Being charged with a misdemeanor in Los Angeles can be stressful. Even though misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, they can still lead to jail time, fines, and a criminal record. Many people do not realize that a misdemeanor can also impact jobs, housing, and even your driver’s license. That is why it is important to take every charge seriously.
My Rights Law understands how upsetting this can be. Our Los Angeles misdemeanor lawyer is ready to help you understand your options and build a strong defense. Whether you are facing charges for petty theft, DUI, or domestic battery, our team of defense attorneys will guide you through each step.
We help people in Los Angeles County who are dealing with criminal charges fight to protect their legal rights and future. You do not have to face the criminal justice system alone, we are here to support you.
In California, a misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is more serious than an infraction but less serious than a felony. Under Penal Code § 19, a misdemeanor can carry a sentence of up to 6 months or 1 year in county jail, depending on the charge. These offenses also may come with fines of up to $1,000, probation, community service, or mandatory classes like anger management or DUI school.
Misdemeanors can include crimes such as petty theft, simple assault, disorderly conduct, vandalism, or driving without a license. Some crimes, known as “wobblers,” can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the facts of the case and the person's criminal record.
While misdemeanors are not punished as severely as felonies, they still result in a criminal record and can impact your driver’s license, employment, housing, and immigration status.
If you are facing a misdemeanor in Los Angeles County, speaking with a criminal defense attorney early can help you understand your legal options and fight to protect your rights.
My Rights Law defends clients against many types of misdemeanor charges in Los Angeles County. These cases may not seem serious at first, but they can still lead to jail time, driver’s license suspension, or a criminal record. Our criminal defense attorneys help protect your legal rights and work toward a strong defense strategy.
Here are some common misdemeanor charges we handle:
A DUI charge under Vehicle Code § 23152 happens when a person drives with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. This is a criminal offense that may lead to license suspension, fines, probation, and even jail. A DUI can also involve chemical testing, a field sobriety test, or refusal to take a preliminary alcohol screening.
Our Los Angeles misdemeanor lawyer can challenge evidence like the chemical test results and the actions of the arresting officer.
Petty theft usually means stealing something worth less than $950. It falls under California Penal Code § 484 and § 488. This charge may apply to shoplifting, taking items from a workplace, or other property incidents. If convicted, you may face misdemeanor charges, community service, and a criminal record.
Our criminal defense lawyers work to keep this kind of theft offense off your record, especially for first-time offenders.
Domestic battery, charged under California Penal Code § 243(e)(1), involves any unwanted or harmful physical contact against a current or former spouse, dating partner, or cohabitant. It does not require visible injury but can still carry serious consequences like jail time, restraining orders, and mandatory domestic violence classes.
Our criminal defense attorneys understand the emotional and legal stress these accusations cause and will build a strong legal defense to protect your rights.
Simple assault under Penal Code § 240 means attempting to use force or violence on someone, even if no actual contact occurred. It is often charged after arguments or misunderstandings that escalate. While considered a misdemeanor, a conviction can result in criminal charges, probation, or community service.
Our Los Angeles misdemeanor lawyers often challenge the probable cause behind the arrest or prove there was no intent to harm.
Disorderly conduct, listed under Penal Code § 647, covers a broad range of behavior such as public intoxication, lewd acts, or using someone’s private images without permission. These cases often involve blurred facts and quick decisions by law enforcement.
We work to get criminal charges dismissed or reduced by questioning the arrest process and protecting your constitutional rights.
Trespassing, defined under California Penal Code § 602, happens when someone enters or stays on another person’s property without permission. Even if no harm is done, it can still lead to criminal charges and a criminal record.
A skilled defense attorney can often argue that the person believed they had the right to be there or that there was no clear warning given.
If the damage caused is less than $400, vandalism is a misdemeanor under Penal Code § 594(b)(2). It can include things like graffiti, breaking windows, or damaging personal belongings. Though the dollar amount is low, a conviction can still mean community service, jail time, or paying restitution.
