In most cases, yes. Even a misdemeanor in California can carry jail time, fines, probation, and a record that follows you for years, so you should talk to a lawyer before you say anything to police or prosecutors.
Here is the part people underestimate. A criminal charge is not just the day in court. It is the arraignment, the bail and release terms, the deadlines, the plea offers, and the evidence the prosecution has to hand over. Miss a step and you can give up rights you did not know you had. In San Diego, cases run through the downtown Hall of Justice and the branch courts, and the deputy district attorney handling your file does this every day. You should have someone in your corner who does too.
Joe Crudo looks at what actually happened, whether the stop or search was lawful, whether the evidence holds up, and what a realistic outcome looks like given the facts. Sometimes that means fighting the charge. Sometimes it means negotiating something you can live with. Depending on the case, charges can be reduced or dismissed, but no honest lawyer guarantees a result before reading the file.
This is general information, not legal advice, and every case is different.
If your case involves a car crash or a related accident, or an allegation of domestic violence, those facts change the strategy. See our criminal defense page for how we approach charges, and reach out through the contact page with the specifics.
Do not wait for the next court date to figure this out. Call Crudo Law at (858) 622-7280 or use our contact form. The consultation is free and confidential.