Misdemeanor Attorney in Newport Beach

Your Legal Ally for Misdemeanor Charges in Newport Beach

Misdemeanor charges can put your job, reputation, and future at risk. At Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC, we give clear solutions and dependable guidance for people facing these criminal accusations. As a team comprised of former prosecutors, we know how Newport Beach authorities pursue these cases.

Facing a misdemeanor charge within Orange County can quickly feel overwhelming, especially given how local law enforcement and prosecutors in Newport Beach handle these cases compared to nearby cities. Our experience in the region allows us to address unique district practices and expectations early on. 

Whether your case involves a first-time offense or a repeat allegation, knowing what matters most to Newport Beach authorities provides an edge when planning your defense strategy with a misdemeanor attorney in Newport Beach.

Don't risk the consequences of a permanent criminal record. Contact Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to start building your defense. Call (949) 251-0330 or reach out online today.

Understanding Misdemeanor Charges in California

In California, crimes are classified into three main categories: Infractions (non-crimes, fine only), Misdemeanors (punishable by county jail time), and Felonies (punishable by state prison time). Misdemeanors are divided into two general types: standard and aggravated (or "gross") misdemeanors, which carry distinct maximum penalties.

Common Misdemeanor Charges We Defend

• DUI (First & Second Offense) – Vehicle Code §23152; punishable by up to 6 months or 1 year in jail.
• Domestic Battery – Penal Code §243(e)(1); punishable by up to 1 year in jail.
• Petty Theft / Shoplifting – Penal Code §484/488; punishable by up to 6 months in jail.
• Simple Battery – Penal Code §242; punishable by up to 6 months in jail.
• Violation of a Restraining Order – Penal Code §273.6; punishable by up to 1 year in jail.

The Legal Framework

• Standard Misdemeanor (PC §19): Maximum sentence of six months in county jail and a $1,000 fine.
• Aggravated/Gross Misdemeanor: Maximum sentence of one year in county jail (e.g., Repeat DUI, Domestic Battery, or Vandalism over a certain dollar amount).
• Wobblers: Certain offenses (like Assault with a Deadly Weapon or Grand Theft) are "wobblers," meaning the prosecutor can charge them as either a felony or an aggravated misdemeanor. We fight to ensure all wobble charges are filed at the misdemeanor level.

Collateral Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction in Newport Beach

Besides the penalties, the consequences of a misdemeanor conviction extend far beyond the courtroom, impacting immigration status and professional licenses for life.

Collateral Consequences (The Hidden Punishment)

• Immigration Status: Misdemeanors can be classified as Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) if the crime involves deceit (Theft, Fraud) or intent to cause serious harm. A CIMT conviction can lead to deportation or inadmissibility for non-citizens.
• Professional Licensing: Convictions for crimes involving violence, drugs, or moral turpitude can trigger disciplinary action or the denial of licenses (e.g., nursing, teaching, law).
• Firearm Ban: Misdemeanor convictions for Domestic Battery (PC §243(e)(1)) or any of the 40 specific violent misdemeanors result in a mandatory 10-year ban on firearm possession under California law.
• Criminal Record: The Newport Beach misdemeanor conviction creates a permanent criminal record, hindering background checks for sensitive jobs or housing.

The California Criminal Defense Process for Misdemeanors

Misdemeanor cases in Newport Beach are typically adjudicated at the Harbor Justice Center. We use our comprehensive approach to seek a dismissal or diversion as the primary defense objective.

• Immediate Counsel and Arraignment: We use our 24/7 availability to advise clients immediately upon arrest and often appear at arraignment on the client's behalf (for non-DUI/DV cases) to preserve their rights and secure their release.
• Pretrial Diversion (PC §1000 and others): We aggressively advocate for alternative sentencing programs (Misdemeanor Diversion). Successful completion results in the dismissal of the charges and eligibility for record sealing.
• Discovery and Motion Practice: We scrutinize police reports and video evidence. As former prosecutors, we file strategic motions to suppress evidence or challenge the underlying probable cause for the arrest, forcing the OCDA to drop the case.
• Wobbler Mitigation: For offenses that could be charged as felonies (e.g., Grand Theft), we present a mitigation package to the prosecutor's office, arguing for the charge to be filed only as a misdemeanor.
• Expungement: After the case is closed, we assist clients in filing a Petition for Expungement (PC §1203.4), which dismisses the conviction and substantially improves employment opportunities.

Court Timelines & Local Nuances

Orange County’s court system moves quickly, and missing a deadline can complicate your defense. Prosecutors in Newport Beach may offer alternatives or diversion options at the arraignment stage, but you need timely legal advice to make informed choices. 

Our knowledge of both the Newport Beach district attorney’s office and the courts allows us to anticipate the prosecutor’s approach for cases like yours. If you have questions about court logistics, required paperwork, or local rules, our guidance keeps the process clear and focused so you don’t feel left in the dark at any point.

Why Trust Corrigan Welbourn Stokke As Your Misdemeanor Criminal Defense

Choosing a misdemeanor criminal defense lawyer in Newport Beach means choosing the people behind your case. Clients work directly with our founding attorneys, not a rotating team or junior staff. With over 100 years of collective experience as former prosecutors, we offer focused strategies and hands-on attention. 

Our team communicates openly from your first call, offers same-day appointments when possible, and keeps you informed as your case moves forward.

We believe consistency matters, especially when facing criminal charges. Many large firms move clients between attorneys, making it difficult to build trust and keep a case on track. At Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, you communicate directly with the lawyer handling your matter every time.

Our Approach to Misdemeanor Cases in Newport Beach

Every case receives a detailed analysis, drawing on our team’s experience to develop a responsive defense. We value your perspective—your priorities shape how we approach your case, and we explain every option in everyday language so that you can make confident choices.

The process in Newport Beach rewards early intervention. The sooner a misdemeanor lawyer gets involved, the more options may remain—ranging from diversion programs to alternative sentencing sometimes considered by local courts. 

Our team understands how to address issues unique to Orange County cases before formal charges are established, when possible. We guide you through procedures that are specific to your charge and the area so you always know what to expect. 

Working with our firm means you receive these benefits throughout your misdemeanor case:

• Collaborative strategy: Every client gets the insight of former prosecutors and the combined knowledge of our entire team, resulting in a more thorough and balanced defense.
• Personalized attention: As a focused criminal defense team, we handle each relationship directly and keep your goals as our guide.
• Direct communication: We provide straightforward, honest updates so you always know where things stand.
• 24/7 accessibility: Our lawyers are available around the clock to address urgent questions and needs promptly.
• Focus on local knowledge: We apply local understanding to every case, making sure each defense accounts for Newport Beach court and law enforcement procedures.

Ready to Resolve Your Misdemeanor Case? Contact Our Newport Beach Team

When you face misdemeanor charges, you do not need to go through the legal process alone. Contact Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC for an initial conversation—no commitment, just direct answers based on our decades of experience in Newport Beach and Orange County courts. Our team stands ready to deliver supportive guidance, responsive communication, and focused defense built on detailed knowledge of local misdemeanor law.

Call (949) 251-0330 to schedule a confidential consultation with a misdemeanor criminal attorney in Newport Beach.