CRIMINAL DEFENSE

The California Superior Court is divided into 58 courts, one for each county in the state. Most counties then divide the court into numerous branches. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has represented criminal clients in all 27 criminal branches of the Los Angeles County Superior Court. We have also handled numerous cases for clients in Orange County Superior Court, Ventura County Superior Court, Riverside County Superior Court, San Bernardino County Superior Court, San Diego County Superior Court, Kern County Superior Court, Fresno County Superior Court, Santa Barbara County Superior Court, San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, Inyo County Superior Court, Santa Cruz County Superior Court, and Tulare County Superior Court.

We have the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to provide you the best possible defense in any of the Superior Courts in California.

Many types of criminal charges may be brought in two very different venues, state superior courts or the United States District Courts. The federal government has exclusive jurisdiction over some cases arising under federal law, and has concurrent jurisdiction over several types of criminal allegations. Most allegations of drug distribution can be brought in either state or federal court. The difference between being charged in state or federal court can be extreme; federal law generally carries much harsher penalties and draconian mandatory minimum sentences. As an example, a conviction in federal court for possessing with intent to distribute as little as 50 grams of methamphetamine carries a ten year mandatory minimum sentence for a first offense.

Not every law firm has the skill and proficiency needed to represent clients charged in federal court, but we do. Our firm has extensive experience handling cases in various federal courts. We have successfully handled numerous federal cases in the Central District of California – which includes Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties – and in several other federal districts around the country. We have achieved outstanding results for our federal clients and have the expertise needed to successfully defend you in the federal courts.

California has a separate court system to handle most criminal allegations involving minors. However, in the most serious cases, prosecutors can seek to have the case heard in adult court. Delinquency courts have very different rules and judicial objectives than adult criminal courts. Among the many differences is the fact that bail is not available in juvenile delinquency cases, the minor can be released to the custody of the parents or legal guardians, where a court is convinced that it is proper under the law, but there is no right to be released on reasonable bail as in adult cases. There are many avenues to obtain diversionary outcomes in juvenile cases, these outcomes result in no conviction and no criminal record to follow the defendant into adulthood.

In criminal cases involving juveniles it is essential to obtain legal representation from a law firm with experience in the unique and specialized field of juvenile delinquency proceedings. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has the expertise and skill to obtain excellent results in juvenile proceedings. We also possess the attentiveness and compassion needed to guide and counsel a family through such a difficult experience.

A conviction in the trial court is not the end of the fight for justice in your criminal case. Whether your case arose in the California Superior Courts or in the Federal District Courts, you have multiple levels of appeal available to you. The first level of appeal is called the direct appeal. A direct appeal is heard as a matter of right in the applicable court of appeal. From there, a discretionary appeal may be taken to higher level appellate courts including the Supreme Court of California or the United States Supreme Court.

Direct appeals of convictions from the California Superior Courts are heard in the California Court of Appeal, which is divided into six judicial districts. The Second District hears appeals from Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. The Fourth District hears appeals from six other southern California counties: San Diego, Imperial, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Inyo.

Direct appeals of convictions from the Federal District Courts are heard in the United States Court of Appeals. The Federal District Courts are divided into twelve regional judicial circuits, each judicial circuit has a Federal Court of Appeals. All appeals from Federal District Courts in California, and eight other western states, are heard in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The Ninth Circuit has courthouses located in Pasadena, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle.

When a defendant has exhausted his direct appellate remedies, the defendant may seek another type of appellate review, a writ of habeas corpus. A petition for a writ of habeas corpus is generally brought in the trial court and can be appealed to applicable appellate courts. The petition can seek to overturn a conviction on constitutional grounds and may also be used to challenge the conditions of confinement of a prisoner or parolee. Defendants convicted in state courts may petition for habeas corpus relief in the Federal District Courts as well. Another type of writ, the writ of coram nobis, is available to defendants seeking to overturn a conviction even after all punishment has been completed.

The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has the experience and knowledge to successfully seek appellate relief from your criminal conviction. Whether a state or federal direct appeal, or an extraordinary writ petition, we have the intelligence and tenacity to get you appellate results.

