Los Angeles Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer — Protect Your Record and Your Future

A misdemeanor conviction in Los Angeles stays on your criminal record permanently unless you take affirmative steps to clear it. Under California law, even a "simple" misdemeanor can carry up to six months in county jail, $1,000 in fines, and lasting consequences for your employment, housing, and immigration status. Chudnovsky Law brings more than 113 combined years of criminal defense experience and a team that has handled over 9,000 cases to the defense of people facing misdemeanor charges across Los Angeles County.

As a former Deputy District Attorney in California, Kareem Aref now uses that insider knowledge of the prosecution's strategy to defend clients charged with misdemeanors in Los Angeles. He knows how filing deputies decide which charges to pursue, how they assess witness credibility, and where their cases are weakest. That perspective changes the entire trajectory of a defense.

Chudnovsky Law has defended thousands of clients in Los Angeles County courtrooms, earning a 10.0 Superb Rating on AVVO and 5-star ratings on Google across our Los Angeles, Orange County, and Long Beach offices. If you're facing a misdemeanor charge, call (213) 212-5002 for a free, confidential case review. We'll explain your options and our fee structure during your first call — many misdemeanor cases are handled on a transparent flat fee.

On This Page:

• What makes a misdemeanor serious
• Common LA misdemeanor charges
• The Prosecution Playbook Reversal
• Misdemeanor vs. infraction vs. felony
• How wobblers work in California
• Defending in LA County courthouses
• Protecting your record after a charge
• The firm's commitment to you
• Frequently asked questions

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Why a Los Angeles Misdemeanor Charge Is More Serious Than You Think

Most people hear "misdemeanor" and assume the stakes are low. That assumption ruins lives.

A misdemeanor conviction in California creates a permanent criminal record visible to employers, landlords, licensing boards, and immigration authorities. Background check companies report misdemeanor convictions for at least seven years under the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act, and many employers make hiring decisions based on that record alone.

Employment and Professional Licensing Consequences

California is technically a "ban the box" state, meaning employers with five or more employees can't ask about criminal history on an initial application. But they can — and do — run background checks after a conditional offer. A misdemeanor conviction for theft, domestic violence, DUI, or drug possession can trigger an offer withdrawal. For licensed professionals — nurses, teachers, real estate agents, contractors — a misdemeanor conviction triggers mandatory reporting to the licensing board and can result in disciplinary action, probation, or license revocation.

Immigration Consequences

For non-citizens, certain misdemeanors qualify as crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMTs). A CIMT is a category of offenses that involve dishonesty, fraud, or conduct considered contrary to community standards of morality. Under 8 U.S.C. § 1227, a single CIMT conviction within five years of admission — or two CIMT convictions at any time — can make a lawful permanent resident deportable. Petty theft, fraud, and certain assault offenses all potentially fall into this category.

Housing and Financial Impact

Landlords in Los Angeles County routinely screen applicants for criminal history. A misdemeanor conviction — particularly one involving drugs, violence, or property crimes — can disqualify you from rental housing in an already impossibly tight market. Add to that the direct financial penalties: fines, court fees, probation costs, mandatory classes, increased insurance premiums, and lost income from court appearances and potential jail time.

The bottom line: a misdemeanor is a criminal conviction. It follows you. Treating it casually is the single biggest mistake we see people make.

If you've been charged and aren't sure how serious it is, call (213) 212-5002. We'll give you a straight answer during a free consultation — no commitment, no pressure.

What Are the Most Common Misdemeanor Charges in Los Angeles?

The LA County District Attorney files tens of thousands of criminal cases each year, and misdemeanors make up a significant share of that caseload. Here are the charges our team sees most frequently in Los Angeles courtrooms:

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) — Vehicle Code § 23152

A first-offense DUI with no injuries is typically charged as a misdemeanor. Penalties include up to six months in jail, fines reaching $3,600 or more with penalty assessments, a six-month license suspension through the California DMV, mandatory DUI school, and three to five years of informal probation.

