California Prop 47 Explained Criminal Defense Attorney

Prop 47: The Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act

In November, 2014, Prop 47 was passed by the California voters; prop 47 is also known as "The Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act."

Prop 47 creates a new Penal Code section, §1170.18, which allows offenders currently serving felony sentences for specified crimes to petition the sentencing court to have their sentences reduced to misdemeanor sentences. 

Also, under Prop 47, defendants who have already completed a sentence for a felony that qualifies under the new law may motion the court to have their felony convictions reclassified as misdemeanors.

According to Prop 47, A defendant does not qualify for a reduction  and reclassification of a qualifying felony to a misdemeanor if any of the following apply:

• Defendant's who are required to register as a sex offender under Penal Code section 290(c).
• You have a prior conviction for any homicide (Penal Code §§ 187 to 191.5), attempted homicide or solicitation to commit murder.
• You have a prior conviction for a sexually violent offense listed in Welfare and Institution Code section 6600(b). This includes rape, spousal rape, rape in concert, aggravated sexual assault of a child, sodomy, lewd acts on a child under 14, oral copulation, continuous sexual abuse of a child under age 14 and sexual penetration, kidnapping with the intent to commit one of those offenses, and or assault with the intent to commit one of those offenses, when committed by force, violence, duress, menace, fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury on the victim or another person, or threatening to retaliate in the future against the victim or any other person.
• You have a prior conviction for any serious or violent felony punishable by death or life in prison.
• You have a prior conviction for possession of a weapon of mass destruction.
• You have a prior conviction for assault on a peace officer or a firefighter with a machine gun.

Under Prop 47, If a defendant is not disqualified according to the parameters set out above, the defendant may motion the sentencing judge to reduce his or her conviction to a misdemeanor. The qualifying felonies include:

1. Commercial Burglary (Penal Code § 459) that meets the definition of the new crime of shoplifting (see below for that definition).

2. Forgery.

3. Passing bad checks (Penal Code § 476(a)) if the aggregate amount of the checks does not exceed $950, and you have no more than two prior convictions for violations of Penal Code §§ 470, 475, 476 or 476a.

3. Grand theft (Penal Code §§ 487(a)-(d), 487a, 487b, 487c, 487d, 487f, 487g, 487h, 487i and 487j) if the value of the stolen property does not exceed $950.

4. Receiving stolen property (Penal Code § 496(a)) if the value of the stolen property does not exceed $950.

5. Unlawful possession of a controlled substance (Health and Safety code §§ 11350(a), 11357(a) and 11377(a).

Proposition 47 also created the new crime of shoplifting  (Penal Code section 459.5). Shoplifting is defined as entering a commercial establishment while the establishment is open during regular business hours with the intent to commit larceny where the value of the property taken does not exceed $950. Any act of shoplifting must be charged as shoplifting and may not be charged as burglary or theft.

To learn more about California Prop 47 contact criminal defense attorney Christopher Dorado today. There is no cost to discuss your Prop 47 case with a qualified criminal defense attorney. 

100% of attorney Dorado's practice is devoted to criminal defense and our office is available 24/7 to answer all of your questions.

909.913.3138

PC 459 Second Degree Commercial Burglary: Law, Defense, & Consequence

Second Degree Commercial Burglary: Penal Code 459 (PC 459)
Law, Defense, & Consequences

The Law of PC 459 Commercial Burglary

The crime of commercial burglary is found at California penal code section 459, or simply PC 459. Commercial burglary is sometimes referred to as second degree burglary. PC 459, or second degree commercial burglary may be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony in California. Whether or not the District Attorney files misdemeanor or felony commercial burglary charges depends on the several factors, including the defendant's criminal history, the sophistication of the burglary, the amount stolen, etc. (Length of possible jail time for both misdemeanor and felony commercial burglary charges under PC 459 is discussed under consequences below).

