Misdemeanors

Misdemeanor defense protects your legal rights and minimizes consequences for crimes of lower severity and nonviolent offenses.

Misdemeanors Attorneys in Bakersfield, California

Though they are not as harshly punished as felonies, misdemeanors can still affect your criminal record, freedom, and loved ones a great deal. One-time mistakes can create a lifetime of serious issues if they are not handled properly in a court of law. Retaining a skilled criminal defense attorney when facing misdemeanor charges is essential for detailed guidance and aggressive advocacy of your rights and best interests.

If you or a loved one has recently been arrested or charged with a misdemeanor in Bakersfield, California, or the surrounding areas, get in contact with our criminal defense attorneys at Underwood Law Firm. No matter what accusations you are facing, we are here to combat the charges with our reliable defense strategies. Do not hesitate in obtaining the representation that you are owed. If you are facing criminal charges in Bakersfield or Lamont, California, contact us today at Underwood Law Firm to schedule your free misdemeanor case consultation.

Obtain a Strong Defense

Common Misdemeanor Charges in California

Our criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience in delivering desirable outcomes for past misdemeanor cases. The California courts have encountered many cases having to do with DUIs, theft and shoplifting, simple assault, battery, possession of drugs, possession of a gun or other weapon, disturbing the peace, public intoxication, and more.

The consequences for misdemeanor crimes may include probation, court fines, victim restitution, community service time, counseling classes, alcohol or drug classes, electronic monitoring, and/or time in jail. A misdemeanor conviction will be visible on your criminal record for anyone to see who runs a criminal background search, affecting different aspects of your life like employment and housing.

With so much of your life at stake, misdemeanor charges should be taken seriously. Whatever crimes you have been accused of, our criminal defense attorneys will stop at nothing to seek the outcome that your case deserves. Having us in your corner can make a significant difference in the classification of your charge, your verdict, and your penalties.

Wobbler Crimes

In the state of California, some crimes are considered “wobbler crimes,” which means the crime can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Sexual battery, grand theft auto, and burglary are all examples of wobbler offenses. In a case of a wobbler crime, the prosecution will decide which type of charge to file. However, the judge might reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor charge by implementing a misdemeanor sentence or declaring it as a misdemeanor at the onset of probation or at some point after probation is ordered.

While no criminal charge is ideal, if you are facing a felony, you will want a criminal defense attorney to help lower the criminal charges in every capacity. Crimes like assault or illegal possession of a weapon can have harsh penalties and long-lasting consequences. Allow the legal team from Underwood Law Firm to represent you in court. If you are facing charges in Bakersfield or Lamont, schedule a free consultation with us today.

DUI and Other Traffic Offenses

Whether you are a commercial truck driver or a regular driver, our attorneys are here to fight for your right to drive and other liberties. We at Underwood Law Firm are skilled legal advocates when it comes to traffic violations including DUIs, speeding, driving without a license, hit-and-runs, and more. Don’t allow your right to drive to be taken away from you, especially if it is your livelihood. Underwood Law Firm is a Teamster Union affiliated firm. We are passionate about your right to drive and work, and we are here to fight on your behalf when facing traffic offenses. Contact us in Bakersfield to get started.

What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

With a trust, you transfer ownership of your assets to a trust, which means they are no longer owned by you. You name the people you want to benefit from the trust, and they do so without the need to go through the probate process.

Avoiding probate sounds ideal, but there are certain things you cannot do with a trust that you can with a will. Perhaps the most important is to name a guardian to care for your minor children when you are gone. In some cases, even if you have a trust, you will also need to have a will.