California Misdemeanor Probation

If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor in California, chances are you will be required to serve misdemeanor probation, also known as summary probation. Typical misdemeanor charges are DUI, hit and run, certain domestic violence and drug charges. Misdemeanor probation typically lasts from one to three years, although it may be required for up to five years. Certain conditions will be imposed which must be met, depending on the nature of the misdemeanor you committed. These conditions may include paying fines or restitution, performing community service, drug or alcohol education, seeking employment, obeying a restraining order, or participating in anger management classes.

Under misdemeanor probation, you typically will not have to check in with a probation officer on a regular basis, as do those under felony probation. You may be required, however, to appear before a judge periodically to report your progress. Because you are not considered a threat to the community, you are allowed to be on probation as opposed to serving time in jail. If you fail to show up for a scheduled progress report or fail to comply with the terms of your probation, however, your probation can be revoked, leading to incarceration.

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney

Once you complete all of the terms of your misdemeanor probation, you may request an early termination of your probation. At the law firm of Martinian & Associates, you can consult with a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer who can review your situation for this purpose. If you are eligible to make such a request, the firm can represent you before the court. Enlisting the aid of a skilled and reputable attorney for this action makes sense and can increase your chances for success. You can also apply for an expungement of your misdemeanor conviction, which will benefit you in terms of seeking employment, obtaining professional licenses, such as a contractor’s or real estate license, and remove the social stigma of a criminal conviction from your background.

Contact a lawyer for skilled legal counsel regarding your probation today.