Being accused of a crime is one of the most serious situations an individual can face. The penalties for conviction can change your life forever, putting both your reputation and your freedom at risk. For this reason, hiring a qualified criminal defense attorney like Kathleen Bryson is essential.
Serious Felonies
Felonies are some of the most serious crimes you can commit in California. Examples include murder, rape and sale of a controlled substance. If you have been charged with a felony, you need a trustworthy attorney who can help you fight the charges aggressively.
Misdemeanors
Although less serious than felonies, misdemeanor charges can also have an impact on your life. Examples of misdemeanors in California include public intoxication and petty theft. To minimize the consequences and/or reduce the likelihood of a conviction, you need the right counsel.
Expungement
If you have been convicted of a crime in California in the past, you may be able to have evidence of the crime removed from your record through a process known as “expungement.” Kathleen Bryson can help you determine if you qualify for expungement, and she can help you take the appropriate action.
Domestic Violence
If you have been accused of domestic violence, you may face a range of penalties with conviction. To ensure that you have the best possible chance of minimizing your penalties and/or avoiding conviction, you need a skilled attorney who understands California criminal law.
Juvenile
When a juvenile breaks the law in California, his or her proceedings will take place in juvenile court, as opposed to a standard criminal court. The penalties he or she faces for a given crime will also be less severe. Nonetheless, juvenile delinquency can affect your child’s life significantly, so it is important to seek out qualified counsel.
Pre-arrest Counseling
If you have not yet been charged with a crime but are part of an ongoing investigation, you may benefit from pre-arrest counseling. Before speaking with any member of law enforcement, it is wise to hire a criminal defense attorney so that you can be sure your rights are adequately protected throughout the process.
Regardless of the type of criminal defense issue you are facing, Kathleen Bryson is here to help. To schedule a consultation or to learn more, please contact the office today.