In order to prove the crime of second degree commercial burglary under PC 459 the District Attorney must prove that the defendant entered a store, building, or structure, (but not a home) with the intent to commit theft inside the store, building, or structure. The intent to commit theft must have occurred before the defendant enters the store, building, or structure in order for the district attorney to prove second degree commercial burglary.

It is important to remember that the defendant commits second degree commercial burglary under PC 459 the very instant he enters the store, building, or structure if when he enters he has the intent to commit theft therein. It doesn't matter if the defendant never actually steals anything (of course, without stealing anything there is usually very little evidence, other than a conspiracy with another person, that the defendant intended to burglarize the store, building, or structure).

The defenses to PC 459 Commercial Burglary

Probably the most common defense to a charge of second degree commercial burglary under PC 459 is insufficient evidence to prove that the defendant formed the intent to steal before he entered the store, building, or structure. This is especially true if the defendant has money or credit cards on him when he is apprehended inside a shopping store (i.e. Walmart, Costco, Target, KMart, Mall, Fair, Supermarket, etc.).

The fact that a person accidentally walks out of a store with merchandise does not equal commercial burglary. The defendant must have intended to steal property from the store before he enters the store. Even if the defendant forms the intent to steal merchandise after he is in the store the defendant will not have committed commercial burglary because he did not form the intent to steal until after he was in the store.

Another popular defense to second degree commercial burglary under PC 459 includes the defense of necessity. The defense of necessity may apply where the defendant is caught stealing medicine that he needs and he doesn't have the funds to pay for them or where the defendant's primary concern is seeking emergency medical attention.

It's important to remember that if you are apprehended for a violation of second degree commercial burglary under PC 459 in California you should absolutely not speak to store authorities or the police. In most cases, the defendant's own statements become the best evidence against the defendant. This is because it is often times difficult to determine when the defendant formed the intent to steal merchandise or property (whether before he entered the store or after he entered the store) without the defendant's own statements. Of course, if the defendant has no money on him at the time he is apprehended for second degree commercial burglary, or if he has a criminal history of second degree commercial burglary, if could be more difficult to defend against PC 459 charges even if the defendant has not made any statements.

Other defenses may apply to a charge of second degree commercial burglary under PC 459, but insufficient evidence to prove intent to commit theft (due to common absent mindedness when leaving a store before paying for merchandise), the timing of intent to commit theft (whether before or after entering a store, building, or structure), and necessity, are the most common defenses.

Another defense to second degree commercial burglary under PC 459 include a statute of limitation defense. This is a very unusual defense to PC 459 charges but technically it does apply. Basically, if the District Attorney waits more than a year to file misdemeanor PC 459 charges, or more than three years to file felony PC 459 charges then the judge will dismiss the case before the charges are even read against the defendant. This is because there is a time limit on how long the District Attorney has to file charges of PC 459 against a defendant in California.

The Consequences of PC 459 Commercial Burglary

When second degree commercial burglary under PC 459 is charged as misdemeanor the defendant may face up to one year in jail. When the District Attorney has charged second degree commercial burglary under PC 459 as a felony the defendant may face up to three years in prison.

Second degree commercial burglary under PC 459 is considered an "1170h" crime, which means that the defendant may serve all of his possible jail or prison sentence at a local county jail. In addition, if the defendant is ordered to serve any jail time at all his sentence will be reduced by one day for every day he is in custody for "good behavior." This is commonly known as 50% credit, or day-for-day credit.

In many cases it may be possible to reduce the jail time that a defendant is facing through a plea bargain, commonly known as a negotiated plea. In other cases, it may be possible to actually change the charge to a lesser charge so that the defendant can plead not guilty or no contest to a lesser criminal charge. Finally, in some cases, it may be possible to reduce the charge and the amount of jail time that the defendant is facing under PC 459 charges.

With respect to jail time, often times the defendant can face any jail sentence under house arrest or work release (this depends on the the defendant's criminal history and the facts of the case).