A first DUI costs the average defendant between $10,000 and $15,000 when you factor in fines, legal fees, insurance increases, and other expenses (NHTSA, 2023). And that's before considering the professional and personal fallout.

Petty Theft — Penal Code § 484/488

Shoplifting or theft of property valued at $950 or less is a misdemeanor in California. A conviction carries up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. For retail employees, students, or anyone in a position of trust, the reputational damage often exceeds the legal penalty.

Simple Battery — Penal Code § 242

Battery under California law means any willful and unlawful use of force or violence on another person. It doesn't require visible injury — even an unwanted push or grab can support a charge. Simple battery is a misdemeanor carrying up to six months in county jail and a $2,000 fine. A conviction also triggers a ten-year federal firearms prohibition.

Domestic Violence Battery — Penal Code § 243(e)(1)

Battery against a spouse, cohabitant, or dating partner is charged under PC 243(e)(1) as a misdemeanor. Beyond jail time and fines, a conviction requires completion of a 52-week batterer's intervention program. It also triggers a federal firearms ban under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9) — the Lautenberg Amendment — which applies nationwide and has no expiration.

Drug Possession — Health & Safety Code § 11350/11377

Simple possession of controlled substances is generally a misdemeanor under Proposition 47. Penalties include up to one year in county jail, though diversion programs are often available for first-time offenders.

Trespassing — Penal Code § 602

Entering or remaining on someone else's property without permission. This charge appears frequently in protest-related arrests and disputes between neighbors, tenants, and property owners.

Resisting Arrest — Penal Code § 148(a)(1)

Cal. Penal Code § 148(a)(1) makes it a misdemeanor to willfully resist, delay, or obstruct a peace officer in the performance of their duties. This charge is commonly added onto other offenses, and it's frequently overcharged — pulling your arm away during an arrest or asking questions can lead to a PC 148 charge even when no real obstruction occurred.

Charge	Code Section	Max Jail Time	Max Fine	Key Collateral Consequence
DUI (1st offense)	VC § 23152	6 months	$3,600+	License suspension, insurance spike
Petty Theft	PC § 484/488	6 months	$1,000	Employment disqualification
Simple Battery	PC § 242	6 months	$2,000	10-year federal firearms ban
DV Battery	PC § 243(e)(1)	1 year	$2,000	Lifetime federal firearms ban
Drug Possession	HS § 11350/11377	1 year	$1,000	Immigration consequences (potential CIMT)
Resisting Arrest	PC § 148(a)(1)	1 year	$1,000	Added to nearly any arrest encounter

How Does the Prosecution Playbook Reversal Work for Misdemeanor Cases?

Most defense attorneys react to what the prosecution files. At Chudnovsky Law, we reverse the process entirely. Our team includes former prosecutors and former DOJ attorneys who spent years building cases from the government side. Now we use that same playbook — against the government.

We call this approach The Prosecution Playbook Reversal, and it drives every misdemeanor defense we handle.

Step 1: Charging Document Deconstruction

The first thing we do is tear apart the charging document. Filing deputies at branch courts across LA County work under heavy caseloads, and they frequently overcharge — adding counts for use rather than because the evidence actually supports conviction. Having defended over 9,000 cases, our team recognizes these patterns instantly. We identify which charges have genuine evidentiary support and which are stacked to pressure a quick guilty plea.

Step 2: Brady Material Extraction

Brady material refers to evidence favorable to the defendant that the prosecution is constitutionally required to disclose under Brady v. Maryland. In practice, exculpatory evidence sometimes gets buried in voluminous case files or isn't flagged by investigating officers. With Gillian Friedman's experience as a former Deputy Attorney General at the California Department of Justice on our team, we know exactly where to look for what the prosecution may not be highlighting — witness inconsistencies, surveillance gaps, officer disciplinary records, and chain-of-custody problems.

Step 3: Discovery File Pattern Recognition

Our volume matters here. After handling thousands of criminal matters, we've developed pattern recognition that a solo practitioner simply can't match. We know which prosecution filing patterns indicate a weak investigation, which lab reports frequently contain procedural shortcuts, and which officers have credibility issues in specific courthouses.

