El Segundo Misdemeanor & Felony Defense Lawyer

Fighting for You in El Segundo, Torrance, Culver City, Inglewood, & Surrounding Areas

In California, as elsewhere in the U.S., crimes are generally categorized into two main classifications: misdemeanors and felonies. Understanding the difference between these two is crucial in navigating the legal system. 

Your life can be seriously affected by convictions of either category and the type of crime within that group. The nature of the offense, its circumstances, such as the type of alleged victim involved, whether deadly weapons were used, the consequences to victims, and your criminal background, if any, can play a part in the penalties to which you may be subjected. 

At Rollins Law Group, our team is dedicated to providing you with the representation you need to fight back against criminal charges. Facing a misdemeanor or felony charge in California can be overwhelming, but you don't have to go through it alone. We bring over two decades of experience in criminal law, having handled thousands of state and federal charges.

With us by your side, you will gain a force for professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to your defense. 

Request a free case evaluation with a Southern California misdemeanor and felony attorney using our online contact form or by calling (310) 807-2282.

Misdemeanors in California

Misdemeanors are crimes that are less serious than felonies and carry less severe penalties. These penalties can include fines, probation, community service, and incarceration in a county jail for up to one year. 

Under California law, misdemeanors can further be divided into “standard,” which carry up to six months of country jail time, and aggravated or gross, which carry up to a year. 

In California, some common misdemeanors include:

• Simple battery: Unlawfully touching another person in a harmful or offensive manner.
• Reckless driving: Driving with willful disregard for the safety of people or property.
• Petty theft: Unlawfully taking property valued at $950 or less.
• Vandalism: Deliberately defacing or destroying another’s property.
• DUI: Operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both.
• Indecent exposure: Willfully exposing one's genitals to others for sexual gratification or to offend.
• Drug possession: Illegally possessing controlled substances, such as narcotics or prescription drugs, without a valid prescription.
• Trespassing: Unlawfully entering onto another’s property without permission.
• Domestic battery: Causing physical harm to a spouse, cohabitant, dating partner, or co-parent.
• Violating a restraining order: Deliberating disobeying the terms of a court-issued protective order.

Some offenses are “wobblers,” meaning that they can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances of the specific crime.