The Compassionate Use Act (Proposition 215), as codified in Health & Safety Code § 11362.5, and the Medical Marijuana Program Act (Senate Bill 420), as codified in Health & Safety Code §§ 11362.7-11362.83, provide the framework for the medical defense available to many marijuana charges in California. Allegations involving the possession (Health & Safety Code § 11357), sale (Health & Safety Code § 11359), cultivation (Health & Safety Code § 11358), and transportation (Health & Safety Code § 11360) of marijuana can often be successfully defended pursuant to a medical defense. The California appellate courts have handed down dozens of rulings which further define the scope and limits of a medical defense.

Residents of Los Angeles are undoubtedly aware of the prevalence of marijuana dispensaries. Marijuana collectives and cooperatives are expressly allowed under California’s medical marijuana framework. The Medical Marijuana Program Act, Health & Safety Code § 11362.775, states that the legislature intends to “enhance the access of patients and caregivers to medical marijuana through collective, cooperative cultivation projects.” However, the terms “collective” and “cooperative” are not defined in the law. Case law, and guidelines issued by the California Attorney General, have provided a general outline of what is and is not permissible when participating in a collective or a cooperative; but this remains an area of change and some uncertainty. Additionally, with respect to retail storefront and delivery service dispensaries, many municipalities around the state have been dramatically reducing or even eliminating the ability to legally operate. A recent California Supreme Court decision held that under current state laws, cities are within their police power authority to take these actions. In Los Angeles, Proposition D has done just that, and the city is making greater and greater efforts to enforce the law and close down the vast majority of the city’s medical marijuana dispensaries.

California’s medical marijuana laws generally provide a defense to prosecution, not immunity from arrest. However, in People v. Mower, (2002) 28 Cal. 4th 457, the California Supreme Court held that a defendant in a marijuana prosecution is entitled to a pretrial hearing on whether the charged conduct is legal under medical marijuana laws, and dismissal of the case if the burden is met.

Importantly, state law is not a defense to federal criminal prosecution, and federal law independently prohibits most of the conduct for which California’s medical marijuana laws provide a defense. The U.S. Department of Justice has recently issued policies which recommend that federal prosecutors refrain from charging marijuana activity which is permissible under state law, but this remains an area in flux and uncertainty.

If you are facing prosecution for a marijuana charge, you need to be represented by a law firm that has the expertise required to successfully apply California medical marijuana law in your defense. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has successfully defended many marijuana cases based on a medical defense. Please contact our office today for a free consultation.

Controlled substance allegations – simple possession cases and cases where distribution or the intent to distribute are charged – are serious criminal matters. These cases can result in felony conviction records and potentially significant penalties, including registration as a narcotics offender, jail or prison sentences.

An individual accused of being under the influence of drugs is generally charged with a misdemeanor. However, driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can rise to the level of a felony offense if the person has suffered prior convictions, great bodily injury is alleged, it resulted in a death, or other factors are present. Drug possession charges may be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the type and quantity of the illegal substance and whether there is intent to sell or distribute the drugs. Under Penal Code § 1000 (Deferred Entry of Judgment) and Proposition 36, there are beneficial diversionary outcomes available to many simple possession and under the influence cases. These forms of diversion, if successfully completed, will result in no record of conviction. It is important to retain a law firm with experience in obtaining these outcomes, your attorney also needs to have the skill and availability to guide you through to completion of the program. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has extensive experience in drug diversion cases, and we will take the time to guide and counsel our clients to give them the best opportunity to complete the program.

When someone is charged with possessing drugs with the intent to sell, or of selling drugs, the matter is much more serious. These charges, whether brought in state or federal court, are felonies that can result in significant prison sentences. Anyone accused of these charges should immediately consult with an attorney who has expertise in the area of drug trafficking cases. A knowledgeable and tenacious defense can make a dramatic difference in the outcome. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has been enormously successful in defending controlled substance cases of all types.

Driving under the influence, or DUI, cases are increasingly common in our community. Because of the intense politics surrounding this type of crime, law enforcement devotes significant resources to making DUI arrests, and prosecutors often have far less flexibility in negotiating plea deals. California law also carries numerous mandatory sentencing requirements applicable only in DUI cases. First time DUIs are generally charged as misdemeanors; DUIs with multiple prior convictions, or where someone is injured or dies as a result, can be serious felonies.