Step 4: Plea Architecture vs. Trial Preparation

Not every misdemeanor case goes to trial. Roughly 90-95% of criminal cases resolve through plea agreements. But here's what most people don't realize: the strength of your plea negotiation depends entirely on how prepared you are for trial. When prosecutors know a defense attorney will actually take a case to trial — and that the attorney has the courtroom skill to win — the plea offer improves dramatically. Our team has tried over 100 jury trials. That reputation precedes us at the negotiation table.

Step 5: Sentencing Departure Engineering

Even in a worst-case scenario where conviction is unavoidable, our government-trained attorneys know which sentencing factors judges at the Metropolitan Courthouse and other LA County venues actually weigh. We build mitigation narratives that present the full context of your life — employment, family, community ties, rehabilitation efforts — to pursue the most favorable sentence possible.

Not sure how this applies to your specific charge? A free call to (213) 212-5002 will give you clarity. We'll walk through what you're facing and explain the defense strategy that fits.

What Is the Difference Between an Infraction, a Misdemeanor, and a Felony in California?

Understanding where your charge falls in California's criminal classification system shapes every decision you and your attorney make.

An infraction is the lowest level of criminal offense. Traffic tickets and minor code violations fall here. Infractions carry fines only — no jail time and no criminal record. You have no right to a jury trial or a court-appointed attorney for an infraction.

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense punishable by up to one year in county jail. It appears on your permanent criminal record. You do have the right to a jury trial, court-appointed counsel if you can't afford an attorney, and all constitutional protections — Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable search, Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, Sixth Amendment right to counsel and confrontation of witnesses.

A felony is the most serious classification, punishable by more than one year in state prison. Felony convictions carry the harshest collateral consequences: loss of voting rights while incarcerated, permanent firearm prohibition, sex offender registration for qualifying offenses, and severe immigration consequences.

Key insight: The line between misdemeanor and felony isn't always fixed. California has a category of offenses called "wobblers" that can be charged as either — and that distinction is where experienced defense counsel makes the biggest difference.

How Do "Wobbler" Offenses Work in Los Angeles, and Can My Charge Be Reduced?

A wobbler is a California criminal offense that prosecutors have discretion to file as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Common wobblers include assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence causing injury, grand theft, forgery, and certain drug offenses.

Under Cal. Penal Code § 17(b), a judge can reduce a wobbler charged as a felony down to a misdemeanor at several points: during the preliminary hearing, at sentencing, or after successful completion of probation. The defense can also petition for reduction during probation.

Factors that influence a judge's decision on wobbler reduction include:

• The specific facts and circumstances of the offense
• The defendant's criminal history (or lack of one)
• Whether the defendant has complied with probation conditions
• The impact on the victim
• The interests of justice

This is where Kareem Aref's prosecution background becomes a strategic advantage. He knows what factors the DA's office weighs when deciding whether to file a wobbler as a felony or misdemeanor, and he can present the case to the filing deputy — sometimes before charges are even filed — in a way that steers toward misdemeanor classification. Pre-filing intervention is one of the most underused tools in criminal defense. Most defendants don't even know it's possible.

Wobbler Reduction Stage	Who Decides	What Must Be Shown	Practical Outcome
Preliminary hearing	Judge	Facts support misdemeanor treatment	Felony charge dropped to misdemeanor before trial
Sentencing	Judge	Mitigating factors, minimal harm, no priors	Felony conviction recorded as misdemeanor
During probation	Judge (on defense motion)	Compliance with all probation terms	Felony reduced to misdemeanor on record
After probation (PC 17(b) motion)	Judge (on defense petition)	Successful probation completion	Permanent record reflects misdemeanor only

Where Will My Misdemeanor Case Be Heard in Los Angeles?

Location matters more than most defendants realize. Each courthouse in LA County has its own culture, its own bench officers, and its own patterns in how cases are resolved.

