Delano Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
Being charged with a misdemeanor in Delano is often treated as "no big deal" by people unfamiliar with the criminal justice system — but that assumption can be costly. A misdemeanor conviction still results in a permanent criminal record, can affect your employment and housing opportunities, and, in some cases, can carry jail time. If you've been charged with a misdemeanor in Delano, you need an experienced Delano misdemeanor defense lawyer who takes your case as seriously as you do.
At Humphrey & Thompson, our attorneys are Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists by the State Bar of California. We are a boutique firm, which means you work directly with experienced trial attorneys — not an unfamiliar associate who barely knows your case. Our team has handled thousands of criminal cases throughout Kern County, and we bring that same level of preparation and attention to every misdemeanor case we take on.
If you are searching for a misdemeanor criminal attorney in Delano who will treat your case as a priority, we invite you to contact us.
What is a Misdemeanor?
Under California criminal law, offenses are divided by severity into infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. A misdemeanor represents a mid-tier crime. It is more serious than an infraction (such as a standard speeding ticket that only results in a financial fine) but less severe than a felony (which can lead to multiple years served in a state prison).
By definition, a misdemeanor conviction in California cannot result in state prison incarceration. Instead, jail sentences are served locally within a county detention facility. Additionally, judges have the option to sentence individuals to summary (informal) probation, meaning you can serve your sentence within the community under specific court-mandated conditions rather than behind bars.
Common Types of Misdemeanors in California
Our legal team provides aggressive, client-focused representation across a wide spectrum of misdemeanor charges in Kern County, including:
- First-Offense DUI (Vehicle Code 23152): Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or operating a motor vehicle while physically or mentally impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Domestic Battery (Penal Code 243(e)(1)): Using force or violence against an intimate partner, spouse, cohabitant, or co-parent, even if the incident leaves no visible physical mark or injury.
- Assault & Battery (Penal Code 240 & 242): Assault involves an unlawful attempt to commit a violent injury on someone else, while battery is the actual, willful use of unlawful force or violence upon another person.
- Petty Theft & Shoplifting (Penal Code 484 & 459.5): Stealing property, cash, or merchandise valued at $950 or less.
- Simple Drug Possession (Health & Safety Code 11350 or 11377): Knowingly possessing illicit narcotics or controlled substances for personal use without a valid medical prescription.
- Trespassing & Vandalism (Penal Code 602 & 594): Entering someone else’s property without permission, or maliciously damaging, destroying, or defacing property that does not belong to you.
Criminal Penalties for Misdemeanor Convictions in CA
Misdemeanor offenses in California are generally split into two categories: standard misdemeanors and gross (or aggravated) misdemeanors. The statutory limits for these categories dictate the boundaries of your potential sentence.
Standard Misdemeanors
For standard offenses—such as public intoxication or minor trespassing—a conviction carries a maximum penalty of up to 6 months in county jail and/or a maximum fine of up to $1,000.
Aggravated Misdemeanors
For more serious misdemeanor allegations—including domestic battery, a first-offense DUI, or driving on a suspended license—the potential jail time escalates to a maximum of 1 year in county jail, often accompanied by increased financial assessments, restitution requirements, and mandatory counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a misdemeanor conviction be expunged from my record?
In many cases, yes. California law allows certain misdemeanor convictions to be expunged, which can help mitigate the long-term impact on employment and housing opportunities.
Will I go to jail for a misdemeanor?
Not necessarily. Many first-time misdemeanor offenders receive probation, fines, or alternative sentencing rather than jail time, particularly with skilled legal representation.
Can a misdemeanor be elevated to a felony?
Yes. Certain offenses, known as "wobblers," can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances and the defendant's criminal history.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge?
Yes. Even misdemeanor convictions carry lasting consequences, including a permanent criminal record. An attorney can often negotiate reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or case dismissal.
How long does a misdemeanor case take to resolve?
Misdemeanor cases often resolve within a few weeks to a few months, though the timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the case and court scheduling.
Should I talk to the police about a misdemeanor charge?
