Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: Violation of P529-3

If you have a court date coming up then the D.A. has already filed.

There is no way to say how much defending this case will cost because you have told us nothing about the facts (I realize you may not know what they are, but that's a separate issue). Not all cases involving a given section of the penal code are alike.

And yes, you should get a lawyer. If you can't afford to hire one you should get a public defender.

Good luck.

Re: Violation of P529-3

It is a wobbler meaning it may be prosecuted as a felony. With that much at risk have a professional handle it. Contact me diretly. 20 years experience.

Re: Violation of P529-3

You probably already know this but the crime charged is, "Every person who falsely personates another in either his private or official capacity, and in such assumed character Does any other act whereby, if done by the person falsely

personated, he might, in any event, become liable to any suit or

prosecution, or to pay any sum of money, or to incur any charge,

forfeiture, or penalty, or whereby any benefit might accrue to the

party personating, or to any other person. Conviction is punishable by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by imprisonment in the state prison, or in a county

jail not exceeding one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment."

Yes, this is a potential felony charge and you should get a lawyer. The public defenders are very competent generally, but somewhat overworked. If you can afford private counsel, get private counsel. If you get private counsel anticipate a $5,000 retainer up front and through formal arraignment, and possibly preliminary hearing. If the case goes to trial anticipate about $20,000 more. These are approximate only and will be very fact dependent.