Metropolitan Courthouse — The Misdemeanor Hub for Central LA

If you were arrested in or around downtown Los Angeles, your misdemeanor case will almost certainly be heard at the Metropolitan Courthouse at 1945 S. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90007. This is the primary misdemeanor court for the central Los Angeles area. It handles a heavy volume of DUI cases, petty theft, drug possession, and battery charges originating from LAPD Central, Rampart, Hollenbeck, and Newton divisions.

Don't confuse this with the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center at 210 W. Temple St. — that courthouse handles felony cases for the same geographic area. If your misdemeanor is connected to a felony co-defendant or if your charge is a wobbler filed as a felony, you may start at Foltz before any reduction brings the case to Metropolitan.

East Los Angeles Courthouse

Cases originating in East LA, Boyle Heights, and surrounding communities are often heard at the East Los Angeles Courthouse at 4848 E. Civic Center Way, Los Angeles, CA 90022. This venue handles both misdemeanor and felony matters for the area.

Airport Courthouse

For offenses occurring near LAX, Santa Monica, Inglewood, Hawthorne, or the South Bay corridor, cases are assigned to the Airport Courthouse at 11701 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. DUI arrests along the I-405 corridor frequently land here.

Our attorneys defend cases in all 23 Los Angeles County criminal court locations, including Alhambra, Antelope Valley, Bellflower, Burbank, Compton, Downey, El Monte, Glendale, Inglewood, Long Beach, Norwalk, Pasadena, Pomona, San Fernando, Santa Clarita, Torrance, Van Nuys, and West Covina. We know the local filing tendencies, the bench officers' procedural preferences, and the negotiation patterns at each venue. This kind of familiarity doesn't come from a website — it comes from showing up, case after case, year after year.

Can I Get a Misdemeanor Expunged From My Record in California?

Yes — but "expungement" in California doesn't mean what most people think.

Under Cal. Penal Code § 1203.4, a person who has completed probation (or been granted early termination of probation) can petition the court to withdraw their guilty or no contest plea, enter a not guilty plea, and have the case dismissed. This is what California calls "expungement."

Here's what expungement does: It changes your record to show a dismissal rather than a conviction. Under most circumstances, you can legally answer "no" when a private employer asks if you've been convicted of a crime. It removes the conviction for purposes of most professional licensing applications.

Here's what expungement does NOT do: It doesn't seal or destroy the record. Law enforcement can still see it. It doesn't restore firearm rights. It doesn't prevent the conviction from being used as a prior if you're charged again. And it doesn't automatically fix immigration consequences that were triggered by the original conviction — for immigration relief, a separate motion under Cal. Penal Code § 1473.7 may be needed.

The bottom line: expungement is a powerful tool, but it's not a magic eraser. The strongest approach is to fight the charge aggressively from the beginning — avoiding a conviction is always better than cleaning one up later.

What Happens at a Misdemeanor Arraignment in Los Angeles?

Arraignment is your first formal court appearance, where the judge informs you of the charges, advises you of your constitutional rights, and asks you to enter a plea. For misdemeanor cases in Los Angeles, arraignment must happen within 48 hours of arrest if you're in custody, or at the court date listed on your citation if you were released.

Before You Walk Into the Courtroom

You'll check in with the clerk, confirm your identity, and receive a copy of the complaint. The complaint lists the specific charges filed by the district attorney. In many misdemeanor cases, the prosecution also provides an initial discovery packet at or shortly after arraignment.

Entering a Plea

You'll be asked to enter a plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest (nolo contendere). A nolo contendere plea has the same effect as a guilty plea for criminal purposes but cannot be used as an admission of liability in a related civil lawsuit.

In almost every case, we advise entering a "not guilty" plea at arraignment. This preserves all of your rights, gives us time to review the evidence, investigate the case, and file pre-trial motions. Pleading guilty at arraignment — before your attorney has even reviewed the police reports — forfeits your best strategic options.

Bail and Release Conditions

For most misdemeanors, the judge will release you on your own recognizance (OR release) with conditions: stay away from the alleged victim, don't violate any laws, appear at all future court dates. If you have a warrant or a history of failures to appear, the judge may set bail.

Don't go to arraignment without an attorney. The decisions made at this single hearing shape the rest of your case. Call (213) 212-5002 before your court date.