In addition to possible jail time for second degree commercial burglary charges under PC 459, if found guilty, the defendant will very likely be ordered to pay restitution (an amount require to restore the losses incurred by the victim, store, etc.). Furthermore, PC 459 convictions are considered convictions to moral turpitude crimes (bad intent crimes), which means that the defendant could face possible professional license restrictions (such as doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc.), and persons who are not citizens of the United States may face possible deportation from the U.S.

Other penalties for second degree commercial burglary charges under PC 459, include fine, stay away order, probation terms, felony probation visits to home or work by probation officers, and more.

Prior Convictions of second degree commercial burglary under PC 459 remedies

The good news is that second degree commercial burglary convictions under PC 459 are almost always subject to expungement of criminal records. All misdemeanor PC 459 burglary convictions and most felony PC 459 burglary conviction are capable of being expunged (unless the defendant served more than a year for a felony conviction of PC 459 burglary). Where the defendant served more than a year for a second degree commercial burglary conviction under PC 459 there is a possibility that the defendant may have the conviction pardoned (cleared from his criminal record).

The other good news is that second degree commercial burglary is not considered a strike under California Three Strikes Law. In addition, the charge of both misdemeanor and felony second degree commercial burglary under PC 459 is not considered a serious or violent felony under California law.

If you or a loved one is charged with commercial burglary under PC 459, contact criminal defense attorney Christopher Doado without delay. Attorney Dorado will patiently explain your rights, possible defenses, and options. 100% of attorney Dorado's practice is dedicated to criminal defense and initial in-office consultations are provided at no cost to the accused. In many cases attorney Dorado can represent you without the need for you to attend court.

Call today for a free consultation concerning PC 459 second degree commercial burglary charges in California. Thank you for visiting.

Criminal Defense Lawyers

909.913.3138

To learn more about Commercial Burglary charges under PC 459, or criminal defense and procedure in general, please visit our website at http://www.CriminalDefense909.com  Thank you.
PC 459 Second Degree Commercial Burglary

PC 484 Theft Laws & Defenses / California Criminal Defense Attorney Penal Code 484-487

California Theft Law Under PC 484(a)

California theft law, defenses, and consequences

There are many types of criminal theft charges in California. By far the most common theft charge is found at California Penal Code Section 484(a).

To be found guilty of PC 484(a), the District Attorney must prove that the defendant took property that was not his and that when he took the property it was with the intent to permanently the true owner of the property.  

In order for the crime of theft under PC 484(a) to be complete the defendant must have moved the property at least some distance but that distance can be very small. For example, a defendant who takes property off a shelf in a department store and puts it in his jacket with the intent to permanently deprive the store owner of the property is guilty of theft under PC 484(a) even if the defendant is apprehended immediately after removing the stolen item from the department store shelf.

Furthermore, in order for the crime of theft under PC 484(a) to be complete the defendant must have intended to permanently deprive the true owner of the property. For example, if a defendant borrows his neighbors lawn mower without permission but he intends to return the lawn mower after mowing his lawn then theft under PC 484(a) is not a valid charge because the defendant never intended to permanently deprive the owner of the lawn mower.

PC 484(a) may be classified as either an infraction (where less than $50  is stolen under PC 484(a)/490.5), a misdemeanor (where under $400  is stolen), or as a felony (where more than $400 is stolen).

When PC 484(a) is charged as an infraction under PC 484(a)/490.5, the defendant is usually ordered to repay the market value of the stolen property or the restocking value where the property is recovered. When PC 484(a) is charged as a misdemeanor the defendant faces up to 180 days in jail. When PC 484(a) is charged as a felony the defendant faces up to 3 years in prison.  

Consequences for theft conviction under PC 484(a)

PC 484(a) is considered an "1170h" crime, which means that the defendant may serve any jail sentence in a local county jail as opposed to a California state prison. In addition, PC 484(a) is not considered a serious or violent crime in California and therefore the defendant is entitled to "day-for-day" credit, or 50% credit (this means that for every day the defendant serves in jail he receives credit for two days if he serves his time without bad behavior).

