There are three types of offenses under California law: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. A felony is the most serious type of offense. If convicted, a person charged with a felony in Santa Ana, CA could be facing probation, several years in a state prison, and fines of up to $10000.
Examples of Felony Charges in California
Felony charges are divided into two categories, “straight” felonies and “wobbler” felony charges. Straight felony charges are offenses that can only be charged as a felony. Murder, rape, robbery, and kidnapping are examples of straight felony offenses.
Wobbler offenses are offenses that can result in either a misdemeanor or felony charge. Which way they go depends on the circumstances in a case, such as a defendant’s criminal history or if a firearm was used in the commission of the crime. Examples of wobbler offenses in California include DUI, domestic violence, assault, forgery, and arson to name a few.
Consequences for a Felony Conviction in California
If you’ve been charged with a felony offense in Santa Ana, CA it’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible after your arrest. A felony conviction can have a negative impact on your life in many ways. Depending on the circumstances in your case, you could be facing:
- Court-supervised probation
- Fines of up to $10000
- Up to life in prison
- Death
Most felony convictions count as a “strike” under the state’s three strikes law.
You could also lose certain rights, including your right to drive, vote, own a firearm, serve on a jury, or even have custody of your children.
In addition, the conviction will remain on your permanent public record, which could prevent you from holding certain jobs, obtaining a loan, leasing an apartment, or attending the school of your choice.
Felony Charge Defenses
There are very few open and shut felony cases. Juries must find a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in order to convict them. In most felony cases, there are mitigating factors and evidence that can be used to place doubt in the mind of a juror that the defendant may be innocent. Common defenses against felony charges can include:
- Self-defense
- Lack of intent/accident
- Constitutional violations
- False accusations/mistaken identity
- The defendant believed they had ownership, authorization, or consent
- Insanity
Speak to a Santa Ana, CA Criminal Defense Attorney About Your Felony Charges
If you’ve been arrested and charged with a felony in Santa Ana, CA, call the law office of Santa Ana, CA criminal defense attorney Jim Tanizaki without delay. Jim is a former Orange County DA turned criminal defense attorney. He knows the tactics the prosecution will use to get their felony conviction and how to craft effective strategies to counter their charges. This gives him an advantage few other lawyers possess. His skilled legal representation often results in lesser or even dropped charges for his clients.
Contact the law office of Jim Tanizaki through our website, or call us at (714) 655-7633 to schedule a free initial consultation with a leading Santa Ana, CA criminal defense attorney.