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Criminal Charges in California – Penalties & Other Consequences

Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Assault
You can be charged with assault for any alleged attempt to commit a violent injury on another person. Proving your guilt depends on establishing that you had the ability to carry out the action. You may be the target of false allegations or faulty evidence.

Battery
There are several types of battery. Battery is the use of force or violence upon another person and can be either “simple” or “aggravated”. A battery conviction can result in jail or prison and the imposition of a restraining order against you. Battery is a crime of violence and can affect your ability to get a job and may have immigration consequences.

Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a type of battery where the victim is a spouse, significant other, child of the accused, relative or person who is or was in a dating relationship with the accused. Typically, the police take fast action in response to a domestic violence call, and as soon as the case is in their hands, it can be difficult to turn the situation around. Even when the alleged victim does not want to press charges, the prosecutor may go forward with prosecution. A conviction for domestic violence can include jail or prison, a no-contact or restraining order with the victim, a year-long course of treatment and/or community service. Like other forms of battery, domestic violence is a crime of violence that can affect your ability to get a job, own weapons and may have immigration consequences.

Drug Crimes
Southern California is one of the main arenas for the War on Drugs, and if you are charged with any type of drug crime your case will be subjected to vigorous prosecution. The penalties in your case will depend on the quantity and nature of the specific drug involved, as well as whether you are accused of possession, manufacturing or selling the drug. Many drug possession charges in Los Angeles county are subject to dismissal through the Judicial Diversion Program, Deferred Entry of Judgment or Proposition 36 programs. You definitely need an attorney to get one of these programs. If one of these programs is completed, the charges will be dismissed and your record will be cleared.

DUI
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, you have a small window of opportunity to take action against losing your driver's license. Beyond a driver's license suspension, you also need to defend yourself against criminal penalties such as jail time and probation. A DUI conviction will result in you having to pay significantly more for insurance. See the “DUI Defense part of our website for more specific information.

Federal Crimes
Federal crimes include a wide range of offenses that are prohibited under federal law, such as many types of fraud, tax evasion and internet crimes. A crime that is committed on federal property will also be prosecuted as a federal crime. The penalties for a Federal conviction are significantly higher than most State convictions. Do not attempt to defend a Federal case without a criminal defense attorney that is very experienced in Federal law. Contact the Law Offices of Matthew Cargal to learn about our extensive experience in successfully defending people in Federal Court.

Juvenile Crimes
If you or a loved one is under 18 years old and has been accused of a criminal offense, you need to get legal help as soon as possible. The juvenile court system is different than the adult system. A juvenile does not have the same rights as an adult accused of a crime. A juvenile conviction means that the child may be subjected to the equivalent of probation, jail or rehabilitation programs and start their adult life off with a criminal conviction. Juvenile records are not automatically sealed when the person turns 18. Additionally, if the juvenile record is not sealed, the juvenile conviction will show up on background checks for jobs, school and credit. Juvenile convictions can also have immigration consequences.

Probation Violations
If you have been placed on probation for any type of crime, it is crucial for you to carry out the terms of your probation so that you can put this period behind you and move on in life. The judge will be less likely to give you a second chance if you are found guilty of a probation violation, so you must get the help of an attorney who can help you argue your case effectively.

Rape
If you have been charged with committing and type of rape you need to get legal help immediately. The criminal penalties for rape in California are severe. A person convicted of rape and most other sex crimes is required to register as a sex offender for life. Many rape cases are based on false accusations and insufficient evidence and may be able to be reduced or dismissed.

Sex Crimes
California state law carries an especially serious consequence for anyone who is convicted of a sex crime such as rape, child pornography, lewd conduct or molestation. In addition to standard criminal penalties, you will also be required to register as a sex offender for life and detailed information about your conviction will be posted on the California Department of Justice's Megan's Law website.

Theft Crimes
A conviction for a theft crime, such as shoplifting, petty theft, burglary, robbery or embezzlement, can have a damaging effect on your reputation in addition to carrying other criminal penalties. Theft crimes are considered crimes of “moral turpitude” or dishonesty. Many felony theft crimes can be reduced to misdemeanors pursuant to California’s Proposition 47 law. Additionally, many misdemeanor theft crimes can be dismissed based on new Judicial Diversion programs.

Violent Crimes
The courts take all forms of violent crime seriously. Violent crimes can result in the most severe penalties. You need to have an experienced attorney on your side throughout the case. There are many ways to defend a charge of this nature including self-defense and misidentification.

White Collar Crimes
White collar crime includes a variety of offenses, such as credit card fraud, identity theft, and embezzlement. The penalties for white collar crimes are as serious as any other crime. To avoid penalties such as jail, state prison or a federal penitentiary, you need experienced legal help that is very familiar with the sophistication that is often associated with the commission of these types of offenses. Pasadena criminal attorney Matthew Cargal has successfully defended people of white collar crimes in both State and Federal Courts.