Types of Crimes

Types of Crimes – Infraction, Misdemeanor, Felony

An infraction is defined as a crime for which you cannot go to jail. Most traffic tickets are infractions. If you are charged with an infraction, you can usually represent yourself in traffic court. If you are charged with an infraction, you are NOT entitled to the use of the public defender and you are NOT entitled to a jury trial. Our office will represent people on infractions in certain cases, but most of the time, you don`t need to hire an attorney for these matters. 

A misdemeanor is a crime for which the maximum punishment can be up to one year in the county jail. There are many misdemeanors where the maximum punishment is less than a year, but there are no misdemeanors where the maximum punishment is more than a year. Misdemeanor crimes range from drunk in public to DUI to domestic violence to sexual battery. Some misdemeanor crimes are so serious that a conviction requires lifetime sex-offender registration under California Penal Code section 290. The courts have repeatedly ruled that lifetime sex-offender registration is constitutional, even for misdemeanor convictions. 

Felonies are crimes for which the maximum punishment involves more than one year of custody time. If a Defendant is given more than one year of custody time, then they must be sent to state prison. The maximum amount of time in state prison depends on each individual felony. Felonies are usually considered more serious crimes and include such crimes as first-degree burglary, drug possession for sale, violent offenses such as assault with a deadly weapon, and most sex crimes such as rape and possession of child pornography.

The Right Lawyer

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer will be the most important decision someone can make when facing a misdemeanor or felony.  Many people who face misdemeanor or felony crimes are good people who made a mistake or exercised poor judgment.  There are also some people who have been wrongfully accused of a misdemeanor or felony crime, based on a misunderstanding or false evidence.  You need an attorney who will listen to your side of the story carefully, who will evaluate the evidence thoroughly, who will negotiate with the judge and the District Attorney’s office skillfully, and who will fight in trial aggressively.  You need attorney Fred Thiagarajah. 

As a former Deputy District Attorney, Fred Thiagarajah has the negotiating skills and trial experience necessary to get the best results for his clients, for criminal cases and immigration consequences.  For an example of his work, please see his case results and read his client testimonials.  With offices in Newport Beach, Beverly Hills and Riverside, Fred Thiagarajah has criminal defense experience in Orange, Los Angeles and Riverside Counties.

Fred Thiagarajah – The Right Lawyer.  The Right Result.  The Right Choice.

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