Home > Research Legal Advice > Violent Crime > First offense for 18 year old. How much time can he get for: domestic v...
Asked 7 months ago - Marina, CA
FlagAs stated above in regards to assault with a deadly weapon ( brandishing a knife). In the state of California what could happen to my 18 year old son? The girlfriend was 17 and he was 15 & a half at the time when he got her pregnant ... The family falsified the birth certificate that they didn't know the father and yet we were all there and that my son was present the entire time of the labor including all prenatal appts. Unhealthy relationship for more than 3 years.
There is a huge difference between assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code 245) and brandishing a knife (Penal Code 417). The 245 charge is a potential felony and a strike. The 417 is a misdemeanor. The false imprisonment is also another potential felony.
There is no way to guess what he may face. Any sentence depends on what, if any, charges he is convicted of, his record, the facts and what his attorney can do for him.
You need a good criminal defense attorney. I'd strongly suggest you find someone who focuses on criminal law and who routinely practices in the court where this case will be heard.
Please pardon any typos - posted via mobile device.
Generally agree with Mr. Dane.
The exact charges are needed to even give you a decent
idea. As part of that consideration, one would need to know if the
"brandishing" is your term and not a charged count, if it is charged or
is it the basis for the ADW.
PC 245 was amended. There is (1) which is force likely to cuse great bodily harm.
There is (4) which is a weapon as the basis. The first is not a strike and the latter is.
The code sections used for domestic violence vary and can be felonies or misdemeanors.
Also unaddressed, atleast in this qiuery , but lurking abiout, is the potential sex charges.
If one can afford counsel, there are several on AVVO who practice in the Monterey area.
I agree with the other attorneys. I understand that you are desperate for information right now. If you are wondering what his maximum exposure is, or the worst case scenario, you should obtain a copy of the exact charges that have been filed to discuss with an attorney.
With the recent sentencing changes in California, a simple variation in how the assault is charged could determine whether your son is subject to a possible prison term or a jail sentence. The facts you set forth indicate that there are other potential charges that have not been brought at this point. It is important to speak with his appointed attorney, or to speak with a lawyer that focuses on criminal law, so that you can best understand his potential consequences.
ALSO, if he is in custody - do not speak to him on the phone, or in person during a jail visit, about the charges or anything that you mentioned above. I know it is difficult, but the DA's in Monterey frequently pull inmates' jail calls and recorded visits for evidence.
Mr. Dane is correct, your son needs a Monterey County attorney.
If you cannot find a local attorney on Avvo, a good place to look is the website for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL.org) There is no confidentiality online. Speak to several attorneys and hire the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
NACDL Local affiliates: (http://tinyurl.com/8akw2gd)
NACDL local members: (http://tinyurl.com/8ru8wtv)
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