Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

To have to defend the charges, just like any other person charged with a crime. When charged with a felony, you potentially face one or more years in prison if convicted. When charged with a misdemeanor, you potentially face up to 6-12 months in jail and fines, etc. -- on each count. Effective plea-bargaining, using whatever legal defenses, facts and sympathies you may have, could possibly keep you out of jail/prison, or at least dramatically reduce it, depending upon all the facts and evidence. Not exactly a do it yourself project in court for someone who does not know how to effectively represent himself against a professional prosecutor intending to convict you. If serious about hiring counsel, feel free to contact me. If you can't afford private counsel, apply for the Public Defender.