Sacramento Felony Defense Attorney

What is a Felony?

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.

What is Considered a Serious Felony 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.

Serious Felonies in California Include:

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

If you have any questions about what is considered a felony in California, contact our Sacramento felony lawyers. We're ready to answer all of your questions.

Have you been charged with a felony in California? Call Donato Legal Group today at (916) 318-5997 or contact us online to meet with our Sacramento felony attorney!

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 criminally 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.

Contact us Today to Start Your Defense

Felonies are the most serious criminal 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

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

Contact Donato Legal Group today for an initial consultation with our felony defense lawyers in Sacramento!