California Felony and Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers
Los Angeles Felony and Misdemeanor Defense Attorneys
The State of California puts most criminal offenses into two categories: Felonies and misdemeanors. (Very minor offenses like parking at an expired meter are considered criminal infractions, which never carry the possibility of jail or prison.) Felonies are generally more serious than misdemeanors, but the line between them is less clear than many people think. In fact, the law often allows prosecutors to choose whether to charge a crime as a misdemeanor or a felony, based on nothing more than preference. In other cases, circumstances of a crime force prosecutors to charge it a certain way, regardless of their own judgment.
Crimes usually charged as felonies include:
- Homicide
- Kidnapping
- Sexual assault
- Grand theft (including almost all vehicle thefts)
Examples of misdemeanors include:
- Most intoxicated driving
- Drunk in public
- Petty theft
- Driving without a license
Unfortunately, whether a crime is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor makes a big difference in the life of the person charged. For one thing, a felony generally carries much more severe penalties than a Los Angeles misdemeanor, even when they are otherwise the same crime. Felony charges carry more time in prison or jail and higher fines, and are less likely than misdemeanors to offer parole, diversion programs or other alternative penalties. A felony record can also have severe consequences during a job search; many employers ask whether you've been convicted of a felony, but not about misdemeanors. And in California, a felony charge can be extremely serious because it can trigger the "three strikes" law, which increases penalties for repeat felons and mandates 25 years to life for the third felony -- regardless of what the crime was.
At Takakjian, Sowers & Sitkoff, we always look for ways to reduce our clients' felony charges to misdemeanors. Because all of our Los Angeles criminal lawyers are former district attorneys, we know prosecutors can often choose how to charge a case -- and we know how to convince them to change it. We will negotiate with the prosecutors as soon as we take your case to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor, to change the charge altogether or reduce the penalties they're asking for. We can also bring our experience to bear on examining your records for flaws and errors that could get the entire case dismissed. Because we're former prosecutors, we know how law enforcement builds cases -- and we know where to look for holes in those cases that could set you free.
Takakjian, Sowers & Sitkoff is a Los Angeles felony defense law firm with a unique edge: Every one of our partners is a former Los Angeles County deputy district attorney, and each one has additional qualifications that puts us head and shoulders above other defense firms. Attorney Paul Takakjian is a State Bar-certified criminal law specialist; attorney Don Sowers is a former police detective and prosecutor who specialized in vehicular homicide; and attorney Steve Sitkoff is a former Superior Court Commissioner. Our experience on the other side of the table gives us an intimate knowledge of how law enforcement and prosecutors build cases -- knowledge that gives your defense a winning edge. We know the judges and prosecutors in Los Angeles, and we know where to look for errors and omissions in your case that can set you free. That knowledge is reflected in our record of successes, which includes many cases with reduced or dismissed felony and misdemeanor charges.
Criminal charges have serious consequences for your freedom, your finances and your family. If you or someone you care about is charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, you need the expert eye of three former Los Angeles County district attorneys -- Takakjian, Sowers & Sitkoff. For a free evaluation of your case with an experienced California felony and misdemeanor lawyer, call us today.
Takakjian, Sowers & Sitkoff has an outstanding reputation for getting our clients superior results using the expertise, experience, and knowledge of our felony defense attorneys and staff. We offer reasonable fees and have offices conveniently located throughout California.