Serving Santa Clara County

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Criminal Fines

When people think about the criminal justice system, they often imagine sentences involving jail time. However, this is only one of several penalties that a convicted person may face. For example, sometimes a defendant is sentenced to pay certain fines instead of – or in addition to – spending time in jail.

Though criminal fines tend to be substantial, they are usually a much better alternative to prison. If you or someone you love has been accused of a crime, contact the San Diego criminal defense lawyers of the [firm-name] at [phone-number].

Cases That May Require Fines

Criminal cases are broken into two categories of severity: felonies and misdemeanors.

Felonies are the major crimes that most people think of when they hear crime. Major crimes include, but are not limited to, assault, rape, bribery, and, in some cases, theft. The severity of the crime typically determines whether it is classified as a felony or misdemeanor, which is why some thefts are felonies and others are not. Felonies often require jail time.

Misdemeanors, on the other hand, are more minor crimes that usually do not harm others. Common examples of misdemeanors include public intoxication, trespassing, and some instances of theft. While misdemeanors may be met with jail time, many misdemeanants receive less severe punishment, such as probation, community service, and fines.

Contact Us

If you have been accused of a crime, you may be able to avoid prison time if you pay a fine. Contact the San Diego criminal defense attorneys of the [firm-name] at [phone-number] to learn more about your legal rights.