirely
• Plea bargained to lighter sentences

Misdemeanor lawyers know how to navigate the local courts and prosecutors. Their relationships can lead to better outcomes.

Finding the Right Misdemeanor Lawyer in OC

With so much on the line, it’s critical to have the right lawyer for your misdemeanor case. Look for a lawyer who:

• Focuses specifically on misdemeanor defense
• Has extensive trial experience
• Is familiar with local courts, judges, and prosecutors
• Has a track record of success beating similar charges
• Makes you feel comfortable and well-represented

Michael Guisti is a top-rated misdemeanor lawyer in Orange County. For over 20 years, he has achieved outstanding results for clients facing misdemeanor charges.

Free consultations allow you to discuss your case details and decide if the lawyer is the right fit. It’s important to understand all your options and legal rights before moving forward.

Don’t take chances with your future. The consequences of misdemeanor convictions can follow you for life. An expert OC misdemeanor lawyer levels the playing field against the prosecution. They can help you avoid a devastating criminal record.