The most common DUI charges are Vehicle Code § 23152(b), for driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher; and Vehicle Code § 23152(a), for impaired driving as a result of any amount of drugs (even legally prescribed drugs), or any amount of alcohol in your system. In most cases, prosecutors charge both allegations, which allows them more options in proving the case if it goes to trial. In addition to the DUI charge there are numerous enhancements that can be added to a DUI charge. There are additional, sometimes very significant, penalties for DUIs when there is an accident, when there are children under 14 in the car, when excessive speeding is also alleged, or when the post-arrest chemical test is refused.

Anytime a person is arrested for a DUI there are two separate, but related, proceedings that generally occur. At the time of the arrest, law enforcement will issue a notice to appear in court, and will also confiscate the person’s driver’s license and issue a 30 day temporary license, which also serves as notice of the DMV administrative per se hearing. The DMV hearing is a separate administrative proceeding that will determine if, regardless of what happens in court, the person’s license will be suspended. It is crucial that anyone in this situation contact an experienced DUI attorney because there is a strict 10 day deadline to request the administrative per se hearing. If the hearing is not requested within 10 days, the license will be automatically suspended.

There are potentially successful defenses for DUI allegations, both in court and at the DMV. Because of the unique and specialized nature of DUI cases, you need a law firm that has the expertise to get you the best possible result. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has extensive experience handling DUI cases in court and at the DMV. We have successfully represented hundreds of DUI clients. Please call us today for a free consultation.

Assault and battery are two separate criminal charges under California law. Under Penal Code § 240, an assault is an attempt to inflict physical injury on another person, with the ability to carry it out. An assault is an intentional act that places another person in reasonable fear of imminent injurious physical contact. Assault is generally charged as “simple” assault, a misdemeanor. However, when the victim falls within numerous categories of law enforcement or public officials, or when it includes the use of a deadly weapon, assault may be charged as a felony.

Penal Code § 242 defines battery as any willful and unlawful use of force or violence on another person. Battery is the physical act of touching or striking the body of another person in a harmful or offensive manner. You can be guilty of battery even if the victim suffered no pain or injury. All that is required to establish battery is that you touched the person, even the slightest touch, in an intentional and offensive way. This sort of battery is generally a misdemeanor. Under Penal Code §243(d), if the battery was committed with an intent to cause great bodily harm, or in fact inflicted great bodily harm, the case may be charged as a felony and may be a strike under California’s Three Strikes sentencing law.

In short, assault is an action that may inflict, or intends to inflict, physical harm or unwanted touching on someone else; and battery is the actual infliction of force or violence on someone else.

California law also prohibits threatening another person with death or physical harm. Criminal threats, under Penal Code § 422, is the crime of putting someone in genuine fear for their safety. You don’t need to have ever been in the person’s presence, the threat may be made over the phone or in writing – including electronic communications like email, text and Facebook. Even if you never intended to actually carry out the threat, or were not even capable of carrying out the threat, you may still be guilty of this crime. What matters under Penal Code § 422 is that you intended the person to believe the threat, and that they genuinely believed it and it caused them fear. Criminal threats can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor. As a felony, it is a strike under California’s Three Strikes sentencing law.

There are a number of defenses that may apply to charges for assault, battery or threats. It is crucial that anyone accused of one of these crimes consult with an experienced attorney. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has the experience and skill needed to successfully defend you, please contact us today for a free consultation.

Violence or threats of violence are always serious accusations (see section above). However, when the alleged victim has a close family or intimate connection to the accused, California law treats the case as even more serious. Indeed, in domestic violence cases, law enforcement and prosecutors will often arrest and charge people based on very flimsy evidence due to “zero tolerance” policies, and prosecutors will generally proceed with a case even when the accuser recants the allegation. Domestic violence convictions can destroy reputations and opportunities long after the case and formal punishment are over.

California law defines domestic violence generally as the use of physical violence, or the threat of violence, against an intimate partner, or former intimate partner. Same-sex partners can be charged under California’s domestic violence laws. Wrongful threats or violence become domestic violence because of the relationship between the accused perpetrator and the victim. You can be charged under California’s domestic violence laws if you are alleged to have directed threats or violence to: a spouse or former spouse, someone with whom you are in a relationship (whether living together or not), a person with whom you have a child (whether in a relationship or not), or a person you dated in the past. Under any of these circumstances you could be charged under Penal Code § 273.5 if the allegation involves actual physical injury to the person; or, if the allegation involves no visible injury, under Penal Code § 243(e)(1).

