Areas of practice

Convictions for felonies and misdemeanors can adversely affect your life, your job, even your freedom. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney to defend you. Bill Paparian is that attorney. Call now for a free consultation. 626 795-1750.

Felonies

police cars Felonies are serious offenses. A felony conviction can result in imprisonment for at least one year (sometimes much longer), fines, and probation. It can ruin your life by making it difficult to find a job, obtain a security clearance, rent an apartment, or get a loan. (You also won't be able to own a gun for ten years and can't vote if in prison or on parole.)

Bill Paparian has successfully defended those accused of felonies in both state and federal court for over thirty years. He can do the same for you.

Misdemeanors

A misdemeanor conviction can result in up to one year in jail, fines, and community service. They are less serious offenses than felonies. However, they can be amended to felonies or the charges can be reduced or dropped. That's why you need an experienced lawyer to defend you.

Driving under the influence

Driving under the influence can result in loss of your driving license, increased insurance premiums and driving points, jail time, and stiff fines. You might not be able to drive to work. California has strict drunk driving laws, especially for multiple offenses within a ten year period. If there was an injury, the penalties can be severe and it could be filed as a felony.

Moreover, you must appear at a DMV hearing within ten days of being arrested for DUI to explain why you should keep your license. This is separate from the criminal court appearance for the arrest.

Call us now if you have been arrested for driving under the influence.

Record clearing / Expungement

Sealing means past criminal convictions are no longer on a person's criminal record.

Expungement is the removal of convictions from public records, however law enforcement will still have access to them. Misdemeanors and some felonies can be sealed or expunged, serious felonies can not be.

Criminal convictions can make it hard to get a job, go to school, or rent an apartment. Contact us if you have past convictions you want sealed or expunged.

Drugs

Drug crimes involve the manufacture, trafficking, possession, or sale of unlawful narcotics or controlled substances. This includes marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, Oxycodone, and Valium

California takes drug crimes extremely seriously, and penalties can be severe. Call us now. Don't wait.

Theft

Petty theft is the taking of property valued at $400 or less without the owner's consent. It is a misdemeanor. Grand theft applies to property valued at more than $400 and can be charged as a felony.

First Degree Burglary is entering an inhabited dwelling like a home with the intent to steal, and is more serious than Second Degree Burglary, which applies to uninhabited buildings. However, both are felonies.

Bill Paparian has 30+ years experience in criminal defense. He will vigorously and relentlessly defend you. Call now for a free consultation. 626 795-1750