Los Angeles Misdemeanor Attorney

Misdemeanor Charges in LA: Why a Strong Criminal Defense Matters

In California, a misdemeanor is not a minor matter—it is a criminal offense that can carry serious consequences. Under California law, a misdemeanor conviction is punishable by up to one year in county jail, along with hefty fines, probation, mandatory counseling, community service, and other court-imposed penalties. While misdemeanors are generally considered less severe than felonies, they still have the power to disrupt your life in significant ways.

A misdemeanor conviction becomes part of your permanent criminal record, which can be accessed by employers, landlords, licensing agencies, and immigration authorities during background checks. Even a first-time offense can create long-term barriers to employment, professional licensing, and housing opportunities. Charges such as petty theft, DUI, domestic battery, vandalism, or drug possession can follow you for years if not addressed properly.

Although many misdemeanor convictions in California can eventually be expunged—which means they’re dismissed from your public record—expungement is a lengthy and sometimes limited process. The best way to protect your future is to avoid a conviction altogether. That means working with a knowledgeable misdemeanor defense attorney who can challenge the charges against you and fight for a favorable outcome.

If you’ve been accused of any misdemeanor offense in Southern California, don’t make the mistake of trying to handle it alone or assuming the charges aren’t serious. You need experienced, proactive legal representation to protect your rights and work toward a resolution that minimizes or eliminates the impact on your life.

At the Miranda Rights Law Firm, we understand what’s at stake. Led by Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Douglas Miranda, our firm has spent over two decades defending clients charged with misdemeanors across Los Angeles County and beyond. Mr. Miranda has successfully represented thousands of defendants and is known for delivering aggressive, strategic advocacy both inside and outside the courtroom.

Whether you are facing charges related to DUI, assault, trespassing, shoplifting, or other misdemeanor offenses, our firm provides personalized, results-driven defense strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcome—whether that’s reduced charges, diversion programs, or a full dismissal. Our team will guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and your voice is heard.

If you’re facing misdemeanor charges in Los Angeles or anywhere in Southern California, time is critical.  Your future is worth defending.

Contact us immediately to speak with a trusted misdemeanor defense lawyer and schedule your confidential consultation.

WHAT IS A MISDEMEANOR?

California has three different types of crimes: felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Felonies are the most serious, and infractions are the least serious, leaving misdemeanors right in the middle. Although misdemeanors are not as serious as felonies, they are no laughing matter. So, if you are taken into custody by the police in Los Angeles County or the surrounding area, you need to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer for representation and legal advice in your case.

Crimes can sometimes be categorized as aggravated or gross misdemeanors, which means you will face harsher penalties than you would with a simple misdemeanor, but not as severe as you would with a felony. Some examples of gross misdemeanors include driving on a suspended license, domestic battery, and driving under the influence.

In California, some crimes are considered “wobbler” offenses, meaning they can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor or as a wrongdoing or infraction. The prosecution will make the final call on what charges to bring against a defendant based on the facts of the case and the defendant’s criminal history. Examples of wobbler offenses include brandishing a weapon, elder abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, disturbing the peace, and criminal trespassing.

Often, criminal defense lawyers with clients who are facing felony charges will argue to have the charges reduced to a misdemeanor. This is done so the client can avoid the more severe charges of a felony.

Although misdemeanors do carry possible jail sentences, there is a chance that you will receive a misdemeanor probation sentence in place of imprisonment. If you are sentenced to probation, you will be given certain conditions that you must follow for a specific period of time. Conditions may include paying restitution to the victim, taking part in treatment programs, wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet, or participating in community service. Failure to follow the conditions given to you by the court will result in a violation of probation charge, which will send you back to court to face possible additional penalties.

