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two police officers are seen arresting a young man at night next to a police car, with dramatic red and blue emergency lights illuminating the scene.

The Answers You Need When Facing a Criminal Charge

With more than 60 years of combined experience, we at Hansen, Frisbie & Clausen Law Firm defend clients throughout the Santa Rosa metro area who face a spectrum of criminal charges. From misdemeanors to felonies, we can help you understand your rights, the justice system and what to expect from your case.

On this page, you can read the answers to some of our clients’ frequently asked questions. We hope this gives you some of the information you need, as facing a criminal charge can feel incredibly confusing.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony? What are the possible penalties?

Misdemeanors are the less serious category of criminal charges. The most common misdemeanors include:

  • Drug possession
  • Driving under the influence
  • Petty theft or shoplifting
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Trespassing

Any criminal action that carries a possible sentence of one year or less in jail is typically classified as a misdemeanor. The sentences for misdemeanors usually include fines, community service or probation. Felonies are more serious. Some common examples include:

Felony charges usually have more than one year of jail time as a penalty.

What is a plea bargain?

The district attorney’s office will sometimes make a bargain where you can plead guilty to a lesser charge than the one you originally faced. These deals are often very beneficial to you as a defendant, as you can avoid a trial and have a lighter sentence. In other situations, you might benefit more from going to trial and having a judge or jury issue a verdict.

Will a conviction affect my record?

If the state convicts you of a criminal charge, it will remain on your record unless you have it expunged. Even an arrest will show up on your record. Your potential employer, landlord, creditor and friends will be able to see your past offenses if they access your criminal record.

When should I hire a criminal defense attorney?

As soon as you possibly can. You should never speak to a law enforcement officer without an attorney present, even if they claim that they merely want to eliminate you as a suspect. The cops have ways of getting incriminating information out of you, even if you have absolutely no involvement in a crime. The moment you believe you are under investigation, contact a strong defense lawyer.

What should I look for when hiring a criminal defense attorney?

Though California has a bounty of defense lawyers to hire, you should always keep a few key criteria in mind. For instance:

  • Their years of experience
  • Their previous case results
  • Their testimonials from past clients
  • Their reputation among their peers

At Hansen, Frisbie & Clausen Law Firm, we have these qualities in spades. Our attorneys bring decades of practice in criminal defense and have achieved thousands of acquittals, dismissed charges and reduced sentences. Our clients and peers alike respect us for our excellent service.

Do You Have More Questions About Criminal Law?

You are not on your own in the justice system. Our experienced lawyers are here to help you. For knowledgeable answers to even more of your questions, reach out to us to schedule an initial consultation. To contact us, call (707) 244-6050 or send us an email.

Feel free to reach out and speak with our experienced team of professionals who are here to provide you with guidance.
two police officers are seen arresting a young man at night next to a police car, with dramatic red and blue emergency lights illuminating the scene.
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Motorcycle Collision resulting in knee surgery.
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Client riding bicycle and dog on the loose caused him to flip over handlebars.
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Very friendly staff and tenacious attorneys looking out for your well being.


M.D.

I met Monte more than 30 years ago after my wife was seriously injured in an accident that was not her fault. She was a passenger, and at the time we had both the wrong attorney and the wrong doctor handling the case.

Monte took over, replaced our attorney, helped us get a new doctor, and completely changed the direction of the case. Three years later, he took it all the way to a jury trial and won the maximum award available for soft-tissue injuries.

What sets Monte apart is that he is fully prepared to go to trial when necessary. Insurance companies know this, which often results in stronger settlement offers and better outcomes for his clients. He took a chance on our case because if he had lost, he would have absorbed all the costs himself.

Monte also gave us something that’s hard to find today—his time. He was always available to answer questions and speak with us personally. In my experience, very few attorneys provide the level of dedication, commitment, and personal attention that Monte does.

If you need an attorney who is willing to fight for you and take your case all the way to trial when necessary, I highly recommend Monte.

A.B.

“I am in awe of the level of expertise, efficiency, and compassion shown from every member of this law firm. Roy Miller along with Monte Hansen represented us in a complicated and potentially serious juvenile felony conviction, and they were able to complete the case with great success. Maria answered my many concerned calls and email messages with care and understanding, even when I was probably asking too many questions. This is a very likable group of attorneys and staff, and I have to say it was fascinating watching Roy Miller in action in the courtroom. I will definitely recommend this law firm to anyone in need of their reasonably priced services, especially for those in Sonoma County, where they have extensive knowledge of the system, judges, District Attorney’s, etc. We feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to be represented by Hansen & Miller Law Firm.” 

M.G.
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The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute a client relationship.