In addition to jail, if found guilty of theft under PC 484(a) the defendant will likely be placed on probation, ordered to pay fines or restitution, ordered to stay away from certain people or shopping areas, and more.

Other collateral consequences for convictions of theft under PC 484(a) include possible loss of professional license (such as Medical, Law, Dentistry, Nursing, etc.), possible immigration consequences (for non-U.S. citizens), possible civil lawsuits, possible family law legal problems, and more.

Note: Theft under PC 484(a) is considered a "moral turpitude" crime and a guilty plea, or a finding of guilty after a jury trial, will lead to adverse consequences for immigration status and defendant's who hold professional or occupational licenses.

Defenses to theft charges under PC 484(a)

Common defenses to theft charges under PC 484(a) include, but are not limited to, lack of intent to permanently deprive the true owner of the property (for example, taking a vehicle for a joyride or taking any property with the intent to return the property or pay for it later), insufficient evidence as to identity of the defendant, entrapment, necessity, reasonable belief that the true owner of the property gave consent to use, borrow, or have the property, insanity, and mistake of fact (as to whom actually owns the property).

If a defendant is charged with theft under PC 484(a) the first thing he or she should do is contact a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney without delay. In many cases, the defendant does not need to appear in court as his attorney may appear for him on misdemeanor PC 484(a) criminal charges. 

Contact criminal defense attorney Christopher Dorado today for a free consultation if you or a loved one is charged with theft under PC 484(a). 100% of attorney Dorado's practice is dedicated to criminal defense and our office is available for advice 7 days a week.

Closely related crimes to theft under PC 484(a) include:

PC 211 Robbery, PC 368 Theft from Elders, PC 530.5 Identity Theft, PC 459 Burglary, PC 503 Embezzlement, PC 596(A) Receipt of Stolen Property, VC 10851(a) Vehicle Theft, W&I 10980 Welfare Fraud, PC 484(A)/490.5 Petty Theft, PC 215(a) Carjacking, PC 666(a) Petty Theft with Priors.

Violation of Probation & California Law by Criminal Defense Attorney

California Violation of Probation Consequences PC 1203

Probation violations in California can lead to very serious criminal consequences. The authority to grant probation and availability of being placed on probation is found California penal code section 1203.

The term probation means that your sentence for an underlying criminal conviction is suspended or placed on hold. This suspension of "execution of sentence" means that the judge will hold off on sentencing the defendant so long as the defendant completes a series of promises. 

Typical probation terms include violate no law, pay fines, serve a jail sentence, restraining orders, attend classes (such as DUI, child abuse, AA, domestic violence, etc.), register with local authorities (such as a sex offender, drug offender, arsonist, gang member, etc.).

The most confusing part of probation is that a defendant can be placed on probation and still be ordered to go to jail; however, remember that the probation requirement (or term of probation) to attend jail (whatever the amount of jail time is ordered) is less than what the defendant would have served if he had not been placed on probation and was instead sentenced to jail on the underlying crime. (a little confusing, I know:).

When a defendant violates his or her probation he does so either "technically" or "substantively." A "technical violation of probation means that the defendant didn't do something he was ordered to do as a term of probation, but whatever it was that the defendant did does not amount to a new crime. For example: not paying a fine, not turning himself into jail, not signing up for an electronic bracelet, etc., are all examples of "technical" violations of probation.

A "substantive" violation of probation means the defendant committed a new crime. For example: While on probation for DUI the defendant substantively violates his probation by being arrested for a new DUI. The important distinction here is that "substantive" violations of probation are treated more harshly by prosecutors and judges than "technical" violations of probation. (not to mention the defendant is facing the new criminal charges on the new crime that lead to the violation of probation).

How much jail time can I get for violation of probation?

How much jail time a defendant might receive if it is proved that he or she violated probation depends on the underlying crime that lead to the probation sentence in the first place. For example: If the defendant was facing three years on a felony DUI charge, but instead was placed on probation with an order to serve sixty days, the defendant will face up to three years on the underlying DUI charge if he violates probation (with credit for the sixty days of course).

