Misdemeanor Attorney In Walnut Creek

Facing A Misdemeanor Charge In Contra Costa County

If you were recently cited or arrested for a misdemeanor in Walnut Creek, you are probably worried about your record, your job, and what will happen in court. At Law Office of Thomas F. McKenna, I focus my practice on criminal defense in this county, and I regularly handle misdemeanor cases that start in the Walnut Creek area.

For more than three decades, I have appeared in Bay Area criminal courts on charges ranging from DUI to drug offenses and violent crimes. I know how confusing a first criminal case can feel, especially if you have never been in trouble before. My role is to explain what you are facing, walk you through the local court process, and work to protect your rights at every step.

If you are looking for a misdemeanor criminal defense lawyer that Walnut Creek residents can talk to directly, I invite you to contact my office to discuss your situation in a confidential consultation. Call today!

Why My Misdemeanor Clients Call Me

When someone calls me about a misdemeanor, they usually want two things. They want to understand what the charge really means, and they want to know they are working with a lawyer who already knows the Contra Costa County courts. I have devoted my career to criminal defense, and that focus includes a large number of misdemeanor cases that begin with an arrest or citation in this area.

Over the years, I have appeared many times in the courthouses that handle Walnut Creek criminal matters, including the main criminal courthouse in Martinez. I have seen how different judges and prosecutors tend to approach common misdemeanor issues, such as first-time DUI, shoplifting, simple assault, or minor drug possession. That local knowledge helps me give clients a realistic picture of what they may face and where there may be room to negotiate.

Because my office is a small practice, you work directly with me as your attorney. I take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions in plain language, and keep you updated as your case moves forward. Other lawyers and court staff in Contra Costa County have referred clients to my office, and I view that trust from within the system as an important responsibility.

Common Misdemeanor Charges I Handle

Misdemeanor cases come in many forms, and the label “misdemeanor” can lead people to believe the situation is minor. In reality, a conviction can affect employment, housing, professional licensing, and immigration status. As a misdemeanor criminal attorney that Walnut Creek defendants can turn to, I regularly defend a range of charges that fall into this category.

Typical misdemeanors include driving under the influence, petty theft or shoplifting, simple assault or battery, vandalism, trespass, minor drug possession, and certain domestic-related allegations. Each of these has its own elements, possible defenses, and potential penalties. Even when jail time is unlikely, the combination of fines, probation, classes, protective orders, and a permanent record can create long-term problems if the case is not handled carefully.

When you come to my office, I review the exact code section you are charged with and explain the potential consequences in your specific situation. My goal is to give you a clear understanding of the risks and the options that may exist, whether that involves challenging the evidence, pursuing alternative resolutions, or working to limit the impact on your future.

The Misdemeanor Process In Local Courts

Much of the anxiety around a misdemeanor case comes from not knowing what will happen in court. If your matter began with an arrest or citation connected to Walnut Creek, your case may be filed in a Contra Costa County criminal courthouse, such as the main courthouse in Martinez. The first step in most misdemeanor cases is an arraignment, where the charge is read, rights are explained, and a plea of guilty or not guilty is entered.

At that first appearance, the judge may also address conditions of release, such as bail, supervised release, or protective orders in certain cases. Having a misdemeanor criminal lawyer that Walnut Creek defendants can meet with beforehand allows you to walk into that hearing with a plan. I review the paperwork with you, explain what is likely to occur, and appear in court on your behalf.

After arraignment, cases often move into a series of pretrial conferences. During this phase, I obtain and review police reports and any available evidence, such as video, photographs, or witness statements. I look for legal issues, factual weaknesses, or gaps in the prosecution’s case. I also discuss the background you bring to the case, including work, school, and any prior record, because those details can matter in how a prosecutor or judge views a proposed resolution.

Some misdemeanor cases can be resolved through negotiated agreements that may involve amended charges, agreed-upon sentencing terms, or alternatives that lessen the long term impact. Other cases need further litigation, such as motions or a trial, when there are serious disputes about what happened or whether the law was applied correctly. As a misdemeanor lawyer that Walnut Creek defendants can rely on, I prepare each case with the understanding that it may need to be fully contested in court.

