Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Misdemeanor 653M(b)

What can someone expect who has been charged with a misdemeanor -- 653M(b) ''annoying phone calls''? This person has no criminal record -- not even a traffic ticket. The phone calls were non-threatening and non-verbal -- just random hang up calls made from pay phones. Thank you.


Asked on 3/23/03, 4:08 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Troy Attorney at Law

Re: Misdemeanor 653M(b)

Well, given no prior history, it is not likely that you will end up in jail. If you cannot afford a private attorney, talk with a public defender to see if you can get the charges either dismissed, or reduced to an infraction of some sort. As an infraction, you pay a fine and have no conviction on your record. This all depends, of course, on the evidence against you.

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Answered on 3/24/03, 1:34 pm
Robert Miller Robert L. Miller & Associates, A Law Corporation

Re: Misdemeanor 653M(b)

Thank you for your posted inquiry.

Prosecutors are becoming more aggressive with these types of cases, somewhat because of technology.

The minimum is a $100 contribution to the state victim's restitution fund, and typically probation and a 'no contact' order. The maximum includes 6 months jail time, and a $1,000 fine plus assessments, which can triple the fine.

With no criminal record, and conduct as you've described, you may be looking at the minimum, rather than the maximum. However, a criminal record, even with the minimum, can cause problems you may not be thinking of now, so I'd see a lawyer first, before you plead to anything.

I hope that this information helps, but if you have other questions, need more information, or feel that you need legal representation, please feel free to email me directly at [email protected]. I�m happy to help in any way that I can.

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Answered on 3/24/03, 4:10 pm
David Diamond Diamond & Associates

Re: Misdemeanor 653M(b)

YOU SHOULD BE FINE, BUT BE SURE TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY. Give us a call if you need our help. LARRY WOLF 310 277 1707

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Answered on 3/24/03, 1:00 am


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