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The Law Offices of Matthew Cargal is an experienced, aggressive and successful criminal defense firm in Pasadena serving clients throughout Los Angeles county and southern California. Our firm provides skillful and effective defense to all types of charges, from misdemeanors to felonies in both State and Federal Courts. Matthew Cargal has over 25 years of experience successfully defending people accused of crimes.
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Criminal Charges in California – Penalties & Other Consequences
The consequences of a criminal conviction can have a serious impact on your life. Some of those consequences include: jail, prison, probation, parole, large fines, registration as an offender for life, loss of employment, inability to obtain employment, loss of professional license and in some cases deportation. Although every case is different, all cases can either be defended or have the consequences reduced. In order to effectively challenge the evidence against you, you need a very experienced and aggressive attorney like Pasadena criminal defense attorney Matthew Cargal. He knows the law concerning your charges and the defense necessary to get you out of this situation!
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.