Our criminal defense lawyers aim to reduce or dismiss these charges with strong legal arguments.
Under Vehicle Code § 12500, driving without a valid license is treated as a misdemeanor offense. Many people are charged simply for forgetting to renew their license or not having it with them. Still, this can lead to fines, license suspension, or even vehicle impound.
Our Los Angeles misdemeanor lawyer works to resolve these cases quickly and protect your ability to drive legally.
If you are facing a misdemeanor for the first time, you may be eligible for a diversion program that could help you avoid jail and a permanent criminal record. These programs are designed for low-level offenses and focus more on rehabilitation than punishment.
My Rights Law helps clients explore these options to protect their future and legal rights.
Under California Penal Code § 1001.1, pretrial diversion allows eligible defendants to complete counseling, education classes, or community service instead of going through a full criminal trial. If the program is completed successfully, the criminal charges are dropped, and no conviction appears on your criminal record.
This option is often used for minor drug charges, property incidents, or disorderly conduct cases.
With Deferred Entry of Judgment, the defendant must first plead guilty, but the court holds off on entering the judgment. You are then given time to complete a treatment or education program. If you succeed, the criminal offense is dismissed entirely.
This can prevent long-term problems with background checks, driver’s license issues, or job applications. A defense attorney can help determine if this option fits your case.
Yes, many misdemeanor convictions in California can be expunged under Penal Code § 1203.4, which helps clear your criminal record after you complete your sentence or probation. Expungement does not completely erase the offense, but it allows you to withdraw your plea and have the case dismissed in the eyes of the court. This can make it easier to apply for jobs, housing, or professional licenses.
An expungement may also help with driver’s license concerns, background checks, and avoiding the stigma of a prior criminal offense. However, some offenses such as certain sex crimes or crimes resulting in state prison time may not qualify.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can guide you through the process and determine your eligibility. My Rights Law helps clients take the right steps to restore their future and reduce the impact of past mistakes.
1. Can a misdemeanor charge affect my driver's license?
Yes. Some charges, like DUI or vehicular manslaughter, can lead to a driver's license suspension under California criminal law, even before your case is resolved in court.
2. What is a wobbler offense in California?
A wobbler offense is a crime that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. Common examples include certain theft offenses, weapons charges, and elder abuse. The deputy district attorney decides how to file the charge based on your record and the facts of the case.
3. Will I have to go to a jury trial for a misdemeanor?
Not always. Most criminal cases are resolved through plea bargains, but you do have the right to a jury trial if you want to fight the charges.
4. Can a misdemeanor charge affect future criminal penalties?
Yes. If you later face violent crimes, homicide cases, or even certain drug crimes, your record may count against you under the Three Strikes Law or during sentencing.
5. Are misdemeanor laws different for juveniles?
Yes. Juvenile cases are handled in a different system with a focus on rehabilitation. However, serious sex offenses, drug crimes, or violent acts may still lead to harsher consequences.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in Los Angeles, the steps you take next matter. Whether it involves assault and battery, white-collar crimes, or even federal crimes, you need a defense team that understands how the system works. These charges can follow you for years, affecting job opportunities, licenses, and even housing. That is why it is important to act quickly.
At My Rights Law, our law firm is committed to helping people through every part of a criminal investigation. We make sure your Miranda Rights were respected and that your legal options are clear from the start. We defend people in courts across Los Angeles County, offering personal attention and smart legal strategies that protect your record and freedom.
If you are ready to get legal help, schedule your free consultation with our team today. Contact us today. We are here to fight for you.
This page was written, edited, reviewed, and approved by Bobby Shamuilian.
Attorney Shamuilian is the managing partner and founder of My Rights Law and is widely recognized as a legal authority, frequently appearing as a legal analyst and TV pundit on national news outlets.
He has earned a perfect “10.0 – Top Attorney” rating on AVVO and a “10.0” rating on Justia, and has been named among the “Top 40 Under 40” and the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by The National Trial Lawyers.
With his proven expertise and dedication, Mr. Shamuilian is committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
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