Sacramento Felony Attorney

What is Considered a Felony in California?

A felony is a crime that carries a maximum sentence of more than one year in custody. Felonies are much more serious than misdemeanors, which are only punishable by up to one year in prison. Some felonies can even be punishable by death. In California, certain crimes are considered "wobblers," which means that they can either be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Prosecutors most often choose to charge wobblers as felonies.

Facing a Felony in California

Felonies are the most serious offenses a person can face. Being convicted can leave you without many of your rights and makes it much more difficult to find:

• Housing
• Employment
• Loan opportunities
• Professional licenses

If you were charged with a felony, get help from the Sacramento felony defense attorney at Donato Legal Group today. We offer free consultations to help you better understand the challenges you face and how to proceed with your case.

Call our felony lawyer in Sacramento today by dialing (916) 318-5997. We offer free consultations to help you plan your defense.

What Are Felony Charges in California?

When a person is charged with a felony, the State of California proceeds as though they may be dangerous criminals. This can mean harder challenges such as larger bail amounts, jail time, and having less important misdemeanors charged as felonies.

What is Considered a Serious Felony in California?

• Robbery
• Extortion
• Kidnapping
• Carjacking
• Burglary
• Arson
• Rape
• Murder
• Drug trafficking
• Gang activity
• Domestic violence

What Are the Penalties for Felonies in California?

In California, felony crimes are either charged as straight felonies or wobbler felonies. A straight felony is a crime that can only be charged as a felony, whereas a wobbler felony can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the prosecution's choice. If convicted of a felony, the penalties could include:

• Extended time in county jail or state prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines
• Community service
• Victim restitution
• Mandatory drug testing

Unlike other states, California also imposes a rule where subsequent felony convictions are penalized more harshly, meaning if you are convicted of more than one felony, your sentence could be doubled.

What Happens When You Get 3 Felonies in California?

When you get 3 serious or violent felonies in California, you can receive 25 years to life in prison. This is called the “three strikes law”. An example of the strikes law is:

• Andrew has a prior conviction of carjacking. He is charged with grand theft for shoplifting from a dealership. Because carjacking is a serious felony, he is a “second striker”. This means that his potential prison term for the grand theft charge will be twice as long as a normal sentence.

Call (916) 318-5997 Today

Once you have been charged with a felony, the prosecution will immediately begin to build a case against you. This requires careful planning and preparation. Donato Legal Group can help you understand the charges and evidence filed against you and help you plan how to defend yourself.

During your free consultation, our Sacramento criminal defense lawyer can give you helpful advice to help you proceed through your legal challenges with hope and confidence. You don’t have to fight your case alone. Call now.

Schedule your free consultation by dialing (916) 318-5997 or contact our felony attorney in Sacramento online today.