Knowing what is and is not a Misdemeanor in California.

The legal world bandies about the terms misdemeanor and felony all of the time.  Don’t get the idea that a misdemeanor is just some minor infraction.  It is, however much less severe than a felony, but it may carry a maximum sentence of up to one year in county jail and result in a fine of as much as $1000.

Misdemeanors fall into two basic categories –

1.  “Standard” with maximum penalties of 6 months in jail and a thousand dollar fine.

2.  “Gross” where the jail time can be doubled and the fine is still capped at a grand.

While a misdemeanor is certainly NOT a felony it can tarnish your reputation for decades to come.  Don’t just accept a conviction for a California misdemeanor.  Hire San Jose criminal attorney William Chestnut to fight for your freedom.  For any arrest on a criminal charge in the Big Bear State count on Bill…William Chestnut of San Jose.  Call (408) 298-6990.

Get Your Hands Off My Stuff!

In the great state of California, someone who commits a property crime may face misdemeanor or even felony charges depending on the severity of the offense.  When the crime involves the unlawful obtainment of another party's property, the severity of the charges and penalties levied against the alleged perpetrator generally depends on the total value of the involved property.

Here are some of the different types of property crimes –

1.  Petty theft…based on a relatively low value of the stolen property.

2.  Grand theft…much bigger of course, where the items or money is more than $950.

3.  Vandalism…deliberate destruction of public property.

4.  Burglary…entry into a building with the express intent of committing a crime.

5.  Shoplifting…stealing goods from a store while pretending to be a customer.

That last one (if we search our souls) have made a lot of us a guilty party at least once in our lives.  ALL of them (and more) could entail jail time and/or fines if you are convicted.  You may need the help of veteran San Jose property offense defense lawyer William Chestnut.  Make the call today, then put your hands in your pockets!  That number is (408) 298-6990.