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Charged with a misdemeanor offense? You need a Ventura criminal defense attorney

Have you or a loved one been charged with a misdemeanor in Ventura or Santa Monica County? Misdemeanor charges include a range of offenses, including:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• Other alcohol-related offenses
• Drug possession
• Assault and Battery
• Petty theft
• Traffic violations
• Trespassing
• City and county ordinance

Though misdemeanor convictions are considered less serious than felonies, they can have both immediate and far-reaching consequences for the convicted. Without knowing your rights or having a skilled and determined Ventura criminal defense attorney to argue your case, you can miss details that might lead to significantly reduced charges or dismissal.

Misdemeanor convictions in California can result in penalties including fines, probation, community service, court-ordered counseling, loss of driver’s license, loss of professional license, and up to a year of incarceration. In some cases, a misdemeanor can be upgraded to a felony charge, meaning even greater penalties. In California, felony convictions count toward the “three strikes” law, which culminate in a lengthy mandatory prison sentence.

Long-term consequences: A criminal record

Any conviction means you will now have a criminal record, permanent documentation of the offense that will turn up in background checks. A criminal record will create obstacles in securing employment and higher education, obtaining loans or government aid, and maintaining immigration status or housing options.

Getting convicted of a misdemeanor offense will limit your options for the future. If you’ve been charged, you want the best help available to keep your options open.

How A Ventura Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

The knowledgeable and experienced Ventura criminal defense attorneys of Bamieh & Erickson will protect your rights and your reputation. We’ll work to dismiss and reduce charges whenever possible, minimizing penalties to lessen severity and financial impact on you and your family.

Already convicted?

If you already have a misdemeanor conviction, it’s important for you to know that it might be possible to expunge it from your criminal record. Handled properly by a skilled professional, expunging a previous conviction can mean many of your freedoms are returned to you.

Get the help you need, now

Without effective defense, a misdemeanor charge could haunt you for the rest of your life. If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor offense in Santa Barbra or Ventura County, the criminal defense team at Bamieh & Erickson will protect your rights and your future. Don’t wait: contact our Ventura-based law offices today to speak with one of our criminal defense attorneys for no cost or obligation.

Order Ron Bamieh’s free book: How to Hire a Lawyer: A Common Man’s Guide to Hiring a Legal Professional.

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