In addition to the possible jail time and fines, you may face other consequences if you are convicted of a misdemeanor. The misdemeanor will remain on your record, so it could be difficult for you to find employment or even a place to live when employers and landlords run a background check on you. Friends and family may alienate you after you are charged or convicted of a misdemeanor. Depending on the crime and your career, a wrongdoing conviction could affect your ability to obtain or maintain your professional licensing. These consequences could affect every part of your life for years after a conviction. Don’t take any chances by working with an inexperienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney or public defender.

If you or a loved one has been charged with any type of misdemeanor, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Los Angeles misdemeanor lawyer as soon as possible. Some people brush off misdemeanor charges, assuming that they can’t be serious since the charges are not felonies. However, that is not the case. Misdemeanors can carry severe consequences that can impact you and your family for years to come.

Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer Defending Your Rights and Freedoms

At the Miranda Rights Law Firm, you can obtain legal assistance from an experienced Los Angeles misdemeanor attorney who represents clients charged with misdemeanors, including but not limited to:

• Fraud
• Resisting arrest
• Theft crime
• Trespassing
• Assault and Battery
• Burglary
• Domestic Violence
• DUI

Don’t Underestimate the Consequences of a Misdemeanor

No matter how minor a misdemeanor charge may seem, it can carry significant consequences, especially if it’s not handled properly. Although there are no guarantees in any criminal case, it’s not uncommon for misdemeanor charges to be reduced, dismissed, or resolved through diversion programs under the right circumstances. With a knowledgeable and experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer by your side, it may be possible to avoid jail time, minimize fines, and protect your permanent record.

Protecting Your Future Starts with the Right Legal Counsel

If you’re a Los Angeles-area resident—or even a visitor—who has been charged with a misdemeanor in California, don’t take unnecessary risks with your future. Criminal charges, even those considered “minor,” can have long-term consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom. A conviction could impact your job, housing, immigration status, and reputation. That’s why your first step should be hiring a lawyer who knows how to navigate California’s legal system and who has a proven track record of getting results.

Douglas Miranda: A Criminal Defense Attorney You Can Trust

At the Miranda Rights Law Firm, attorney Douglas Miranda offers aggressive, experienced legal representation for individuals facing both misdemeanor and felony charges. He understands the nuances of California criminal law and how to work within the court system to pursue the best possible outcome for his clients. Whether you’ve been accused of a low-level offense like trespassing or public intoxication, or you’re facing a more serious charge like assault, drug possession, or DUI, Douglas Miranda brings years of hands-on courtroom experience and a commitment to justice.

Personalized Guidance Through Every Step

Clients rely on Mr. Miranda not only for his legal knowledge but also for his calm, clear guidance through a process that can often feel overwhelming. He provides detailed explanations of your rights, outlines all possible legal strategies, and works closely with you to ensure you’re never left in the dark about your case. When appropriate, he will fight for case dismissal, reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or entry into rehabilitation or diversion programs.

Expunging a Criminal Offense in Los Angeles

Convictions can stay on your record long after the court case is over. In California, you may be able to have your misdemeanor conviction removed from your record through a legal process known as expungement. To have a misdemeanor expunged, you will need to submit a petition for dismissal to the court asking that your record be reviewed, the conviction be dismissed, and the case be closed. You will also be asked to submit an MC-030 to the court, which is a declaration that explains why you are seeking an expungement and your current situation in life. It helps to show the court how much you have grown and improved since your conviction, to help the court understand why you are seeking to get rid of this part of your life.

But just because you file a petition does not mean you will have your record expunged. Don’t count on a misdemeanor being wiped off your record if you are convicted. Contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to guide you through all areas of the criminal justice system.

Trust Our Criminal Defense Law Firm To Get You Results

If you’ve been charged with any misdemeanor in Southern California, put an experienced LA criminal defense attorney to work for you. After examining your case, Douglas Miranda will explain your legal options and work to develop the most effective possible defense strategy. At the Miranda Rights Law Firm, we take our responsibility to our clients seriously, and we put our experience to work for you.

To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Los Angeles misdemeanor defense attorney, contact us at 213-255-5838. Se habla español.