No. You have the right to remain silent, and it's best to consult with an attorney before answering any questions from law enforcement.Why You Need a Dedicated Misdemeanor Attorney in Delano, CA
criminal law specialists
Recognized by The State of California As Board Certified Criminal Defense Experts
At Humphrey & Thompson, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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- Saijel P.
Kyle and his team are absolutely amazing! With my whole case they kept it completely stress free. Kyle will explain everything in a way you could actually understand. I highly recommend him. He's honest, fair and compassionate and fantastic to work with.
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- Jason G.
Mr Humphrey and his staff we nothing short of amazing to me and my family.
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- Joe S.
His experience and knowing what to do helped and he has wisdom in sharing and saying the right thing to calm you in whatever you are going through. At times I was talked to as if I knew the law but when questioned what he was talking about he would take the time to explain. He is a very busy man so it seemed like he was hurried but would come back to explain. Happy with the outcome and glad that we were able to find a great attorney.
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- Tina H.
My son was wrongfully accused and charged with assault. I hired Mr. Humphrey to represent him because I heard he was the best and as my son is 19 years old, I did not want this bogus charge going on his record. Mr. Humphrey did an excellent job of representing my son from day one. I am happy to say that the charges were dropped and the case was dismissed. I HIGHLY recommend Kyle J. Humphrey.
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Needed a lawyer for our juvenile son for a felony assault case. Public defender was not very helpful and told us that at best our son would be on a very intensive probation for years if not sentenced to a camp. Rob Singh took our case and basically got everything resolved outside of court with the prosecutor within 2 weeks. Alleviated a lot of stress and anxiety by getting our son on a very minimal probation for 6 months and then records completely sealed. Highly recommended and would definitely hire this firm again.- Erik S.
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- Jenna B.
My husband hired Jared Thompson to defend him against bogus charges. Their price was affordable and well worth the work they put in. Even though the DA's office was not helpful and kept delaying the case over and over, Mr. Thompson and his team never gave up. It was finally dismissed and we couldn't be more happy with the outcome.
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- Aracele S.
I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Kyle Humphrey at Humphrey & Thompson for his help with an unexpected case. He was highly thorough and made sure I understood every part of the process, which was especially important as this was my first and only legal matter. Many thanks to you and your team!
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- KC A.
I had an amazing experience with Kyle! He is a straight shooter and that was crucial for me to hear. I was able to keep all my rights, get my case dismissed and that was huge for me! Kyle was able to take a bad situation for our family and deliver results that allowed us to move forward and grow. I highly recommend Kyle and his team!
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Jury Trial Acquittals
Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
Mr. Thompson Secures Complete Dismissal of all Charges at Jury Trial for Accusations of Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
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Case Dismissal
Sexual Abuse
Allegation of Continuous Sexual Abuse Dismissed Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Felony Sex Case
Felony Sex Case based on Undercover Decoy Sting Dismissed Entirely. -
Case Dismissal
Rape
Rape Case Dismissed Based on Defense Investigation and Medical Evaluation Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Sexual Battery
Local business owner charged with sexual battery, dismissed. -
Avoid Sex Offender Registration
Sex Offense
Juvenile Client Has Felony Sex Offense Case Dismissed and Is Not Required to Register
Serving Delano & Kern County
The legal landscape in the Central Valley requires local insights. When a misdemeanor arrest occurs within Delano or neighboring communities like McFarland, the case is routed to the regional court network. Misdemeanor files are typically processed through the Delano Branch of the Kern County Superior Court, located at 1122 Jefferson Street, Delano, CA 93215.
Navigating the Delano courthouse requires an explicitly clear understanding of local court guidelines and the specific approaches of the Kern County District Attorney’s Office. Our boutique firm is led by partners Kyle J. Humphrey and Jared M. Thompson, who are both Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists by the State Bar of California. We utilize our deep regional knowledge to actively identify errors in law enforcement investigations, allowing us to pursue early dismissals or favorable negotiated outcomes for our clients.
Call (661) 760-7678 to speak with our team today.