Child abuse is a similarly serious crime under California law. It is a crime, under Penal Code § 273d, for any person to inflict "corporal punishment or injury" on a child if it was "cruel or inhuman" and caused an injury, even a slight injury. Parents have reasonable latitude to spank a child under California law, but where the punishment is cruel or injures the child, even a parent or guardian can be charged with child abuse. It is also a crime, under Penal Code § 273a, to willfully allow a child in your custody or care to suffer harm or to cause his or her safety or health to be endangered.

Domestic violence or abuse charges can be misdemeanor or felony offenses, depending on the nature of the crime and the presence or absence of physical injuries. These types of cases are extremely serious. As a felony these charges are treated as strikes under California’s Three Strikes sentencing laws, and can expose you to draconian prison sentences. For non-citizens of the United States, even a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence will likely subject the defendant to deportation.

If you have been arrested or are facing charges for any crime involving domestic violence or abuse you should consult with an experienced and knowledgeable law firm immediately. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has successfully represented many clients facing domestic violence charges. We have the skill and expertise needed in this difficult and politically sensitive area of law. Please contact us today for a free consultation.

Homicide is the killing of one individual by another individual; however, not all homicides involve an act of malice. For this reason, some instances of homicide may not be criminal in nature. If the killing of another is committed in self-defense, in order to prevent a violent crime from occurring, or by accident, criminal charges may, in some circumstances be avoided entirely, or dismissed if charged. When a killing occurs, but there is a lack of bad intent, the criminal charges can often be reduced to a charge of manslaughter.

Manslaughter falls within the broad category of homicide, it is defined as the killing of another person without premeditation or deliberation. Manslaughter is a generally lesser charge than murder, and the punishment is typically substantially less than for a murder conviction. Manslaughter is further divided into two crimes that are differentiated by the defendant's state of mind:

Voluntary manslaughter – Broadly includes cases where the defendant intended to cause the death of another person, but their liability is reduced because of their state of mind during the crime. The most common example of voluntary manslaughter is the "heat of passion" killing.

Involuntary manslaughter – Also referred to as criminal negligence. Charged where there was no intent to kill, but the death resulted from the defendant's recklessness.

Vehicular Homicide – This type of homicide does not require malice or premeditation. There are various types of vehicular homicide, all require proof that the defendant violated a law while driving, and that the violation of law was the legal cause of an accident causing death. The most serious form of vehicular homicide is when the underlying violation of law is driving under the influence. Importantly, when someone has previously been convicted of a DUI, the law can presume malice, and charge the accused with first degree murder.

Murder is the intentional killing of another person. Under California law, murder is either in the first or second degree:

First Degree Murder – An intentional, premeditated killing of another person. The killing of another person with forethought and planning. Any homicide committed during the course of a serious felony can also qualify as first degree murder. First degree murder can lead to life in prison with the possibility of parole. However, a first degree murder with special circumstances can lead to the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Second Degree Murder – An intentional killing, committed without premeditation and deliberation.

Someone facing homicide charges should seek representation by a law firm with the skill and ability needed to defend such a serious charge. It is often very important that the attorney have extremely talented and experienced investigators to assist in the preparation of the defense. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has the skill, experience and resources to provide an exceptional defense in any homicide case, call us for a free consultation today.

Most misdemeanor convictions result in the defendant being ordered to serve a period of unsupervised, informal, probation. People who have been convicted of a felony, but who do not receive a state prison sentence, are generally placed on supervised, formal, probation. In either circumstance the defendant is generally given a variety of conditions that must be fulfilled in order to successfully complete probation. Common probation conditions include: a drug or alcohol education class, a fine, restitution, and an order to obey all laws. Someone who is accused of violating probation is entitled to a hearing where the violation must be proven to the court. Where the probationer is found in violation of probation, new punishment can be imposed up to the statutory maximum sentence for the underlying conviction.

People who have received a state prison sentence after a felony conviction are generally released from prison to a period of parole. During parole, the person is technically still a prisoner of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). For this reason, the CDCR has great latitude to impose conditions and limitations on the person’s freedom. Additionally, when a person violates the conditions of parole, they can be returned to prison. Generally, the parolee has the right to a hearing before the parole board to challenge any decision by the CDCR to return them to prison.

