Case Results:
El Cajon is a city surrounded by mountains with San Diego a few miles to the west. It has a diverse population of more than 99,000 people who enjoy safe schools, parks, museums, and businesses.
Despite the idyllic life many people in El Cajon experience, some are the victims of crime and others are charged with these offenses. Whether you’ve been charged with domestic violence, theft, or a drug-related offense, navigating the criminal justice system can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you have rights—including the right to an attorney who will fight for you at every stage of the legal process.
At McElfresh Law, a criminal defense firm located in San Diego, CA, we are proud to serve clients in El Cajon. Our team has the experience and dedication needed to build a strong defense and protect your future.
We represent clients facing a wide range of criminal charges. Below are some of the most common offenses we handle:
While people often hear of assault and battery together, they’re actually two very different crimes. Battery is when actual violence or physical force is used against another person. Assault is when someone threatens or attempts violence against another person and has the ability to follow through with that threat or violence.
Both are serious crimes under California law and a defendant charged with assault, assault with a deadly weapon, simple battery, or battery resulting in a serious injury face harsh fines and time in jail. Depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony, a person may spend up to 4 years in jail.
A domestic violence experience can be traumatic for everyone. Sometimes situations just get out of hand or the police are called in when a spouse or significant other is lying about your actions. Under the law, domestic violence is the use of physical force of threat against any intimate partner, including an ex. There doesn’t have to be a physical injury.
No matter the reason for the charge, it’s important to have an attorney help you defend yourself against the allegations. The penalties for a conviction range depending on the defendant’s history and the victim’s injuries, but many offenders face at least 30 days in jail.
While medical marijuana is legal under certain circumstances in California, people can still be charged with the cultivation, sale, and possession of marijuana under state law. If someone is caught with a particularly small amount, the person will be fined for an infraction and not a misdemeanor criminal offense.
However, more than an amount for personal use will come with fines and jail time. If you’re under 21 years old, a marijuana conviction can lead to you losing your license or driving on a restricted license for a period of time.
Anyone charged with other drug crimes, including possessing, selling or manufacturing drugs faces serious fines, time in jail or prison, and a permanent criminal record. The collateral consequences of a drug conviction are serious as well. A criminal record can make it difficult to find a job, receive a private or federal school loan, or be approved for an apartment. A person can lose their professional license, such as a law or medical license, or a student may not be able to achieve a professional license.
To attempt and avoid the statutory and collateral damages associated with drug-related charges, a defendant should work with a criminal defense lawyer. An attorney will understand the law, how to poke holes in the prosecutors case, and will have experience negotiating a lower charge or lesser punishment.
Many crimes in any city relate to theft, including shoplifting, burglary, larceny, and embezzlement. In California, petty theft is when someone steals property valued at less than $950 while grand theft is when the stolen property is worth more than $950. Petty theft is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and 6 months in jail. Grand theft is generally a felony, which means the defendant faces up to 3 years in jail.
Being charged with any crime is a terrifying experience. If you’ve never dealt with the police or the criminal courts before, you may be intimidated and wonder what your best move is. The next best step after being arrested for a crime is to call a criminal defense attorney in El Cajon before answering any of the police officer’s questions. You absolutely have the right to an attorney and do not have to speak with the police until you’ve had time to consult with your attorney.
Jessica McElfresh is an experienced attorney in the San Diego area who not only understands your constitutional rights but believes in fighting for them. Call her today at (858) 756-7107 to learn more about your charges and how to best defend yourself.
"*" indicates required fields