A defendant may be placed on probation for misdemeanor charges and most felony charges in California. Note: Some serious and violent felonies are not eligible for probation sentences without good cause and under unusual circumstances. 

For misdemeanor probation violations the defendant can usually have a criminal defense attorney appear for him or her to explain the reasons for the violations. A criminal defense attorney can often times get the defendant reinstated on the original terms and conditions of probation if there have not been too many reinstatements in the past (this assumes a "technical" probation violation). Of course, if the defendant violated a law and the violation of law lead to the probation violation then the criminal defense attorney will have to deal with the new criminal charge as well. 

For felony violation of probation charges the defendant will usually have a "no bail" warrant and he or she will be fighting the violation of probation criminal charges from jail (at least until a criminal defense attorney establishes a bail amount after the first hearing known as a Vicker's Hearing).

It's easy to violate probation when a defendant can not keep up with fines, classes, etc., but as this criminal defense attorney was quickly reminded by a judge. He [the judge] can "easily fix the problem by revoking the defendant's probation and sentencing him or her on the underlying criminal charge." 

When the defendant violates his or her probation the judge or the District Attorney will generally allow reinstatement of probation on the same terms and conditions 'but with some modifications' such as more jail time, more fines, more classes, etc.

When the defendant violates his or her probation it is almost always beneficial for the defendant to get reinstated right away (this is for a "technical" violation of probation). This is because the judge can usually understand that a person missed a class (such as a DUI class), forgot to pay a fine, etc. But the judge and the prosecutors usually don't understand when the defendant waits months before returning to court after missing the class or paying the fine. 

For "substantive" violations of probation the defendant should never attempt to proceed to court without an attorney. For these types of violations of probation a criminal defense attorney should be contacted without delay.

Can I have my probation terms changed?

After a defendant is placed on probation it may be possible in California to have the probation terms changed or modified. It may also be possible to reduce the length of probation. For example: changing the end date for DUI classes to be completed by, or shortening the number of years a person is placed on probation.

What does informal probation, summary probation, and misdemeanor probation mean?

The terms summary probation, informal probation, and misdemeanor probation all mean the same thing. It simply means that the defendant is on probation with the court and that the defendant does not have a probation officer. 

Felony probation is when the defendant commits a felony and he or she is placed on probation (as opposed to being directly sentenced to jail or prison). Felony probation may have terms such as "serve jail time" just like misdemeanor probation. The big difference between felony and misdemeanor probation is that under felony probation the defendant has a probation officer who comes to check on the defendant while the defendant is on felony probation. Sometimes the defendant, while on felony probation, must check into the probation office and regularly speak to his or her probation officer. The felony probation officer can drug test the defendant and can generally take the defendant into custody if the felony probation officer finds that the defendant is in violation of his or her probation terms.

What happens if my probation is revoked?

After a formal hearing to determine whether or not the defendant violated his or her probation (known as a Vicker's Hearing) the judge will make a decision (not a jury) whether or not the defendant violated his or her probation. When the judge is making this decision he or she will use the "preponderance of evidence" standard. Which means that if the judge decides more likely than not that the defendant violated his probation the judge is going to find the defendant guilty. The judge does not use the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard used by juries when the judge is determining whether or not the defendant violated his or her probation.

If the judge finds that the defendant violated his or her probation (after a formal Vicker's hearing or after the defendant admits guilt) the judge will sentence the defendant. The judge will sentence the defendant up to the maximum jail sentence allowed under the law for the underlying crime (the judge doesn't have to sentence the maximum but he or she can if the judge finds aggravating circumstances). If the judge finds mitigating circumstances at sentencing for a violation of probation the judge can reinstate the defendant on probation with modified terms or he can sentence the defendant to the minimum amount of jail time under the law and according to the underlying crime (every crime is difference with respect to how much jail or prison time a defendant may face).

Do I get credit for the jail time I already served if I violate my probation?

