National City Criminal Defense Lawyer

A criminal charge can turn your world upside down the moment you feel the cold, harsh touch of handcuffs on your wrists. Being arrested is an unforgettable experience that may be the catalyst for a challenging future. If you’ve been arrested in National City and charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense, you need a competent National City criminal defense lawyer to work on your case.

If you’re charged with a crime, you face aggressive prosecution by the State of California. You can be sure that the State will have a team of cunning lawyers handling your case who aim to attain a conviction. No matter what type of charge you face, whether seemingly benign or severe, you will need quality representation to protect your rights and future. With a criminal defense attorney like Dod of Dod Law on your side, you will have an advocate investigating the facts of your case to present the most favorable evidence in court.

At Dod Law, we strive to help you avoid the worst penalties possible for the specific crimes you’re accused of. Our goal is to help you get the best results for your situation.

What You Should Expect From Your Criminal Defense Lawyer in National City

Common Criminal Charges in National City

With more than 6,500 cases under his belt, Dod has defended a wide variety of criminal charges in National City. He will help you navigate the complex criminal justice system so you can have the best chance at a favorable result. He understands what a stressful time this may be for you and works to educate you on your charge and the possible defenses that may be available so you can have peace of mind.

Good people make mistakes every day. When it comes to criminal charges, those mistakes have the potential to follow you for life in the form of a criminal record. Some of the most common criminal charges in National City include:

• Assault and Battery
• Domestic Violence
• DUI
• Drug Crimes
• Sex Offenses
• Theft Offenses
• Violent crimes
• White Collar Crimes
• Misdemeanors & Felonies

Although it may feel like you have no way to redeem yourself for the charge you face, you can trust attorney Dod to use the law to your advantage. With quality legal counsel, it may be possible to:

• Seek a reduced charge
• Have your charge dismissed
• Apply for alternative sentencing
• Make use of other options that will allow you to maintain a sense of normalcy during this challenging period.

Understanding Misdemeanors, Felonies, and Wobblers – Criminal Defense National City

In California, a person who is charged with a crime may face a misdemeanor or felony charge. However, certain offenses aren’t clear-cut. The state makes room for “wobblers,” or certain crimes that the prosecution decides whether to charge as misdemeanors or felonies. If you face any criminal charge in National City, you should hire a lawyer as soon as possible to learn about the charge against you and begin working on your case.

California Misdemeanor Crimes

Misdemeanor offenses are less severe than felonies, which is why they result in lesser penalties. A person who is convicted of a misdemeanor offense may face a sentence of:

• Up to one year in jail
• A fine of up to $1,000

There are two types of misdemeanors in California: standard and gross or aggravated misdemeanors. A person’s sentence may vary based on the type of offense. For a standard misdemeanor offense, a person may face up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A gross or aggravated misdemeanor may result in a jail term of 364 days and/or a fine of $1,000 or more.

Defendants who are convicted of misdemeanors may be placed on probation instead of incarceration. Probation for a misdemeanor is known as informal or summary probation.

Examples of misdemeanor offenses in National City are:

• First-time DUI
• Shoplifting
• Soliciting prostitution

If you’re facing a charge for any of the above crimes, contact Dod Law at 619-814-5110. Our firm will work to ensure that your criminal matter has the least possible effect on your day-to-day life.

California Felony Offenses

Felonies are the most severe crimes in California and may incur the most arduous penalties. A felony may result in a term of more than one year in state prison and could even result in capital punishment (the death penalty). Felonies may also incur thousands of dollars in fines and may even exceed $10,000. If you’re convicted of a felony, you might also be sentenced to probation after you’ve completed your sentence. Probation for a felony is called formal or felony probation.

What are Wobblers in California?

Some offenses may be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s criminal history. In California, these are called wobblers, and examples include:

• Domestic violence crimes
• Assault crimes
• Burglary crimes

If your charge is a wobbler, you’re encouraged to work with a defense lawyer in National City who will fight the charge or negotiate with the prosecutor to bring it down to a misdemeanor from a felony.

Who Decides My Criminal Sentence in California?

The sentence you may serve if you’re convicted of a crime in California may be determined by the statute for the crime or the judge hearing your case. The judge’s decision will be influenced by the facts of your case and your criminal history. You should seek counsel from a National City defense lawyer at this time to understand the most likely outcome of your case.

Contact Our Lawyers Today!  Criminal Defense National City

At Dod Law, we have 17 years of experience defending misdemeanor, felony, and wobbler offenses in National City, California. Dod devotes his career to helping individuals like you learn about the justice system, protecting your rights, and fighting for the best possible outcome for your case. When you face a criminal charge, choose Dod Law for a free consultation and peace of mind. Complete our contact form or call our San Diego Office 619-814-5110 or Vista Office 760-814-6025