Sacramento Misdemeanor Lawyer
Fighting Misdemeanor Charges in Sacramento County, CA
Misdemeanor charges are less severe offenses than felonies but more serious than infractions. They typically involve crimes that result in relatively minor harm or loss. Despite this, a misdemeanor conviction can still have significant consequences, including potential incarceration, fines, probation, and a future with a permanent criminal record.
Because misdemeanors are less serious, you may believe legal representation is unnecessary. However, taking chances in the criminal justice system is not advisable. You run the risk of an unfavorable outcome that could heavily impact your job or career, your livelihood, your reputation, and future life opportunities.
You can fight back with assistance from Law Office of Mathew Martinez. Attorney Martinez is a former prosecutor with insider knowledge of how the state pursues convictions. His 20+ years of criminal law experience and understanding of prosecutorial tactics can be used to your advantage. Our firm can guide you through the legal process to help you secure the best possible outcome.
Reserve your free initial consultation with our Sacramento misdemeanor attorney at Law Office of Mathew Martinez by phone at (916) 318-5142 or by email via our contact form. Hablamos español.
Common Misdemeanor Charges in Sacramento
Numerous offenses are charged as misdemeanors in California, including but not limited to:
- Petty theft
- Indecent exposure
- Simple assault
- Public intoxication
- Vandalism
- Disorderly conduct
- Trespassing
- Prostitution
- Shoplifting
Misdemeanor Penalties in California
California misdemeanors carry penalties that can include:
- Up to one year in county jail
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Community service
- Probation
- Mandatory counseling programs
- Compulsory education courses
- Restraining orders
- Restitution to victims
What Sets Us Apart
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Free ConsultationsWe believe everyone deserves access to quality legal guidance, which is why we offer free consultations.
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Trial-Tested RepresentationWith more than 60 jury trials under his belt, Attorney Martinez brings unmatched experience to every case, ensuring you're represented by a seasoned professional.
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Strategic ApproachWe believe in fighting for our clients with unwavering dedication and providing clear, strategic guidance every step of the way.
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Aggressive, Experienced DefenseWith 20+ years of experience, including 13 as a prosecutor, Attorney Martinez is known for his relentless, aggressive defense.
What Is a “Wobbler” in California?
A "wobbler" refers to a crime that can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the case's specific circumstances and the prosecutor's discretion. Factors influencing this decision include the severity of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and the impact on the victim.
Prosecutors may choose to charge a wobbler as a felony to seek harsher sentences or to leverage it in plea negotiations, such as offering to reduce a wobbler to a misdemeanor in exchange for a guilty plea.
Wobblers provide flexibility in sentencing, allowing the courts to impose penalties more aligned with each case's specifics.
Examples of misdemeanors that can be elevated to felony charges include:
- Assault with a deadly weapon: This includes using an instrument or weapon capable of causing significant bodily injury during an assault.
- Domestic violence: These cases will depend on the extent of injury to the victim.
- DUI: Driving while under the influence that causes an injury may be deemed a wobbler, depending on the severity of the harm caused.
- Grand theft: When the value of stolen property exceeds a certain threshold, it can become a wobbler.
- Forgery: Depending on the factors, like the amount involved and the victim’s vulnerability, this offense can be a misdemeanor or a felony.
- Stalking: This involves persistent and unwanted contact or monitoring of an individual that causes them fear or distress; it can be a felony due to a repeated pattern or by violating a protective order.
- Sexual battery: This is the unlawful and unwanted touching of an intimate part of another person for sexual gratification; it can be charged as a felony if it results in serious bodily injury, is committed against an incapacitated person, or is a repeat offense.
Can a Misdemeanor Be Expunged?
Many misdemeanors can be expunged from your criminal record. Expungement is a legal process that removes a criminal arrest or conviction from your public record. Successfully expunging a misdemeanor can improve job prospects, housing opportunities, and personal reputation.
This can benefit individuals who have completed their sentence and want to move on without the stigma of a criminal record. Attorney Martinez can review your situation to determine your eligibility for an expungement.
Can a Misdemeanor Affect Your Immigration Status in Sacramento?
In certain situations, a misdemeanor conviction can impact your immigration status. If the misdemeanor is deemed a crime of moral turpitude or involves controlled substances, it may influence deportation proceedings or eligibility for citizenship. Our attorney is well-versed in the intersection of criminal and immigration law and can advise you in these matters.
Partner with Law Office of Mathew Martinez for Highly Experienced Representation
Mr. Martinez can analyze the specifics of your case, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution's argument, negotiate plea deals, or represent you effectively in court. Facing a misdemeanor can be daunting, but with informed and strategic legal assistance, you can navigate the criminal justice system more effectively.
Contact us at (916) 318-5142 to consult our Sacramento misdemeanor attorney for advice about your case and options.
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Matthew is a great lawyer who understands his client's needs. Took me on when everyone was trying to bring me down. Did not give embellished ideas. Was straight, honest and concise. You can not go wrong Matthew. Thank you sir if I could give you a hundred stars I would.David M.
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Azul A.
I highly recommend attorney Mathew Martinez. He did everything he could to successfully represent me in court, and consequently, I was able to walk charge free due to Mr. Martinez's persistence. He is incredibly professional and dedicated, and as such, I highly recommend attorney Mathew Martinez.
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“I myself have worked in legal services for over a decade with my own profession licenses and I rarely if ever come across an individual with his level of caring, attention to detail, and expertise.”Jeffrey H.
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“His experience as a DA puts him ahead of all others. He is a good honest attorney that can be trusted.”Dawn S.
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I would recommend Matt to anyone without hesitation. He went above and beyond to help me in a time of need, ease my nerves about the process and work professionally.Timothy M.
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“I wish there was option to give Mathew more than five stars because he truly deserves it.”Lala G.