Yes. For example, if the defendant was placed on probation and orderd to served 100 days, and the underlying crime carried a one year maximum sentence, then the defendant can only be sentenced up to one year WITH CREDIT for the 100 days if the defendant is found to be in violation of probation. Of course, if the defendant never served his time on the underlying case then obviously he will not get credit for the days he was ordered to serve but never actually served.

What happens if I am found in violation of probation and the judge sentences me to jail or prison?

If the defendant admits his guilt, or if he is found guilty of being in violation of probation, after a formal Vicker's hearing the defendant may be sentenced to jail or prison by the judge (judge doesn't have to sentence the defendant to prison or jail but he or she will have that option after a finding of guilt to a violation of probation). 

IF the judge sentences the defendant to jail or prison for a violation of probation the defendant will no longer be on probation (remember that probation is in lieu of sentencing on the underlying crime and I totally understand that this point is a little confusing:). Instead, the defendant will be placed on parole (the subject on parole and parole violations is not contained in this blogpost; however, be aware that there is a difference between probation and parole in California. Parole is a period of time after the defendant is released from PRISON or "COUNTY PRISON" after serving his or her felony sentence.  

If the defendant was sentenced on a misdemeanor violation of probation then the defendant will not be on probation after serving his or her sentence. There is no parole period after a misdemeanor sentence.

Can I leave the state if I am on probation?

For informal probation, summary probation, and misdemeanor probation (all mean the same thing) the defendant is rarely prohibited from leaving the state of California (but the terms of probation can include a travel restriction in certain cases); however, in felony probation cases, the defendant must get permission from the probation officer in California AND the probation department of the state or area where the defendant intends to visit. The defendant may permanently change his or her probation location if the defendant is moving BUT the defendant again must get permission from the probation department AND the court. The process for moving the defendant's probation to another state or county requires forms from the probation department (who will usually file the forms on your behalf with the court and the receiving probation departments).

What is the court procedure if I violate probation in California?

What happens to the defendant when he or she violates probation depends on several factors. For felony violations of probation, the defendant will have a court hearing within a reasonable time of his or her arrest on the violation of probation charge. At the hearing the defendant may request a Vicker's Hearing wherein he or she can defend against the probation violation charges. This is always done through a criminal defense attorney and the defendant should never proceed on a felony probation violation hearing without a criminal defense attorney. For misdemeanor violations of probation the defendant will usually be cited if he or she is pulled over by the police. The citation will set the court date and before the court date the defendant should seek the advice of a criminal defense attorney (sometimes the defendant will be taken into custody on a misdemeanor warrant for violation of probation charges but it is not common).

In either case of felony or misdemeanor probation violations, the court sends notice to relevant law enforcement and other government agencies of the fact that the defendant has a warrant for his or her arrest. These government agencies include professional licensing agencies and the DMV (the DMV will place a hold on the defendant's license for violation of probation where the underlying crime involved a vehicle).

Can the police search me without consent while I'm on probation?

In felony cases, the defendant almost always gives up his or her Fourth Amendment Rights against illegal search and seizure, which means the probation officers and other law enforcement officers do not need to get your permission to search you while your on probation. This include a search of your home (probation officers usually just show up at the defendant's home request to enter; if the defendant objects he will be found to be in violation of probation as he did not cooperate with the probation officers). For misdemeanor probation, the defendant rarely gives up his or her Constitutional Rights against unreasonable searches and seizures, which means that law enforcement does not have the right to search the probationer while he or she is on misdemeanor probation (in most cases).

How do I get a new probation officer?

For defendants who are on felony probation, AKA "probationers," the defendant may request a new probation officer when the defendant feels that the probation officer is being arbitrary or capricious about how he monitors the probationer. In most cases, the probation officer will object without a modification by court order. The reality is that the defendant may have to file a modification of probation motion with the court to change the probation officer.

What should I do if I violated my probation in California?

