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  • Testimonials

    My case was a worst case scenario, when I called Todd for help I was a 48 year old professional with no criminal background. I knew I could rely on Todd as we had known each other for years and I knew him to be an excellent lawyer and well respected by his peers as a seasoned and skilled attorney. Todd informed me of what he expected to accomplish and the worst that could happen. I thought he was extremely patient and understanding with me and I was able to communicate with him whenever I needed. I felt completely protected throughout the entire process. The only thing I did not know about Todd was how incredibly experienced and knowledgeable he is and his unwavering commitment to protecting his clients. The result I received was well beyond my expectations. I was given a suspended sentence, probation and allowed to rebuild my life. I know without Todd I would never have received such a sentence. His ability to work with the prosecution, convince the Judge to do the right thing and his no nonsense manner impressed me and I recommend him to those who need the best criminal defense lawyer. — - Rob M.

    I’ve been a private investigator for over 15 years and I specialize in criminal defense cases. I’ve worked with hundreds of attorneys over the years and worked closely with Todd Melnik on several. I could count on one hand how many lawyers I would trust with my own family. Melnik is one. Many veteran attorneys care more about squeezing out your last dollar than defending you. Todd Melnik is passionate, diligent and presents cases for the best possible outcome. It’s a honor to have my name affiliated with his office. — - Leigh-Anne Salinas, Chief Investigator

    Todd, I can’t thank you enough and will never forget your hard work, tenacity and responsiveness during this seemingly unbearable time. I am grateful for the outcome you actualized, in addition to the second chance Jeffrey will now receive. I know my son was facing life in prison, but a 6 year deal was more than we had ever hoped for. Thank you so much for your hard work and caring so much about my son. — - Laura B.

    I was charged with five counts of assault weapon sales with gang allegations. Mr. Melnik took over my case as my criminal defense attorney. His availability to discuss my case was impressive. He always returns calls and is extremely professional. Immediately after accepting my case, Mr. Melnik conducted intensive research on the types of weapons I was being accused of. He wanted to make sure the weapons were in fact illegal in California. He discovered one of the weapons was legal and it was dropped from my charges. After multiple court appearances, and after conducting an interview with the ATF’s informant, Mr. Melnik discovered the he was not being truthful about my gang affiliation and the gang allegations were dropped. Mr. Melnik discussed my case with the District Attorney on several occasions. After first wanting to send me to prison, after discussions with Mr. Melnik for over a year, the District Attorney gave me a plea bargain in which I obtained three years probation with no jail time at all! Overall, Mr. Melnik is a very professional attorney with a lot of experience and an exceptional defense record. You can’t go wrong with him. — - Jose P.

  • Practices Areas

    Arleta Misdemeanor Lawyer

    Arleta Misdemeanor Attorney

    If you have been accused of a crime, you’ll have to become quite familiar with the legal system in a brief amount of time. You will be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, a distinction indicating the seriousness of the crime and corresponding punishments.

    The Arleta Criminal Defense Attorneys at Our Firm understand both sides of the legal system. With an understanding in both prosecution and also a strong role in criminal defense, our lawyers are uniquely qualified to stand up in your defense.

    We all represent Arleta residents, visitors, and juveniles, and tourists charged with misdemeanors and felonies such as:

    • Theft, Fraud and Shoplifting
    • Drug Offenses
    • Prostitution and Solicitation
    • Sealing and Expungement
    • Traffic Violations
    • Domestic Violence
    • Juvenile Crime
    • Tourist Defense
    • Probation Violation
    • Criminal Consequences
    • Misdemeanors and Felonies
    • First Time Offenders
    • Criminal Traffic Violations
    • Racing and Reckless Driving
    • DUI
    • Driving While License Suspended

    Besides the risk of jail time, people convicted of misdemeanor or felony violations can be subject to heavy fines, probation, mandatory education as well as counseling, drug testing. If you’ve been accused of a crime, a criminal charge can absolutely turn your world upside down. Speak to us right away with regards to your Misdemeanor Arleta case!

    What’s a misdemeanor?

    Misdemeanors are crimes of a significantly less serious nature than felonies. They have potential punishments as high as a one thousand dollar fine and/or as much as one year in the county jail for first-degree misdemeanors and up to five hundred dollar fine and/or up to 60 days of jail for second-degree misdemeanors.

    Arleta misdemeanors involve:

    • Marijuana possession (below twenty grams)
    • Domestic violence/spousal abuse
    • Assault and battery
    • Shoplifting (below $300.00)
    • Petit (petty) theft
    • Solicitation for prostitution
    • Indecent exposure
    • Driving offenses
    • DUI/Drunk driving
    • Possession of drug paraphernalia
    • First and second time driving with license suspended or with knowledge of charges
    • Reckless driving
    • Drug paraphernalia
    • Racing
    • Indecent Exposure
    • Lewdness

    What’s a felony?

    Felonies are generally crimes of a more severe character than misdemeanors. A felony conviction carries with it the potential for jail or prison time and is defined as any sort of crime with a potential sentence over one year of incarceration. Arleta felonies include things like:

    • Shoplifting (over $300)
    • Drug trafficking
    • Forgery
    • Grand theft
    • Possession of a controlled substance
    • Passing bad checks (over $150)
    • Employee theft (over $300)
    • Aggravated battery
    • Possession of Cocaine
    • Possession of Marijuana (over 20 grams)
    • Robbery
    • Burglary
    • Fraud
    • Murder
    • Manslaughter
    • Felony DUI, 3rd conviction
    • Obtain or attempt to obtain controlled substance by fraud, forgery, misrepresentation, etc.
    • Dealing in stolen property by use of the Internet; property stolen $300 or more.
    • Carrying a concealed firearm.
    • Felons in possession of firearms, ammunition, or electronic weapons or devices.