The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has extensive experience in successfully representing clients accused of violating formal and informal probation. We have also successfully represented clients seeking to challenge conditions or findings by the Parole Department. Contact us today for a free consultation.

There are two levels of minor vehicle offenses, misdemeanors and infractions. Infractions are commonly referred to as traffic tickets, and are not considered criminal in nature. The most common examples are basic speeding and failing to stop at a red light. Infractions result in fines and points on your driving record. Vehicle Code misdemeanors are more serious, and are considered criminal in nature, resulting in a criminal record which can impact seeking employment and many types of insurance. Common examples of Vehicle Code misdemeanors are: Hit and Run, VC § 20002, driving on a suspended license, VC § 14601, driving while not licensed, VC § 12500, and reckless driving, VC § 23103. These misdemeanor charges can result in: hefty fines, license suspensions, multiple driving record points, and even jail time.

The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has successfully handled hundreds of Vehicle Code infraction and misdemeanor cases. We offer very competitive flat fee retainers for these cases and would be happy to provide you a free consultation.

When a driver in California is issued a traffic ticket and fails to appear in court or pay the ticket prior to the deadline, the court imposes an additional charge for Failure to Appear, VC § 40509.5. This will result in the person’s driver’s license being suspended. The driver’s license will remain suspended until the person, or an attorney, appears in court and asks the court to set the matter for a new court date and requests that the court issue an abstract to the DMV, which will reinstate the license. If you have unresolved traffic tickets and a hold on your license, contact our office today. Often we can get the license reinstated within 24 hours.

When someone has accumulated too many driving record points due to Vehicle Code violations, the DMV will deem the person a Negligent Operator, and impose a driver’s license suspension. When such a suspension is being imposed, the DMV must provide a hearing to the person before the suspension takes effect. If you have received notice of such a suspension, you should contact our office immediately, there is a very short period in which the hearing to challenge the suspension must be demanded. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has extensive experience in successfully preventing the DMV from imposing the Negligent Operator suspension.

California Law requires extremely harsh enhanced prison terms for defendants who have prior convictions for serious or violent felonies. Additionally, these laws can result in a substantial reduction in the good time credit generally afforded to prisoners, which lengthens the time in prison even further. Harsh sentence enhancements can apply to people with only one strike prior. Even prior felonies which were not serious or violent, so were not strikes as defined in the law, can result in enhancements triggering substantially longer prison sentences. When the non-strike prior conviction resulted in a recent prison term, the increase in the sentence is even greater.

California has harsh and very complicated sentencing laws. If you, or someone you care about, is facing a case that includes allegations of one or more prior conviction, you need a law firm with the skill and experience to get relief from these harsh sentencing laws. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has had enormous success in persuading judges and prosecutors to strike prior convictions in sentencing. This can reduce a defendant’s sentence by many years. Contact our office today for a free consultation.

The most obvious examples of weapons charges involve the possession of guns and knives. The possession of these items can be completely legal, or constitute a serious felony. The underlying facts regarding the possessor, the circumstances, and where the weapon is possessed are generally the most important factors. Even items that seem innocent can be alleged to be weapons under certain circumstances, and can result in serious charges or enhancements to other criminal charges.

Contact The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn today for a free consultation regarding any case alleging the possession or use of a weapon.

Both state and federal law allow the government to seize and keep money and property which is shown to be the proceeds of criminal activity. The government can also seek forfeiture of money and property that was obtained legally if it was used in the furtherance of criminal activity. These forfeiture actions can occur even where no criminal case is filed. Forfeiture proceedings are civil in nature, rather than criminal, which results in a lower standard of proof than is required in a criminal case.

The government must provide notice of their intent to forfeit money or property, and the owner is entitled to challenge the forfeiture action in court. It is critical that anyone whose property or money has been seized contact our office immediately. There are very strict deadlines that must be met in order to successfully challenge asset forfeiture. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has the expertise needed to successfully defeat the government’s attempt to forfeit your money or property.

A conviction for fraud, theft, robbery, burglary, or embezzlement can have a long-term negative impact on a person's life. In addition to the possibility of a jail or prison sentence, anyone convicted of theft charges may face crippling restitution orders and diminished employment opportunities. Because federal law generally treats these type of charges as "crimes of moral turpitude," those who are not citizens of the United States will also face deportation and inadmissibility as a result of a conviction for fraud, theft, robbery, or embezzlement.

