Sacramento Criminal Defense Attorneys

Criminal charges can be very serious, and a conviction can have life-changing consequences. If you are facing criminal charges in California, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. The Sacramento criminal defense lawyers at Mouzis Criminal Defense have extensive experience handling all types of criminal cases, from misdemeanors to felonies. We will aggressively defend your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Mouzis Criminal Defense – Your Trusted Sacramento Criminal Defense Lawyers

Our team of defenders headed by Jennifer Mouzis, have a deep understanding of the criminal justice system. We will use our experience and knowledge to build a strong defense on your behalf.

Why You Should Hire a Sacramento Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing criminal charges in California, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. Your lawyer can ensure that your rights will be protected and make sure you get a fair trial. Your attorney can also help you avoid making common mistakes that could jeopardize your case. Our goal is to get the charges against our clients dismissed or reduced so they do not have a conviction on their record. If necessary, we will aggressively defend them in court and fight for the best possible outcome for their situation.

If you have been charged with a crime, contact our office today for a free consultation. We will review your case and help you understand your options. Call us at (916)822-8702 or contact us online to get started.

Some of the most common criminal charges we handle in Sacramento include:

Assault and Battery – These are both misdemeanor or felony offenses that can be charged as either a California state crime or a Federal offense. The penalties for assault and battery vary greatly depending on the circumstances of your case, the severity of the injuries to the victim, whether you have previous convictions, and more. If you are convicted of assault or battery in violation of Penal Code (PC) 240/241, simple assault/battery is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A conviction for aggravated assault/battery will result in two to four years in prison as well as steep fines.

Criminal Threats – Under PC 422, it is illegal to threaten another person with death or great bodily injury. If you are convicted of a criminal threats offense, you could face up to one year in county jail and fines of up to $1,000. This offense can be charged as a felony if the threat was made against a school employee while at work (or if you have any prior convictions). A conviction for criminal threats generally results in a much longer term of incarceration than assault/battery cases.

DUI – A DUI charge typically arises from an arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. California law allows for enhanced penalties for those who commit multiple DUIs or cause injuries and/or deaths resulting from their drunk driving. A DUI charge is typically charged as a misdemeanor, but it can be enhanced to a felony under certain circumstances (e.g., if you have multiple prior DUI convictions or if someone was killed or seriously injured). The penalties for a first-time DUI in California include up to six months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000, plus mandatory penalties such as license suspension and mandatory DUI classes.

Domestic Violence Domestic violence is a serious problem in our society, and the state of California has enacted laws that are designed to protect victims of abuse. If you are convicted of domestic violence, you could face up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $6,000.00, in addition to mandatory counseling and/or protective orders against you. If the victim suffered injuries and/or needed medical treatment, this offense could be punished as a felony with much heavier penalties and sentences.

Drug Crimes Drug crimes are prosecuted at both the state and federal level in California. State drug offenses range from simple possession of marijuana or other drugs all the way up to manufacturing or selling narcotics, while federal charges can include large-scale drug trafficking resulting in significant prison terms. Penalties increase significantly if minors were involved or if you had a prior conviction on your record.

KidnappingKidnapping is considered a serious criminal offense by both state and federal authorities. It is generally charged as a felony with harsh penalties that can include life in prison. In some cases, the death penalty may also be an option for prosecutors.

Murder/Manslaughter – These are the most serious of all criminal offenses and can result in a prison sentence of 25 years to life, or even the death penalty in some cases. If you are facing murder or manslaughter charges, it is imperative that you contact a Sacramento criminal defense attorney immediately to discuss your case and begin building a strong defense.

Robbery – Robbery is generally charged as a felony in California, and the penalties can be very severe. A conviction for robbery can result in a prison sentence of two to five years, or even up to life in some cases. Additionally, you may be required to pay restitution to your victim and/or fines of up to $10,000.

Sexual AssaultSexual assault is generally charged as a misdemeanor or felony in California, depending upon the circumstances of the alleged offense. If convicted, you could face a jail sentence ranging from six months to four years, as well as steep fines and mandatory counseling. Additionally, if you are required to register as a sex offender following your conviction for sexual assault in California (PC 261), this requirement can last for life – making it imperative that you secure expert legal defense immediately.

Statutory Rape (PC 261.5) – If you are accused of engaging in consensual sex with someone who is under age 18, you could be prosecuted under PC 261.5 for statutory rape, which is a strict liability offense. A conviction may result in being placed on the sex offender registry and up to four years in jail.

Theft – In California, theft is generally punished as a misdemeanor or felony, depending upon the value of property that was taken. If convicted, you could be facing fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 and/or your freedom could be taken away via incarceration in county jail or prison (for felony convictions). Additionally you may have to pay restitution to your victim or complete community service.

Federal Charges May Apply

In addition to the state crimes listed above, you could be facing federal charges if your alleged crime occurred on federally owned land within California (e.g., a national park or forest), or crossed state lines. Federal offenses are prosecuted by the United States government and can be punished with life sentences in some cases, even for first-time offenders.

Get Help With You Sacramento Criminal Charges

Because many of these criminal offenses have harsh penalties associated with them and because so much is at stake when you are charged with a crime in California, it is essential that you act quickly to retain top-quality legal representation from a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer who has experience handling all types of felony and misdemeanor cases. Call our experienced Sacramento criminal defense attorneys today for help!


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If you’ve been suspected or accused of a crime, but NOT
formally charged yet. Don’t waste time!

Call Mouzis Criminal Defense Now!

(916) 822-8702

1819 K Street, Ste 200
Sacramento CA 95811

LET US HELP PREVENT CHARGES FROM EVER BEING FILED