How Can I Protect My Record Before, During, and After a Misdemeanor Case?

Record protection isn't something that happens at the end of a case — it starts the moment you're arrested.

Pre-Filing: Convincing the DA Not to File

In some cases, we can intervene before the district attorney formally files charges. If we can present mitigating evidence — witness statements, medical records, context the police report didn't capture — the DA may decline to file or reduce the charges before they ever become public record. This is the ideal outcome because there's nothing to expunge. Pre-filing intervention requires acting fast, often within days of arrest.

Diversion Programs

Los Angeles County offers several diversion programs that allow eligible defendants to complete requirements — community service, counseling, restitution — in exchange for having charges dismissed. Drug diversion under Proposition 36 and mental health diversion under Penal Code § 1001.36 are the most common. Successful completion means no conviction on your record.

Motion to Dismiss Under PC 1385

Cal. Penal Code § 1385 allows a judge to dismiss a case "in furtherance of justice." While this is more commonly used in felony cases, our team has successfully argued PC 1385 motions in misdemeanor matters where the circumstances warrant it — particularly cases involving excessive charging or minimal harm.

Post-Conviction: Expungement Under PC 1203.4

As discussed above, expungement under PC 1203.4 is available after successful probation. We can also petition for early termination of probation, which accelerates the timeline for clearing your record.

What most people miss: Even after an arrest that doesn't result in conviction, the arrest record itself remains visible. California allows you to petition for a finding of factual innocence under PC 851.8, which seals and destroys the arrest record entirely. The standard is high — you must show that no reasonable cause exists to believe you committed the offense — but when the evidence supports it, factual innocence is the gold standard of record protection.

What Does Chudnovsky Law Promise to Every Misdemeanor Client?

We don't make vague commitments about "fighting hard." Here's what we promise in concrete terms:

First, you'll hear back right away. When you call (213) 212-5002 or submit a contact form, a member of our team — not an answering service — will respond within 10 to 60 minutes. For urgent matters like pending arraignments or active warrants, we often respond the same day.

Second, your case will be handled by an experienced attorney, not passed to an associate. Kareem Aref and the partners at Chudnovsky Law personally review every misdemeanor case. Our eight-attorney team allows us to provide senior-level attention without the caseload overload that plagues solo practitioners. And our multilingual staff — fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Italian — ensures clear communication regardless of your primary language.

Third, your fees will be transparent from day one. Many misdemeanor cases are handled on a flat fee so you know the total cost before you retain us. We explain the fee structure during your free consultation, in writing, before you commit to anything. We also offer payment plans to make representation accessible.

These aren't marketing lines. They're the operational standard our firm has maintained across thousands of cases. Rated among the best criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles and Orange County by Expertise, peer-reviewed with 5 stars on Martindale-Hubbell, and recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Association as Top 100 Trial Lawyers — our reputation is earned in courtrooms, not on billboards.

Checklist: What to Do After a Misdemeanor Arrest in Los Angeles

Use this as a practical guide in the hours and days after an arrest:

1. Exercise your right to remain silent. Don't explain, apologize, or "tell your side" to police. Anything you say becomes evidence.
2. Request an attorney. Say clearly: "I want to speak with my attorney before answering any questions."
3. Document everything you remember. Write down the circumstances of the arrest, officer names and badge numbers, witness names, and your own physical and emotional condition.
4. Photograph any injuries. If force was used during the arrest, photograph bruises, marks, or damage to clothing immediately.
5. Don't post about the case on social media. Prosecutors and investigators monitor public accounts.
6. Identify your court date and courthouse. Check your citation or call the Los Angeles Superior Court clerk's office.
7. Call a defense attorney before your arraignment. The decisions made at arraignment affect every stage that follows.
8. Bring a support person to court. Judges notice when defendants have family or community support present.

Evidence deteriorates. Witness memories fade. Surveillance footage at businesses is typically overwritten within 30-90 days. The sooner you connect with a defense attorney, the more options you have. Call Chudnovsky Law at (213) 212-5002 for a free consultation.