What To Do After A Misdemeanor Arrest

What you do in the days after a misdemeanor arrest or citation can affect how your case unfolds. People often feel pressure to explain themselves to friends, employers, or even officers and investigators. Before you take steps that could make your situation harder to fix, it is important to slow down and make careful choices.

Practical steps that often help protect your position include:

• Keep all paperwork you receive, including citations, booking documents, and any release terms from Contra Costa County agencies.
• Mark your court date and location, such as the Martinez courthouse, and arrange your schedule so you do not miss it.
• Avoid detailed discussions of the incident on social media or in group messages, since those comments can sometimes appear in discovery.
• Write down your own recollection of events while they are fresh, including names of potential witnesses and any helpful details you might forget later.
• Contact a misdemeanor lawyer that Walnut Creek residents can consult before entering any plea or making decisions in court.

When you contact my office, I review the information you have, talk through what happened from your perspective, and explain what you can expect at the next court appearance. My goal is to put a structure around what currently feels uncertain so you can move from reacting to planning.

How I Approach Misdemeanor Defense

Every misdemeanor case represents a real person whose life, reputation, and opportunities may be affected for years. When I take on a case, I begin by listening to your concerns and learning about your background. I then review the police reports and other available materials and look closely at how the investigation was conducted and how the law has been applied.

As a misdemeanor criminal attorney that Walnut Creek defendants can speak with directly, I explain the strengths and weaknesses I see in the case and outline possible paths forward. That may involve seeking additional information, consulting with you about potential witnesses, or discussing whether certain motions are appropriate. Throughout the process, I translate legal terms into everyday language so you always understand what is happening and why.

My work in court is guided by the goal of protecting your rights and working to reach an outcome that limits the long term damage of a misdemeanor charge. Outcomes can depend on facts, available evidence, your history, and the approach of the judge and prosecution, so no result can be guaranteed. What I can control is the effort I put into preparing your defense, the clarity of the advice I provide, and the respect with which I treat you and your case.

If you are looking for a misdemeanor criminal lawyer Walnut Creek residents can trust with sensitive matters, I encourage you to reach out to my office to discuss your situation. Together, we can review what has happened so far and consider the next steps that make sense for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a misdemeanor in Contra Costa County stay on my record?

A misdemeanor conviction can appear on your criminal record and background checks. Whether it can later be reduced or limited depends on the charge, outcome, and your history. I review these factors with you and explain what options might exist in your specific situation.

Do I have to go to court for a misdemeanor in Walnut Creek?

Most misdemeanor cases require at least one court appearance, often at the Martinez courthouse for Walnut Creek matters. In some situations, I can appear for routine hearings without you, but not in every case. We discuss your obligations and whether my appearance can cover certain dates.

How soon should I contact a misdemeanor lawyer after an arrest?

It is usually best to speak with an attorney as early as you can, ideally before the first court date. Early advice can help you avoid missteps and prepare for the arraignment. When you contact my office, I work to review your paperwork and explain your options promptly.

How will you keep me informed about my case?

Communication is a central part of my practice. I speak directly with my clients about developments, explain upcoming hearings, and answer questions in plain language. You will know how to reach me, and my goal is that you never feel left in the dark about your case.

Can a misdemeanor charge ever be reduced or dismissed?

Some misdemeanor charges can be reduced, amended, or occasionally dismissed, depending on the facts, evidence, and your prior record. No particular result can be promised, but I evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the case and pursue options that may lessen the long-term impact where possible.

Talk With A Local Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer

Deciding what to do after a misdemeanor arrest or citation is easier when you have clear information from someone who deals with these cases in Contra Costa County every day. When you contact Law Office of Thomas F. McKenna, you speak with the attorney who will review your file, appear in court, and guide you through decisions that affect your future.

During a consultation, I explain how the local court process applies to your situation and answer your questions about possible consequences and next steps. My goal is to give you practical advice and a plan, so you are not facing the system alone. To discuss your case directly with me, call the number below.

(925) 744-8404