John Karas

Trial attorney (not merely a negotiator). Criminal defense (misdemeanors and felonies), Civil (personal injury) and Appellate (criminal and civil). Worked on the defense team for then San Diego Mayor Roger Hedgecock. Written successful briefs and oral argument in both Civil and Criminal Appeals.

Specialize in Criminal Defense cases up to and including trial.

• Free Consultation
  30 minutes devoted totally to your case (not your financial information like most lawyers/law firms).

California

Since 1984

California

Federal Circuit

Since 1984

San Diego State Univ

Undergraduate Degree

California Western School of Law

Law Degree

California State Bar  # 115833

Member

1984 - Current

Q. I have been charged with felony elderly financial abuse. I have no prior charges, no arrests, no criminal record.

June 17, 2023

A: Yes, you need an attorney. If you cannot afford one, LA county will provide you with a Public Defender.

Q. If a criminal defendant makes a plea deal with the district attorney can the judge say no to the deal?

June 7, 2023

A: Yes but it's very, very rare. Were you represented by an attorney or a public defender? If so, ask them what can be done.

Q. Is assult and battery with deadly weapon a more serious crime than criminal threats?

April 8, 2023

A: Both are "wobblers" meaning they can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. However, if charged with ADW, it has a higher jail sentence if charged as a felony (up to 4 years in state prison) whereas CT if charged as a felon carries a 3 year prison sentence.

Of the two, ADW is charged as a felony 99% of the time in my experience while CT is almost always charged as a misdemeanor. It's also considered a serious and violent felony and counts as 1 strike under California's 3 strike laws which one a person gets 3 they can be sentenced to state prison for life.

However, if the CT was something like a threat to blow up someone's car or house and the police conducting an investigation find evidence that the person making the threat has the means to carry it out (i.e. find a detonator, trace evidence of an explosive), it would most certainly be charged as a felony with enhancement for possession of an explosive device or any of its components.

If you or someone else you know is charged with either offense, it would be best to hire a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney who has handled both types of crimes. There are certain defenses to both that to get the best outcome. ... Read More