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The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No warranty is made as to its accuracy or completeness. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Please contact a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation before taking any action.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for a misdemeanor in Los Angeles?

Jail is possible but not guaranteed. Most first-time misdemeanor offenders do not serve jail time. Judges typically impose probation, fines, community service, or classes for first offenses. However, charges like DUI or domestic violence carry mandatory minimum sentences in some circumstances, and repeat offenses increase the likelihood of jail. Your criminal history, the specific charge, and the strength of your defense all affect the outcome.

How much does a misdemeanor defense lawyer cost in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles misdemeanor cases are handled on a flat fee, meaning you know the total cost before you hire the attorney. Fees vary depending on the charge, complexity, and whether the case goes to trial. At Chudnovsky Law, we discuss fees transparently during your free initial consultation and offer payment plans to make representation accessible. Call (213) 212-5002 to learn what your specific case would cost.

Can a misdemeanor be reduced to an infraction in California?

Some misdemeanors can be reduced to infractions at the judge's discretion. This is most common with offenses like disturbing the peace (PC 415) and certain trespassing charges. A reduction to an infraction means no criminal conviction on your record — just a fine. Your attorney can request this reduction at sentencing or, in some cases, as part of a plea negotiation.

How long does a misdemeanor case take in Los Angeles?

Simple misdemeanor cases in LA County typically resolve within two to four months. Cases that involve contested evidence, expert witnesses, or motions to suppress evidence can take six months or longer. If the case goes to jury trial, the timeline extends further. Court congestion at high-volume venues like the Metropolitan Courthouse can also affect scheduling.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in California?

A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in county jail, while a felony carries more than one year in state prison. Felonies have more severe collateral consequences, including loss of voting rights during incarceration, permanent firearm prohibition, and greater impact on immigration status. Some offenses — called wobblers — can be charged as either, depending on the facts and the prosecutor's discretion.

Can I get a misdemeanor expunged from my record?

Yes. Under Cal. Penal Code § 1203.4, you can petition to have your guilty plea withdrawn and the case dismissed after completing probation. This doesn't erase the record entirely, but it shows as a dismissal rather than a conviction and protects you from most private employer inquiries. Your attorney can also petition for early termination of probation to accelerate the process.

What happens if I miss my misdemeanor court date in Los Angeles?

The judge will issue a bench warrant for your arrest. You can be stopped and taken into custody at any time — during a traffic stop, at an airport, even during a routine background check. Missing a court date also results in bail forfeiture if bail was posted and adds a failure-to-appear charge, which carries its own penalties. If you've already missed a date, contact a defense attorney immediately to arrange a warrant recall hearing.

Should I just plead guilty to a misdemeanor to get it over with?

Almost never. Pleading guilty before an attorney reviews your case means you forfeit every strategic option — potential motions to suppress, diversion eligibility, plea reduction possibilities, and trial defenses. A conviction you accept today stays on your record permanently unless you later pursue expungement. Even if the evidence seems strong, an experienced attorney can often identify weaknesses the prosecution hasn't disclosed.

Can a misdemeanor affect my immigration status?

Yes. Certain misdemeanors qualify as crimes involving moral turpitude or aggravated felonies under federal immigration law, which can trigger deportation, denial of naturalization, or inadmissibility. Even a seemingly minor conviction — like petty theft or simple fraud — can have devastating immigration consequences. Non-citizens facing misdemeanor charges should consult with a defense attorney who understands the intersection of criminal and immigration law before entering any plea.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor, or can I handle it myself?

You have the legal right to represent yourself, but doing so puts you at a significant disadvantage. Prosecutors negotiate differently with pro se defendants than with experienced defense attorneys. You may miss filing deadlines, waive important rights, or accept a plea deal far worse than what a defense attorney could negotiate. Given that a misdemeanor conviction creates a permanent criminal record, the cost of skilled representation is almost always less than the cost of a conviction's long-term consequences.

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Chudnovsky Law - Los Angeles Office

Address: 1933 S Broadway #1100, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA

Contact No: (213) 212-5002