Criminal Defense Overview

At Morgan Law Firm, we understand that if you have been charged with a crime your freedom is at stake.  Our experienced criminal defense attorneys retain a singular depth of knowledge and expertise regarding criminal statutes, case law, criminal procedure, sentencing issues, and updates and changes in the law.  Their single-practice focus grants them a unique familiarity with the unique personalities and tendencies of the local judges and prosecutors, allowing them to more effectively represent clients when arguing in the courtroom or negotiating plea bargains.

Our criminal defense attorneys also bring to the table experience working in law enforcement, the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, and the Ventura County Public Defender's Office.  We defend clients charged with all types of felonies and misdemeanors, including:

• Murder/Homicide
• Manslaughter
• DUI/Traffic Crimes
• DMV Hearing
• Hit & Run
• Suspended License
• Vehicular Manslaughter
• Reckless Driving
• Traffic Citations
• Theft Crimes
• Petty Theft/Grand Theft
• Burglary
• Robbery
• Embezzlement
• Fraud
• Identity Theft
• Forged Prescriptions
• Bad Check/Non-sufficient funds
• Violent Crimes/Weapons Violations
• Assault & Battery
• Concealed Weapon
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon
• Rape
• Domestic Violence/Crimes Against Children
• Spousal Rape
• Child Abuse/Neglect
• Child Endangerment
• Child Pornography
• Violation of Restraining Order
• Drug Charges
• Drug Possession
• Drug Sales
• Drunk in Public
• Vandalism
• Violation of Parole
• Violation of Probation
• Early Termination of Probation
• Warrants
• Juvenile Law
• Expungement of Records

Murder/Homicide

Homicide is the killing of one human being by another, and in California, there are numerous types of unlawful, as well as excusable and justifiable homicides, including first and second degree murder, felony murder, manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, and homicide committed in self-defense.  For more detailed information, please see our murder/homicide page.

DUI and Traffic Crimes

In California, many drivers are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs, otherwise known as a DUI offense.  Penalties for DUI convictions include license suspension, jail time, and significant fines.  In additional to criminal proceedings, a DUI defendant may also request an administrative hearing before the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to contest the automatic suspension of his or her driver's license.  For more information about DUIs and DMV administrative hearings, please see our DUI page.

There are numerous other types of traffic crimes in California, ranging from driving with a suspended license or reckless driving, to hit and run crimes.  These and other charges can result in significant fines and even jail time.  Our criminal defense attorneys handled a wide range of DUI and other traffic crime charges, and firm principal Daniel C. Morgan's prior experience as a police officer and Certified Traffic Accident Investigator give him a unique understanding of how best to defend against these types of criminal charges.

Theft and Fraud Crimes

In California, theft is generally defined as the wrongful taking away of the property of another, including through embezzlement and fraudulent means, such as fraudulent use of a credit card, a forged check, or a check from an account with insufficient funds.  Identity theft and use of forged prescriptions are other examples of wrongful acts that can result in theft charges.

There are two types of theft in California, grand theft and petty theft.  Common types of grand theft include: theft where the value of the stolen money or property is $400 or more; and when the property stolen is a car, boat, or firearm.  Petty theft usually involves circumstances where the stolen property is worth less than $400.  A conviction for grand theft may result in imprisonment for up to one year, and, where the theft involved a fire arm, imprisonment for up to 3 years.  A conviction for petty theft may result in up to six months of jail time, a fine, or both.  Our criminal defense attorneys have successfully defended numerous clients charged with a variety of theft and fraud crimes.

Violent Crimes and Weapons Violations

There are numerous violent crimes committed against persons which can result in felony criminal charges.  Such crimes include robbery, burglary, rape (including spousal and statutory rape), assault and battery, and assault with a deadly weapon.  These violent crimes can result in serious criminal penalties, including jail time and large fines.  Additionally, if a victim is killed during the commission or attempted commission of certain violent crimes, such as robbery, burglary and rape, the perpetrator may be charged with first degree murder under the felony-murder rule.  For more information about murders committed during the commission or attempted commission of violent felonies, please see our murder/homicide page.

California's Penal Code also contains a variety of weapons and concealed weapons crimes that can result in significant penalties.  These violations include carrying a concealed weapon, such as a firearm or certain types of knives, carrying explosive substances, and importing certain types of firearms into the state.  If you have been charged with any of these or other violent crimes and weapons offenses, Morgan Law Firm can help defend your rights.

Domestic Violence and Crimes Against Children

Domestic violence is abuse committed against people with whom you have an intimate or familial relationship, such as a spouse, a cohabitant, a fiancé, a person whom you are dating, a child, or the parent of your child.  Abuse can include recklessly causing bodily injury, placing another person in fear of immediate serious bodily injury, or sexual assault.  California law provides for a specific domestic violence restraining order, violations of which can lead to serious criminal penalties.  For more information about domestic violence and related restraining orders, please see our domestic violence page.

The Penal Code also defines a number of specific crimes against children, including through the enactment of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.  These crimes include child abuse, child neglect, child endangerment, sexual abuse, sexual assault, molestation, and sexual exploitation (including child pornography).  Arrests or convictions for domestic violence and crimes against children can have a significant impact on family law matters, such as child custody and visitation rights.  For more information about family law matters, please see our family law overview page.

Drug Crimes

In California, there are a wide range of drug crimes, including:

• Under the influence of drugs or a controlled substance
• Possession of drugs or a controlled substance
• Possession of drugs for sale
• Transporting drugs or narcotics
• Manufacturing or cultivating drugs

Common types of drugs and controlled substances criminalized in California include marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA), heroin, LSD, PCP, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs such as Hydrocodone or Vicodin if the person lacks a lawful prescription.  Potential penalties for drug crimes vary widely and include court-mandated drug treatment programs, costly fines, and jail sentences.  Morgan Law Firm's criminal defense attorneys have significant experience defending clients accused of drug crimes.

Seek Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers

At Morgan Law Firm, our criminal defense lawyers are experts in defending clients involved with all types of criminal offenses.  We have local offices throughout Southern California, from Santa Barbara to San Diego, so you will be represented by a lawyer who is familiar with the local criminal judges and prosecutors.  We also offer payment plans to help our criminal defense clients with the costs of their legal services.  Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at Morgan Law Firm at (805) 529-3476 today to find out how we can help you.