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Person in blue shirt and tie holding out a signed check.
By Mark Cibula July 25, 2025
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, and one of the first concerns many people have is: How much is this going to cost? Hiring an attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, but understanding the financial commitment—especially the retainer fee—is essential before moving forward. A retainer is an upfront payment made to […] The post What is the Average Retainer for a Criminal Defense Attorney? appeared first on Law Office of Mark H. Cibula.
Man in suit gestures, speaking in a courtroom; judges and audience seated.
By Mark Cibula July 25, 2025
When someone is charged with a crime, one of the first and most critical decisions they face is choosing the right legal representation. The type of defense attorney you work with can significantly impact the outcome of your case, whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony. But what many people don’t realize is […] The post What are the Three Types of Defense Attorneys? appeared first on Law Office of Mark H. Cibula.
Person in a suit with hands cuffed behind their back, standing in front of a building.
By Mark Cibula July 25, 2025
A felony charge doesn’t just come with the risk of prison time—it comes with a high financial cost, too. From court fees to legal representation, bail, lost wages, and long-term consequences, being charged with a felony in California can be an overwhelming and expensive experience. And while the emotional toll is often hard to quantify, […] The post How Much Does a Felony Cost? appeared first on Law Office of Mark H. Cibula.
Gavel on sound block with scales of justice, pills, and medicine bottles, suggesting a legal or medical context.
By Mark Cibula July 25, 2025
Drug charges in California can carry serious legal consequences, but not every offense leads to harsh penalties. The minimum sentence for a drug charge largely depends on the type of drug, the amount in possession, prior convictions, and whether the offense involved intent to sell or distribute. Understanding the potential minimum consequences—and how to defend […] The post What is the Minimum Sentence for a Drug Charge? appeared first on Law Office of Mark H. Cibula.
Gavel and handcuffs on wooden surface, symbolizing law, justice, and criminal proceedings.
By Mark Cibula July 25, 2025
Being charged with drug possession in California is a serious matter—but it doesn’t always lead to a conviction. Depending on the specifics of your case—and with the help of an experienced defense attorney—it is often possible to get drug possession charges reduced or even dropped entirely. California law treats drug offenses with varying degrees of […] The post How Do I Get a Drug Possession Charge Dropped in California? appeared first on Law Office of Mark H. Cibula.
California flag with a bear and scales of justice on a desk in a courtroom.
By Mark Cibula July 24, 2025
When facing felony charges in California, one of the first questions on most people’s minds is: How much will it cost to hire a felony defense attorney? The answer can vary widely depending on the complexity of your case, the attorney’s experience, and how long the legal process takes. While legal fees can be significant, […] The post How Much Does a Felony Defense Attorney Cost in California? appeared first on Law Office of Mark H. Cibula.
Wooden courtroom with scales of justice emblem; desk with papers and microphone.
By Mark Cibula July 24, 2025
Assault and battery are serious criminal offenses in California, and deciding to press charges is not a decision to take lightly. Whether you’re the victim of an altercation or someone looking to understand the legal process, it’s important to know what actually happens once assault and battery charges are filed. These cases can move quickly—and […] The post What Happens When You Press Charges for Assault and Battery? appeared first on Law Office of Mark H. Cibula.
Silver handcuffs hanging against a dark background.
By Mark Cibula July 24, 2025
When someone hears the terms “assault” and “battery,” they often assume they mean the same thing. While they are closely related offenses under California law, they have different legal definitions and carry different consequences. If you or a loved one is facing either charge, understanding the distinctions—and which one may carry harsher penalties—is essential for […] The post Is it Worse to be Charged with Assault or Battery? appeared first on Law Office of Mark H. Cibula.
Gavel and scales of justice on a table. Two women and a baby are out of focus in the background.
By Mark Cibula July 24, 2025
Being charged with domestic violence in California is a serious matter that can have lasting consequences on your reputation, freedom, employment, and family life. But being charged is not the same as being convicted. With the right legal strategy and representation, it’s possible to fight the charges and protect your future. So how do you […] The post How to Beat a Domestic Violence Case in California? appeared first on Law Office of Mark H. Cibula.
Gavel on a wooden table with a damaged green car in the background on a street, implying a legal case.
By Mark Cibula July 24, 2025
If you’ve recently received a traffic ticket or been charged with a more serious driving-related offense in California, you may be wondering whether it’s worth hiring a traffic lawyer—and what it might cost. The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of the offense, the location of the court, and the experience of the […] The post How Much Does a Traffic Lawyer Cost in California? appeared first on Law Office of Mark H. Cibula.

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