    A Misdemeanor or Felony Conviction Could Follow You Around for Years

    Our Arleta Criminal Defense Law Firm is devoted to every aspect of your court case. Starting from arrest through a likely trial, we are working to reduce possible consequences. We will likewise look ahead to try and secure your future. Influential members of the community have to have a legal workforce that is qualified to work with discretion and savvy.

    Whether you’ve been charged with a felony or misdemeanor, rely on your defense to the experienced and aggressive criminal defense staff at Our Firm.

    Contact or perhaps email our Arleta misdemeanor attorneys at our firm right now for your no cost initial consultation regarding your Arleta Criminal Record. We’re client-focused and ready. We have been right here to protect your rights.

    Arleta MISDEMEANOR Lawyer

    Based on the severity of the crime you commit, you will either deal with felony charges or misdemeanor charges. Generally speaking, less serious criminal offenses are viewed as misdemeanors, while severe and violent criminal offenses are called felonies.

    If you were charged with a misdemeanor, you must phone an attorney Criminal Defense Lawyer right away to prevent escalating charges and unnecessary jail time.

    Misdemeanors are often victimless crimes like disorderly conduct, trespassing, prostitution or even public intoxication, and they often come with a year or less of jail time.

    If this is your first offense, a good criminal defense attorney might be able to work out less severe punishments such as mandatory education, probation and even community service.

    In many states, misdemeanor crimes are split up into 3 classes according to the severity of the crime and the punishment included.

    Class One Misdemeanors: Class one misdemeanors are the most severe with 18 months jail time and/or $5000 fine. In some situations, a judge could even choose to extend the penalty to much longer than eighteen months if the crime is decided to be an “extraordinary risk crime”.

    Class Two Misdemeanors: Class two misdemeanors are less serious by character and come with a maximum 12 months jail time and/or a thousand dollar fine.

    Class Three Misdemeanors: Class three misdemeanors have a maximum of 6 months imprisonment and/or a $750 fine.

    Together with probable jail time and large fines, misdemeanor charges often include mandatory community service requirements and probationary periods.

    Though misdemeanor crimes are much less severe than felonies, they can have devastating and far-reaching results. Misdemeanor convictions can significantly hinder an individual’s ability to have a job.

    Many companies won’t employ someone with a criminal record, no matter how small, and some professional licenses could even be revoked based on a misdemeanor conviction. What’s more, if you are sentenced to jail time, your incarceration can place a tremendous amount of strain and burden on family members left behind.

    Without the right legal representation, you may find yourself having to pay too high of a price for that crime you committed.

    You shouldn’t have to deal with criminal charges alone, regardless of how small. If you’re arrested for a misdemeanor in the surrounding area, phone our Arleta Criminal Defense Lawyers immediately. A qualified criminal defense lawyer Arleta will be on your side to help you avoid exorbitant fees and pointless prison time.

    An attorney misdemeanor attorney is a type of criminal defense lawyer who represents people accused of misdemeanor crimes. Even though misdemeanor offenses are usually less serious than felony crimes, these types of infractions do show up on a convicted person’s criminal background check, and may risk future career and educational opportunities.

    Because of this, many people facing misdemeanor charges choose to get a misdemeanor attorney to represent them in the court.

    The exact laws regarding misdemeanor penalties vary from country to country, however these offenses commonly have less severe punishments than felonies, and lead to no loss of personal liberties including the right to vote or obtain a passport. Usually, the penalty for a misdemeanor conviction can be a small fine or less than 30 days imprisonment.

    Regardless of these relatively light punishments, however, a misdemeanor charge can lead to serious consequences if perhaps, for instance, the convicted person has a prior criminal history, or perhaps if any victims have been hurt due to the misdemeanor act.

    The task of a misdemeanor lawyer, therefore, is to help the defendant to prevent a trial by fighting for a plea bargain, or decreased sentence, in return for a guilty plea.

    If perhaps a plea bargain can’t be agreed upon, the misdemeanor attorney will make a persuasive defense strategy, provide professional legal advice during all stages of the trial process, as well as defend on the client’s behalf during the the courtroom trial, to ensure that his/her constitutional rights are upheld.

    Though most misdemeanor offenses don’t involve a trial by jury, in instances where a jury is necessary, the misdemeanor lawyer is responsible for selecting jury members who are most likely to view his or her client favorably.

    Additionally, due to their expert understanding of criminal law, misdemeanor lawyers will also be in charge of telling their clients of possible results of the misdemeanor charges, and having them understand what to expect when they are convicted of the offense.

    A misdemeanor lawyer will also help determine the best option for each client based on the unique facts of the charges as well as the client’s needs.

    There are two kinds of defense attorneys, public defenders and private lawyers. Public defenders are hired by the government to represent indigent clients who cannot afford to employ a lawyer of their own, while private lawyers are chosen and privately paid by the client.

    Whether or not the lawyer is a public defender or a private criminal defense lawyer, persons facing misdemeanor charges should think about having help from a seasoned criminal lawyer due to the complicated nature of criminal law.

    Certainly, legal representation can often make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal of misdemeanor charges.