Some cases are not about a new arrest at all: a warrant you need to clear, probation that is in trouble, or an old conviction you want off your record. I handle those too.
PC 594
Misdemeanor or felony
Maliciously defacing with graffiti, damaging, or destroying property that is not yours.
Exposure
Damage under $400: a misdemeanor, up to one year in county jail. $400 or more: a wobbler, up to one year in county jail or 16 months, two, or three years under PC 1170(h), and a fine up to $10,000.
PC 148(a)(1)
Misdemeanor
Willfully resisting, delaying, or obstructing a peace officer performing their duties, when you knew or should have known they were an officer.
Exposure
Up to one year in county jail and a fine up to $1,000. The lawfulness of the officer’s conduct is often the central issue.
PC 1203.2
Varies
An allegation that you broke a term of probation, such as a new arrest, a missed class, or a missed payment.
Exposure
The court can reinstate, modify, or revoke probation. If revoked, it can impose up to the maximum sentence for the original offense.
PC 1320 / 978.5
Varies
A warrant issued when you miss a court date or a court-ordered obligation. Willfully failing to appear can be a separate charge.
Exposure
Failure to appear on a misdemeanor case is itself a misdemeanor. On a felony case it can be a felony. Addressing the warrant with a lawyer is usually better than waiting to be picked up.
PC 1203.4
Post-conviction
A petition to withdraw a plea or set aside a conviction and dismiss the case after probation is completed, where you qualify.
Exposure
Not a charge. A granted petition releases you from most penalties and disabilities of the conviction, with exceptions set by statute.
The ranges above summarize the statutes as maximums and minimums, not predictions. Enhancements, prior convictions, and the specific facts can change them, and many cases resolve with diversion, reduced charges, or dismissal. This is general information, not legal advice, and no outcome is guaranteed. Statute links go to California Legislative Information.
other practice areas
01
DUI, reckless driving, suspended license, hit and run, evading, vehicular manslaughter.
7 charges →
02
Domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon, battery, criminal threats, attempted murder, murder.
9 charges →
03
Petty and grand theft, shoplifting, burglary, robbery, receiving stolen property, embezzlement, auto theft.
8 charges →
04
Possession, possession for sale, transportation and sales, paraphernalia.
4 charges →
05
Concealed firearm, felon in possession, loaded firearm in public.
3 charges →
06
Indecent exposure, solicitation, failure to register.
3 charges →
Don’t see your charge? It’s probably not a problem. Call or text me at (310) 938-1992 and I’ll tell you straight whether I can help.
Legal Lion
Criminal defense in Los Angeles County and Orange County. Direct representation from Raja Rafay Shahid. Legal Lion was founded in 2020.
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