5 Tips to Avoid Jail Time in Laguna Beach

author by Randy Collins on Feb. 15, 2013

Criminal Misdemeanor 

Summary: The difference between such cases of receiving maximum penalty and no jail time lies in the experience and knowledge of a criminal defense attorney. A defendant who stands trial alone may not be aware of the following options:

The Laguna Beach county court processes several types of cases each day, some resulting in the maximum sentencing, while other defendants receive alternative sentencing to ultimately avoid jail time. The difference between such cases of receiving maximum penalty and no jail time lies in the experience and knowledge of a criminal defense attorney. A defendant who stands trial alone may not be aware of the following options:

House Arrest – an electronic device is placed on the defendant for monitoring his or her whereabouts. Some house arrest cases are just that – being limited to spending time at home, or in other cases defendants may be allowed to work, shop, or participate in some activities. Nevertheless, house arrest has other restrictions such as being subjected to random visits from parole officers, probation or drug testing – if applicable.

Ignition Interlock Device – this Breathalyzer tests is attached to a DUI offender’s car. Each time the car needs to be driven, a test needs to be submitted for sobriety. These devices also recognize defendants though advanced features. If someone else submits the test, an arrest will be made.

Not all defendants are off the hook when it comes to serving time in jail. Most alternative sentences relate to misdemeanor crimes such as drug possession for personal use, shoplifting, domestic abuse, prostitution, Laguna Beach DUI and more. Mandatory jail or prison time is imminent for cases such as drug possession for personal use of drug transportation and sales. Even with these high-penalty crimes, an attorney can negotiate or submit a plea bargain to reduce the time to minimum prison or jail time.

If you are facing criminal charges in Laguna Beach, the criminal defense attorneys at MacGregor & Collins can help you. We will bring superior legal experience to aid you in this challenging time. Call us today at (949) 250-6097.

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