Misdemeanors include crimes such as batteries and assaults (where there are no serious injuries), public intoxication, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, driving under the influence (with no more than two priors and no serious injuries), being under the influence of narcotics, petty theft, and many more of the least serious crimes.

While the majority of misdemeanors resolve with little or no jail time, many carry consequences which, in the long run, can be more burdensome than jail time.  Among them are:

• Probation with a waiver of one or more cherished Constitutional rights.
• Loss of driving privileges.
• Loss of immigration benefits to non-U.S. citizens (i.e., re-entry, citizenship and visas)
• Loss (or suspension) of professional license(s).
• The requirement to register as a sex offender with local law enforcement for life.
• All sorts of classes, at your expense, on topics ranging from anger management  to sobriety.
• Loss of the right to bear arms (e.g., for ten years in the case of a simple battery conviction).
• The obligation to report the misdemeanor convictions to future employers and educational institutions.
• An increase of your insurance rates and/or ineligibility for "good driver" rate reductions and certain types of insurance.
• Ineligibility for certain government benefits (including financial aid).

To find out what you can do to avoid a misdemeanor conviction or one or more of their consequences (in Santa Barbara), please call us toll free: 1-866-435-7384 or email.