Santa Cruz Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer

Assisting Clients in the Counties of Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and Monterey, California

In California, misdemeanors are lesser crimes than felonies, usually punishable with fines or county jail time or both. The maximum sentence for a misdemeanor conviction is 1 year in county jail. A misdemeanor is considered by many people to be minor, but it should be taken seriously. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor as an adult, it will give you a criminal record.

If you or someone you know in the Santa Cruz area has been charged with a misdemeanor, it is very important that you contact the office for a consultation about your charges. As a Santa Cruz misdemeanor defense attorney, Christine McGuire can provide the legal assistance you need to handle these charges. As a former prosecutor, she has more than 25 years of legal experience handling crimes as a prosecutor.

Misdemeanor Charges

Examples of misdemeanor charges include DUI, domestic violence, petty theft, resisting arrest, trespassing, vandalism, simple drug possession, battery, reckless driving and other traffic- related offenses. Besides jail time and fines, other punishments for misdemeanors may be probation and community service. Depending on the seriousness of the crime and the defendant's previous criminal history, a misdemeanor may be turned into a felony charge with more serious penalties.

One of the most pro-active step you can take if you are charged with a misdemeanor is to hire a qualified criminal defense attorney. As a Santa Cruz misdemeanor defense lawyer, Christine McGuire can provide the legal counsel you need and prepare your defense, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected and that you receive fair and just treatment in the court system. In some instances, she can assist with sentence reductions, getting charges dismissed, and with alternative sentencing.

Contact a Santa Cruz Misdemeanor Defense Attorney at the Christine McGuire Law Office today!