If you have violated your probation in California, either by not doing what you were supposed to do according to your probation terms or by committing a new crimes, you should contact a criminal defense attorney with experience in violation of probation matters.

Criminal Defense Attorney Christopher Dorado is an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney. 100% of attorney Dorado's practice is dedicated to criminal defense and initial consultations are provided at no cost to the accused.  Attorney Dorado practices criminal defense in the counties of San Bernardino & Riverside, including the cities of Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Chino, Upland, Redlands, Ontario, Victorville, Hesperia, Yucaipa, Riverside, Beaumont, Moreno Valley, Appley Valley, and more. Call today!

909.913.3138

Please visit our criminal defense websites for PC 1203 Probation Violations, DUI charges, Sex Crimes, and Criminal Defense in general.

Criminal Defense Attorneys 909.913.3138 Free Consultations Inland Empire Lawyers

Inland Empire Criminal Defense Attorneys serving San Bernardino & Riverside County

Criminal defense attorney Christopher Dorado and his crew are aggressive and experienced in handling all misdemeanor and felony charges in California. 100% of attorney Dorado's practice is dedicated to criminal defense and initial consultations are provided at no cost to the defendant.

Not all criminal defense attorneys are created equal. Attorney Dorado has aggressively and successfully defended against all criminal charges, including sex crimes, DUI, theft crimes, white-collared crimes, arson, battery, carjacking, rape, statutory rape, prostitution, murder, manslaughter, assault, criminal threats, pimping, receipt of stolen property, robbery, evasion, violations of probation and more.

In addition, attorney Dorado has a successful trial record in major felonies such as child molestation, rape, kidnapping, manslaughter, fraud, sexual battery, and more.

Attorney Dorado's staff routinely engages close outside resources, including investigators, consultants in psychology, medical examinations, forensics, bail bondmen, and Internet forensics.

Attorney Dorado can represent you in many cases without the need for the defendant to appear in court. In addition, attorney Dorado can make arrangements to visit the defendant while the defendant is in custody.

If you have been charged with a crime in San Bernardino or Riverside county contact criminal defense attorney Christopher Dorado today. Attorney Dorado will patiently review your case, explain your Rights and advise the defendant of his or her defense options.

Criminal defense attorney represents defendants charged with all misdemeanors and felonies (including complex felonies and Three Strikes Crimes) in all of the following California cities: Adelanto, Heperia, Victorville, Highland, San Bernardino, Redlands, Yucaipa, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Upland, Montclair, Moreno Valley, Riverisde, Beaumont, Apple Valley, Chino, Rialto, Colton, and more.

Call Criminal Defense Attorney Christopher Dorado today 909.913.3138

PC 597 Animal Cruelty & Abuse: Criminal Law & Defense Attorney California

California Animal Cruelty & Abuse: 

PC 597, PC 599, & PC 600

The law on the crime of animal cruelty, neglect, or abuse is found at California Penal Code Section 597. 

Under PC 597, any person who overdrives, overloads, drives when overloaded, overworks, tortures, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance, drink, or shelter, cruelly beats, mutilates, or cuelty kills and animal, or causes or procures any animal to be so over driven, tormented, deprived of necessary sustenance, drink, shelter, or having the charge of custody of any animal, either as owner or otherwise, subjects any animal to needless suffering, or inflicts any animal, or fails to provide the animal with proper food, drink, or shelter or protection from the weather, or ho drives, rides, or otherwise uses the animal when unfit for labor, is, for each offense, guilty o a crime. 

As you can see from the long definition of animal cruelty under PC 597 there are many ways that a defendant may be charged with the crime. PC 597 may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of the case and the defendant's criminal history.

If found guilty of animal cruelty under PC 597 the defendant may face up to a year in jail (for misdemeanor PC 597 charges), or up to three years in prison (for felony PC 597 charges).

In many cases it may be possible to have PC 597 charges reduced or dismissed depending on the facts of each case. In other cases, it may be possible to reduce the harsh penalties associated with PC 597 charges even where the charges are not reduced or where the case is not completely dismissed.

