San Diego - El Cajon Criminal Defense

ASSAULT & BATTERY
“Assault” is the unlawful attempt to inflict a violent injury on another person. “Battery” is the intentional use of force or violence upon another person. Assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence are forms of assault and battery.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic violence is the unlawful touching of a spouse or girlfriend/boyfriend regardless of whether there is an injury. Threatening to cause harm is also considered domestic violence. Punishment includes attendance at a 52-week domestic violence education program and a ban on gun ownership.

DRUG CHARGES
Drug crimes include the following: cultivation, manufacturing, paraphernalia, possession, selling , transportation, under the influence.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI)
It is DUI to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is also DUI to drive with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or higher.

Penalties for first offense include a fine of approximately $2,000.00, attendance at a DUI school and a restricted or suspended license. The penalties increase significantly for additional offenses within a ten-year time period.

The DMV will also restrict or suspend your driver’s license as a result of a DUI.

There are many defenses to a DUI, including: Lack of probable cause to arrest, Problems proving driving, Problems with the blood, breath or urine test, Problems calculating the blood-alcohol level at the time of driving versus the time of the chemical test.

SEX CRIMES
Sex crimes include the following: Date rape, Failure to register as a sex offender, Indecent exposure, Child molestation, Pornography, Prostitution, Rape and sexual assault, Statutory rape, Stalking

The penalties for sex crimes range from probation with counseling to life in prison. Most sex offenders also have to register for the rest of their lives.

Sex crimes and registration are very complicated and The Law Offices of Dan Bacal can explain the full range of consequences and defenses to a sex crime.

SUSPENDED LICENSE
There are many ways a person’s license may be suspended. Certain crimes, like DUI or drug charges, can result in a suspended license. Too many traffic tickets can also result in a suspension. A license suspension can also be caused by a failure to appear in court or failure to pay a fine.

Penalties for driving on a suspended license include fines and jail. A person’s car may also be impounded or forfeited for driving on a suspended license.

The Law Offices of Dan Bacal can help you to keep your license or help you to get it back if it has been suspended.

THEFT CRIMES
Theft crimes include the following: petty theft (under $400), grand theft, embezzlement, credit and check theft, welfare fraud. insurance fraud

The penalties for theft range from probation to prison. A theft offense is also “priorable,” which means the penalties increase for each new offense.

The Law Offices of Dan Bacal can explain the full range or consequences and possible defenses to a theft crime.

THREE STRIKES
Under California’s “three strikes” law, any third felony for a defendant with two prior serious or violent felonies results in a prison sentence of 25 years to life.

A defendant with any second felony following a serious or violent felony faces a doubled prison sentence.

Under certain circumstances, a judge can “strike” or remove the prior strike so that the defendant is not facing the increased prison sentence.

The “three strikes” law is very complicated and an experienced attorney can explain the full range of consequences and defenses to a “three strikes” crime.

WEAPONS OFFENSES
Weapons crimes include the following: Carrying a concealable or loaded weapon, Carrying a weapon in a vehicle, Illegal weapons (sawed-off shotgun, machine gun, silencers, etc.), Illegal ammunition (metal or armor piercing), Hand grenades and explosive devices, Switch-blade knives, brass knuckles and billy clubs, Felon in possession of a weapon

Many other crimes carry increased penalties if a weapon was used in the commission of a crime.

The Law Offices of Dan Bacal can explain the full range of penalties and defenses, including self defense, for possession of an illegal weapon.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a criminal offense, call the Law Offices of Dan Bacal at  (619) 588-2064 or request a FREE case evaluation. The initial consultation is free of charge. We accept payment plans and credit cards to handle your case.

What to do if you are arrested.