CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles Dogfighting

Taking a Stand Against Dogfighting in Los Angeles

Dogfighting is a grave offense in Los Angeles, and it is treated as a separate crime under California Penal Code 597.5, with various criminal penalties for different actions concerning dogfighting. If you are found guilty of dogfighting, you could face misdemeanor or felony convictions, which carry severe penalties.

Penalties for Dogfighting in Los Angeles

The following are some of the penalties that you could face if found guilty of dogfighting in Los Angeles:

Misdemeanor Conviction:
As per PC 597.5, if you are present at a dogfight or the place where preparations are being made for a dog fight, you can be penalized for dogfighting. The penalty for a misdemeanor conviction carries a sentence of up to one year in a local county jail and/or fines up to $5,000.

Felony Conviction:
If you adopt animals from local animal shelters to sell them specifically for dogfighting or are involved in training them for dogfighting, or coaxing dogs into a fight for financial gain, you are subject to a felony conviction. In such cases, you could face imprisonment for 16 months to three years and/or fines up to $50,000.

Asset Forfeiture:
If found guilty of dogfighting, the prosecutor could initiate actions to appropriate any possessions or property that you had gained through the act of dogfighting, including real estate or other personal property, equipment used in dogfighting, and any profit and proceeds from the act itself.

Defense Options Against Dogfighting Charges

The good news is that if you’re facing dogfighting charges, you still have options. With the help of skilled criminal defense attorneys, you can build a strong defense that can help get you a lighter sentence or even have the charges dropped. Some of the defense options available include:

Violation of Search and Seizure Laws:
If the officers who arrested you violated search and seizure laws, it could serve as a defense for your case.

Inability to Prove Ownership:
If the prosecutor cannot prove that the dogs involved in the dogfight belong to you, it could help your case.

Lack of Criminal Intent:
If you lacked criminal intent in your actions, your attorney could argue that you should not be held responsible for dogfighting.

Choosing a Reputable Law Firm to Help You Win Your Case

Dogfighting charges should not be taken lightly. If you end up being found guilty, you could lose everything that you hold dear. Getting a good criminal defense lawyer by your side is essential if you want to win your case. A reputable law firm, such as ours, will work hard to help you win your case against dogfighting. Our experienced attorneys have seen all these scenarios and will know what the legal defense is for your specific case. Contact us today to receive expert legal counsel and to fight the charges made against you.