CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
At a Glance
Generally speaking, a crime is an offense against the public or the state which can result in a conviction on your record, and punishment by a court of law.
Common crimes include offenses that are financial, drug related, vehicular, immoral (prostitution, gambling, etc. – of which the government should have no business), and crimes against persons. These crimes are generally divided into two types: felonies and misdemeanors. In California, misdemeanors carry a sentence no greater than one year in county jail, and felonies may provide for greater punishment in state prison or in local jails if sentenced for a “county jail felony” in Los Angeles and throughout the state.
Misdemeanors, Felonies and the Threat of Prosecution
When an individual receives a jail sentence for a misdemeanor, they typically remain on probation for a period of time, and often have a duty to the court to pay certain fines and fees, attend classes, pay restitution, etc. If, however, they receive a prison sentence for a felony, they are on a parole when they reenter society, and have to do what their parole officer says – or else. By not meeting the demands of either probation or parole, the punishment can be jail or state prison, respectively.
Needless to say, few things in life are more serious than having a prosecuting office charge you with a crime. What can be worse than the chance of incarceration, being the object of public scorn and ridicule, and/or the fear of losing your job and not being able to afford your mortgage or take care of those of whom you love? What can be worse than a deputy district attorney going out of his or her way to put you into a jail cell (or even state prison!) for an offense which you did not commit?
I understand. I’ve sat with whom I believed to be innocent clients unfairly maligned, with clients who did not deserve to be overcharged, and with clients where an inexperienced deputy district attorney or city attorney asked for more than what a case was worth.
Experience And Expertise
You need a serious, hard-working attorney at your side, and preferably, one with considerable experience. I was a Deputy Public Defender in San Bernardino County, and a Deputy Alternate Public Defender in Los Angeles County. I have represented numerous individuals in front of judges – from East to West – in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino, West Covina, El Monte, Norwalk, Downey, Pasadena, Downtown Los Angeles, Malibu and Newport Beach.
In my time representing those who did not have a voice, I was their strong advocate in law and motion writing work, court hearings, jury trials, and settlement negotiations. Now it’s my time to fight for you. That said, please be straightforward with me when discussing the facts of your case – I know of no better way to put up the strongest defense.
Sostrin Law Offices is a Los Angeles based firm that provides representation for drug crimes, alcohol related matters including DUI, all other misdemeanor charges, and most felonies.
