Spreckels, CA Criminal Defense Law Firms & Lawyers

Yes, do not commit the crime. Or you can hire a good attorney to help you avoid jail time, but you might have to do some time if you plead guilty or are convicted. A failure to appear is like begging the judge to keep you in jail when you are arrested. The DA has a point. You tend to get what you pay for. This is not legal advice and no attorney-client relationship is formed here. Best of luck.

It depends on a couple of things. Were you sent to prison? If not, can get a reduction by 17b and expunge it. If so need to do a Certificate of Rehabilitation. It can take 2-3 months. It depends on which way you have to go how much it will cost.

Every crime carries jail time potential. You can only "deal" with the charges in court, not directly with the DA?s office. Your first court appearance is an arraignment, where you will plead not guilty, and set a next appearance date for PreTrial Conference where plea bargaining can occur. When questioned, arrested or charged with any crime, the proper questions are, can any evidence obtained in a test, search or statement be used against you, can you be convicted, and what can you do? A little free advice: exercise the 5th Amendment right to shut up and do not talk to police or anyone about the case except with and through an attorney. Raise all appropriate defenses with whatever witnesses, evidence and sympathies are available for legal arguments, for evidence suppression or other motions, or for trial. Effective plea-bargaining, using those defenses, could possibly reduce the potential time and other penalties you face. While this isn't a 'capital case', you certainly face fines and potential jail, so handle it right. No amount of free 'tips and hints' from here or elsewhere are going to effectively help you in your legal defense. If you don't know how to represent yourself effectively against an experienced prosecutor intending to convict, then hire an attorney who does, who will try to get a dismissal, charge reduction, diversion, program, or other decent outcome through motions, plea bargain, or take it to trial if appropriate.