
Felony and Misdemeanor Charges in Pomona
Defending Clients Facing Charges in CA and NY
At Lucero, PC, we defend a variety of clients facing different types of misdemeanor and felony charges. We have successfully handled these diverse cases because of our commitment to providing individualized approaches to defending our clients. Our Pomona felony and misdemeanor defense attorney takes pride in communicating directly with clients to learn about them, their stories, and what they need from our legal team. With this knowledge, we work hard to build a compelling defense and to be a voice for our clients inside and outside of court.
Schedule a free consultation today by calling (213) 668-7779 or contacting us online.
Misdemeanor Crimes
A conviction for a misdemeanor crime in either California or New York can result in a combination of imprisonment, fines, probation, and restitution. How the two states approach charges and sentencing varies.
Below are important facts to know about misdemeanor crimes in California:
- Penalties for misdemeanor crimes in California generally include fines of up to $1,000, in addition to up to a year in jail
- The state frequently places those who have been convicted of a misdemeanor on probation
- California does not classify misdemeanors in terms of severity, but a person could face what is called an “aggravated” or “gross” misdemeanor charge for a more serious offense
- A person who has been convicted of an aggravated misdemeanor could face more serious penalties
Below are important facts to know about misdemeanor crimes in New York:
- The penalties for a conviction in New York are up to 364 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000
- Class A misdemeanors carry the most serious consequences, while Class B result in lesser penalties
- There are unclassified misdemeanors such as driving while intoxicated (DWI), which have their own specific penalties
- New York judges can sentence misdemeanor offenders to years of probation, depending on the crime and its class
Felony Crimes
A felony conviction in most US states results in significant jail time and fines. In California, for example, a felony conviction could result in fines of up to $10,000 and years of imprisonment. The same is true for New York.
Things that can amplify the consequences of a felony are the circumstances of the arrest and a person’s criminal record. These factors are called “enhancements.” If you have been convicted of previous charges or if there were factors that amplified the severity of your crime, such as the use of a weapon, you could face increased penalties upon conviction.
The opposite is true of what are called mitigating factors. If you have no criminal record or only participated in a minor role in the crime, then your defense attorney could advocate for lesser charges.
A felony conviction can have serious consequences that go beyond jail time or fines. Felony convictions can bar you from certain jobs or make it harder to find housing, as you will have to disclose your conviction on applications. Felony convictions for sex crimes could also require you to register as a sex offender. If you are facing felony charges, it is vital that you retain a trusted attorney to guide you through the criminal process and fight for you.
Probation and Parole
There are many cases where a person who has been convicted of a felony could be put on probation or parole. While both types of sentences prevent a person from having to serve jail time, they still strictly prohibit what someone can do. An individual on probation might have to meet certain stipulations such as maintaining a job or going through relevant counseling. The same is true of parole, where a person must routinely meet with their officer. Generally, any violations of the terms of parole or probation could lead to additional penalties.
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What Are Wobbler Crimes?
In California or New York, the prosecution can pursue multiple different crimes as felonies or misdemeanors. These crimes are called “wobblers,” for the way that their accompanying charges wobble. It is important to note also that judges can exercise their discretion to determine the severity of a sentence for these types of crimes.
Examples of wobbler crimes include:
- Violent crimes such as assault with a deadly weapon
- Felony driving under the influence (DUI)
- Theft that amounts to over $950 (grand theft)
- Sex crimes such as statutory rape or sexual battery
The following determines the severity of wobbler crimes:
- The defendant’s criminal record, with particular attention to whether the defendant has been convicted of the same offense
- The defendant’s role in the alleged crime
- The defendant’s likelihood to reoffend
- The circumstances of the arrest and whether the defendant complied with police
Our Pomona felony and misdemeanor defense attorney is a fierce advocate for individuals facing charges. He knows the consequences of a conviction, no matter the charge, can have lasting effects on the lives of individuals, as well as their families and communities. When you hire us for your case, we work to defend you from day one, fighting to ensure you get a fair trial and aiming to reduce your charges or to see that they are dropped altogether.
To find out what Lucero, PC could do for your case, call (213) 668-7779 or reach out to us online.
