Legal Professional?
Build Your Business

San Jose Criminal Law

If you have committed a crime in San Jose, are suspected of committing a crime in San Jose or have been accused of committing a crime in San Jose, the government may prosecute you. If found guilty, you could face punishment ranging from the relatively minor (a small fine, for example) to the very severe (such as prison time).

The California government, San Jose city government and other city governments are responsible for enforcing California criminal law. The federal government enforces federal criminal law.

Types of Crimes in San Jose

Crimes are generally categorized as felonies or misdemeanors. A felony is a more serious crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison. A misdemeanor is punishable by one year or less in prison, or no prison time at all.

Certain crimes may be both felonies and misdemeanors depending on the severity of the crime and whether you have previously been found guilty of the same crime.

Examples of San Jose felonies may include:

Examples of San Jose misdemeanors may include:

If you have been charged with a crime in San Jose, a local San Jose criminal defense attorney can explain the potential consequences of the crime and help defend you in court.

If you are found guilty of a crime in Santa Clara, Alamitos, Milpitas or elsewhere in the San Jose area, the punishment may vary depending on the severity of the crime, your intentions when you committed the crime, and your past criminal record. A San Jose criminal defense lawyer can explain the consequences to you in more detail.

Additional San Jose Criminal Law Resources

San Jose Police Department

Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office

Information about the Santa Clara County criminal justice system

Santa Clara County Office of the Public Defender

Information about Santa Clara County expungements

California Penal Code