Defenses to animal cruelty charges under PC 597 include, statute of limitations (1 years for misdemeanor PC 597 charges and 3 years for felony PC 597 charges), insufficient evidence to prove the charges, and improper police procedure (such as taking statements from the defendant without reading the defendant's Rights or securing property from the defendant's home without consent or a warrant).

In addition to the penalties described above, if found guilty of animal cruelty under PC 597, the defendant may be placed on probation, be made to pay hefty fines, be restrained from owning animals, face professional or occupational license restriction, suspension, or denial, or face immigration consequences (for non-U.S. citizens).

If you or a loved one is charged with animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect under PC 597, contact criminal defense attorney Christopher Dorado today. Attorney Dorado will patiently describe the law behind PC 597, inform you of your Rights, and discuss your defense options. !00% of attorney Dorado's practice is dedicated to criminal defense and initial consultations are provided at no cost to the accused.

Call today! 909.913.3138

Closely associated charges to Animal Cruelty, abuse, or neglect under PC 597, include:  

PC 597(f) Sexual Abuse of Animal; PC 597(a) Kill, Main, or Abuse an Animal; PC 597(b) Cruelty to an animal; PC 597f Animal Neglect; PC 597j(a) Own or Possess or Train animal with intent of fighting; PC 597.5(b) knowingly attend a dog fight; PC 597.7(a) Leave animal in vehicle; PC 597b(c) Fight animal or cock with prior; PC 597b(b) Fight cock or worry/injure cock; PC 600 Harm peace officer's horse or dog causing injury.

PC 594(a) Vandalism Law & Defense Criminal Defense Attorney California

California Penal Code Section 594(a) Vandalism Law & Criminal Defense

The law on the crime of vandalism is found at California penal code 594(a). In order for the District Attorney to prove that the defendant committed vandalism under PC 594(a) he must prove that the defendant maliciously (intentionally) destroyed or damaged the land or personal property of another person.

Vandalism Under PC 594(a) may be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony in California.  The two most important factors in deciding whether vandalism should be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony are 1) the defendant's criminal history and 2) the amount of damage or destroyed property caused by the defendant's vandalism. Vandalism with property damage under $400 is almost always charged as a misdemeanor.

Under PC 594(a), a misdemeanor vandalism charge carries up to a 1 year jail term and a felony vandalism charge carries up to a 3 year jail term.

In addition to any possible jail commitment, if the defendant is found guilty of vandalism under PC 594(a), he or she will be made to pay restitution to the victim. The defendant may also be placed on probation, fined, suffer lost professional or occupational licensing, suffer lost immigration status (for non-U.S. citizens), and more.

Defenses to vandalism charges under PC 594(a) include insufficient evidence to prove either the crime occurred or the value of the damaged or destroyed property. Also, the statue of limitations (time that the District Attorney must file the vandalism charges before the judge will dismiss the case as untimely filed) is 1 year for misdemeanor vandalism charge and 3 years for felony vandalism charges.

If you or a loved one is charged with vandalism under PC 594(a), contact criminal defense attorney Christopher Dorado today. Attorney Dorado dedicates 100% of his practice to criminal defense and initial consultations are provided at no cost to the defendant. Attorney Dorado will inform you of your Rights, defense options, and the law behind vandalism charged under PC 594(a). Call today for a free consultation. 909.913.3138

Closely associated crimes to vandalism under PC 594(a) include:

PC 594(b)(1) Vandalism; PC 594(b)(2)(A) Vandalism; PC 594((b)(2)(B) Vandalism with prior; PC 594.1(b) Purchase aerosol container of paint by minor; PC 594.1(d) Carrying of aerosol paint container without authorization; PC 594.2 Possession of graffiti tools; PC 594.3 Vandalism of a place of worship or cemetery; PC 594.7 Vandalism with prior; 

To learn more about criminal defense in California, please visit criminal defense, sex crimes defense, or DUI defense. Thank you.