Orange County, Los Angeles, and Inland Empire Criminal Defense Lawyer

Cases related to domestic violence are a serious matter and require knowledgeable representation. Under the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”), domestic violence is defined as a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed against an “intimate partner”. An intimate partner is defined as a current or former spouse, a person with whom the accused shares a child, a person currently cohabitating or who has cohabitated in the past with the accused, or any adult or child currently protected from the accused’s acts under domestic or family violence laws. Domestic violence is further defined in California under California Family Code § 6203 (a) et seq. In Orange County and throughout California, even threats that you had no intention of carrying out may be considered domestic abuse under California Penal Code § 422 (a) et seq. That’s right, in Orange County, words can get you arrested.

If you are found guilty in a domestic violence case, you may face being charged with a felony or misdemeanor – both of which carry heavy penalties. Under VAWA, you may be required to pay restitutions for the full amount of loss as defined by the court. In Orange County and throughout California, under California Penal Code § 243 (e) et seq, you may be imprisoned and fined heavily for a domestic violence conviction!

When you are accused of domestic violence, it is crucial to have an Orange County criminal defense attorney that is experienced and knowledgeable in navigating the laws and procedures involved. Without proper representation, your conviction can result in the penalties listed above, tarnished community image, and impacted job opportunities.

Theft is a “catchall” word for many different types of crimes. In general, theft refers to larceny – the intentional taking of another’s person’s property where force is not involved. Due to the many different types of theft and larceny, there are many different statutes and laws governing the legal definitions and procedures involved. Larceny is governed by California Penal Codes § 484 and 486-490. Representation by an attorney experienced in defending against accusations of larceny is crucial to ensure an airtight defense.

Depending on the severity of the larceny conviction, you may be imprisoned anywhere from six months to three years or more if past criminal history warrants. Fines ranging from $50 to $1,000 may also be imposed depending on the specifics of the case. With all these ranges and uncertainties, an Orange County criminal defense attorney experienced in larceny law provides invaluable guidance on the procedures, intricacies, and technicalities you can expect to encounter. Do not imperil yourself by hiring an attorney you cannot fully trust to understand the law!

Since 2014, California’s Proposition 47 has changed sentencing for many drug crimes. While some convictions may still warrant a felony charge, many low-severity drug crimes are misdemeanors. Some drug crimes may even qualify for a diversion program instead of penalties and charges! To receive a reduced sentence, or even a diversion, you will need an attorney that understands the ins and outs of drug law.

If you are convicted of a drug crime, every aspect of your life will be impacted. From renting to jobs and loans to child custody – drug convictions will negatively affect you for the rest of your life. Do not let yourself risk a conviction; always hire an Orange County criminal defense attorney with the knowledge and skill required to provide you with the best chance of proving your innocence!

Those descriptions of criminal practice areas may seem hard to visualize. What does a scenario involving them look like? Imagine its late night, and you've just been arrested. You may be thinking about your parents, your boyfriend or girlfriend, your kids, and your life. If you’re lucky, you get cops trying to be nice. Or you get a cop that's had a rough night. Maybe he's yelling at you, cussing at you, or, God forbid, putting his hands on you.

When you're brought to the station, there’s nothing to greet you but clean white bricks, metal, thick plexiglass, and the sliding metal door that closes behind you with the finality of death. Your journey through the legal system has only just begun.

The police begin by fingerprinting you and taking your mugshot. If you are not cited and released, they change you into the county colors, traditionally orange (but other colors are sometimes used). Ice Cube called them "the county blues." If you’re in Los Angeles, the words Charlie Baker Denver Row bounce around the jailhouse like the nickels and dimes that were once in your pocket.

After a few days, as is your right, you are brought to court on a specially built "prison bus." Despite being in a "courthouse," so much white painted brick, black painted metal, and blinding fluorescent light still surrounds you. Only when you’re finally brought into the court room, department A or B or 123, do you see the comfort of carpet, wood, and high powered, well dressed attorneys. This is when your attorney can make the difference between a bright future of opportunity or a bleak future of more painted brick walls. That’s why you need someone like Joshua E. Matic.

An arrest can mean humiliation, embarrassment, degradation, fear of the unknown, and the uncertainty of the legal systems and procedures that follow. A conviction means long term or permanent consequences for job placement, career prospects, interpersonal relationships, and community image.

Joshua E. Matic, and his team of legal professionals at Matic Law Associates, has experience from handling thousands of criminal matters across the states of California, New York, and Texas. Whether federal or state, Matic Law Associates is the only choice for legal representation, advocation, and criminal defense.