If you have been charged with robbery, embezzlement, theft, or fraud, contact The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn immediately.  Our office has the skill and experience needed to provide you the best possible defense.

Anyone facing the allegation of a sexual crime should seek representation by a law firm equipped to aggressively defend the case in court. Someone facing this type of charge should also seek representation by a law firm that understands the emotional toll that such an allegation takes on the accused.  The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn can provide the excellent representation and understanding needed by anyone accused of this sort of crime.

Most sex offenses are felonies and carry potentially significant prison sentences. Most sex crime convictions also require lifetime registration as a sex offender.

Sexual assault is the use of actual or threatened physical force to coerce another person into unwanted sexual activities. The laws pertaining to sexual assault are severe and convictions can carry serious penalties.

Rape is defined by California Law as non-consensual sexual intercourse. There are different forms of rape, including:

Stranger Rape – forced sexual intercourse in which the attacker is an individual unknown to the victim.

Acquaintance or Date Rape – forced sexual intercourse with someone known to the attacker, often occurring during a date or other social activity.

Statutory Rape – sexual intercourse with a person between the ages of 14 and 18 years. Charges of statutory rape can be filed even if sex was consensual.

Spousal Rape – forced sexual intercourse with a spouse.

A rape charge (with the exception of statutory rape), requires proof that intercourse was performed without the consent of the victim. Evidence demonstrating consent, or the lack thereof, is often contradictory and inconclusive. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn is committed to upholding the rights of our clients, including the right to the presumption of innocence. If you are facing an allegation involving a sexual crime, contact us today for a free confidential consultation.

Prostitution is no longer confined to dark street corners in unsavory neighborhoods. Today, law enforcement agencies increasingly look for prostitution on the streets, in businesses, and online. They often use undercover officers and conduct sting operations to lure potential patrons and sex workers. Under certain circumstances, these tactics by the police can constitute entrapment, which can be a complete defense to the charge. Any person charged with solicitation for sex, should look for an experienced lawyer with the expertise to defend this sort of allegation.  Contact The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn today for a free consultation.

Indecent exposure and public sex acts, while often charged as misdemeanors, are nevertheless very serious criminal charges. Lewd conduct convictions can result in sex offender registration. However, an experienced and aggressive defense can result in reduced or dismissed charges.

Convictions for even the most minor offenses involving sexual or lewd conduct  can result in mandatory life-time registration as a sex offender. The failure to maintain sex offender registration when ordered is also a serious crime. A criminal charge for failure to maintain registration can be charged for minor oversights, such as failure to provide a designated law enforcement agency with a change of address. A violation of sex offender registration requirements is a serious felony charge that can result in substantial time in prison.

California Law provides important, and underutilized, avenues for people with criminal records to have their convictions set aside and their cases dismissed. This can be absolutely critical for people who are applying for jobs or for many types of insurance. This is true because the disclosure of criminal records is generally required in employment applications, and in applications for life or property insurance. Under Penal Code § 1203.4 a misdemeanor conviction can be withdrawn and the case dismissed. People with felony convictions can still seek this relief, but they must first petition the court to have their felony reduced to a misdemeanor. Many felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors pursuant to Penal Code § 17(b).

Having an experienced attorney assist you in preparing and filing your petitions to the court can greatly increase your odds of getting your convictions expunged. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has successfully obtained this relief for many clients. Please contact us today for a free consultation.

California has a separate court system to handle most criminal allegations involving minors. However, in the most serious cases, prosecutors can seek to have the case heard in adult court. Delinquency courts have very different rules and judicial objectives than adult criminal courts. Among the many differences is the fact that bail is not available in juvenile delinquency cases, the minor can be released to the custody of the parents or legal guardians, where a court is convinced that it is proper under the law, but there is no right to be released on reasonable bail as in adult cases. There are many avenues to obtain diversionary outcomes in juvenile cases, these outcomes result in no conviction and no criminal record to follow the defendant into adulthood.

In criminal cases involving juveniles it is essential to obtain legal representation from a law firm with experience in the unique and specialized field of juvenile delinquency proceedings. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has the expertise and skill to obtain excellent results in juvenile proceedings. We also possess the attentiveness and compassion needed to guide and counsel a family through such a difficult experience.