Personal Injury
Steven Ortiz is a founding attorney of Ortiz & Sanchez. He graduated magna cum laude from Whittier School of Law with a concentration in trial and appellate practice and criminal law, and holds a B.A. in Political Science from UC Santa Barbara. Prior to founding Ortiz & Sanchez, Steven spent four years at a boutique personal injury law firm, where he handled cases including sexual assault, medical malpractice, mold, premises liability, and motor vehicle accidents. During law school, he served as a certified law clerk at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Steven has a deep commitment to serving underprivileged and minority communities, and takes pride in advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
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Seek medical attention, document the scene with photos and witness info, and avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney
In most cases you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, though claims involving government entities have shorter deadlines — so it's important to act quickly.
In California, crimes are generally classified as either misdemeanors or felonies based on severity. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses punishable by up to one year in county jail, fines, probation, or community service. Common examples include petty theft, simple assault, and first-offense DUI. Felonies are more serious crimes that can carry a sentence of a year or more in state prison, along with steeper fines and lasting consequences like loss of certain civil rights. Some offenses, known as "wobblers," can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the case and the defendant's criminal history. If you're facing charges, the classification can significantly affect your defense strategy, which is why it's important to speak with an attorney early.