Misdemeanors / Felonies

Southern California Misdemeanor Defense Attorneys Orange County Felony Defense Lawyers

Misdemeanors/Felonies

The skilled Criminal Defense Attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have years of experience representing clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and San Diego County.

A crime committed in the State of California is given of three general classifications - an infraction, misdemeanor, or felony. Infractions are very minor offenses, such as speeding or running a red light, and do not carry the possibility of jail time. More serious offenses such as DUI, marijuana possession and petty theft are misdemeanors, which by law carry a maximum sentence of one year in county, but can also be punished by fines or probation. The most serious of offenses - homicide, sexual assault, grand theft, etc. - are classified as felonies, and usually carry a significant sentence of several years in state prison.

The experienced criminal defense lawyers at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti are very familiar with the consequences and implications of how a criminal act is classified. In addition to the difference in severity of punishment mentioned above, whether a crime is charged as a misdemeanor or felony carries a great significance to the offender. Judges are at times willing to consider alternative correctional measures in the case of misdemeanors, such as community service and probation; convicted felons are not given the same amount of leeway. Also, many companies and corporations perform background checks on potential applicants, and while misdemeanor offenses may be overlooked, those with felony convictions do not make it past the initial screening process.

Despite these significant differences, the line between misdemeanor and felony is not as clear as one might think. The law gives the prosecutor significant authority with regards to the classification of a crime, and prosecutors under pressure from victims' families or media to "make an example" out of a defendant often blur the line even further.

Without choosing experienced and aggressive representation, a defendant is putting his rights, his freedom, and his future prospects in grave danger. Criminal defense attorney Michael L. Guisti has been defending misdemeanors and felonies in Orange County for over a decade, and as such is familiar with the methods used by prosecutors to trump up charges.

Why choose Southern California Criminal Defense Attorney Michael L. Guisti?

For the past ten years, Attorney Michael L. Guisti has earned the reputation of being one of the toughest, most knowledgeable, and aggressive criminal defense attorneys in all of Orange County. He knows exactly what is at stake when his client is charged with a crime, and fights to protect their rights.

As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, Mr. Guisti will explain the charges, your options, and work with you to determine the best course of action. Prosecutors in Orange County have come to learn that earning a conviction against defendants represented by the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti is a tough proposition, and offers of a plea bargain to lesser charges to avoid the potential embarrassment of an acquittal often result.

Put Southern California Criminal Defense Attorney Michael L. Guisti's experience and reputation to work for you. Contact our offices today at (888) 478-8999 or (714) 530-9690 for a free initial consultation.