Felonies

Rancho Cucamonga Felony Defense Attorney

Staunch Defense for Serious Crimes in California

More serious than misdemeanors, felonies are reserved for the harshest crimes. Because of this, they come with serious penalties, including huge fines, years of imprisonment, and even the death penalty. Being accused of a felony can seem undeniably bleak, including adding stress and anxiety on you and your family.

Felonies include, but are not limited to:

Burglary of an inhabited building
Murder
Rape, including statutory rape
Sale or trafficking of a large quantity of drugs
Felony DUI, including cases involving major injury or death

In addition to this, California has “wobbler” cases – those that can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. For example, grand theft auto cases may be tried either way, depending on prior convictions or the behavior of the defendant.

Give us a call at (909) 328-6101 or contact us online today to learn more about how our felony defense attorney in Rancho Cucamonga can help you.

What is Considered a Felony?

The penal code, or the vehicle code, gives us directions as to what is a felony or what is a misdemeanor. However, the district attorney within those confines of the penal code or vehicle code ultimately has a discretion on how to file the case.

In reviewing the case, the district attorney's office is going to look for a number of things, including:

How offensive is the behavior?
How violent is the crime?
How egregious is the conduct of the person being charged?

What is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?

A felony charge carries more jail time -- that is the big difference between a felony charge and a misdemeanor charge.

In addition, a felony charge means longer probationary periods and formal probationary periods where:

You have search and seizure terms
And where law enforcement can come and search you without probable cause or warrant

They can also prohibit you from spending time with other people. On the other hand with a misdemeanor, the most jail time that you will face is likely up to a year in a county jail.

Understanding Felony Defense in Rancho Cucamonga

In Rancho Cucamonga, facing felony charges can be an overwhelming experience, especially with the potential for severe penalties that can disrupt your life and the lives of your loved ones. Local resources, such as the City of Rancho Cucamonga and the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office, provide essential information and support for those navigating the criminal justice system. However, the complexities of felony charges often require more personalized assistance.

Residents of Rancho Cucamonga may find themselves grappling with unique challenges, such as the impact of a felony conviction on employment opportunities and housing options. The stress of legal proceedings can also take a toll on mental health, making it crucial to have a dedicated legal advocate by your side. Understanding the local legal landscape, including the nuances of California's penal code, is vital for building a robust defense.

By working with a legal professional who is familiar with the local courts and the San Bernardino County legal system, you can better navigate the complexities of your case. They can help you understand the potential outcomes and work towards the best possible resolution, whether that involves negotiating plea deals or preparing for trial.

Commonly Asked Questions

What should I do if I am accused of a felony in California?

First, avoid discussing the case with anyone other than your attorney, as anything you say can be used against you. Next, seek legal representation as soon as possible. A qualified felony defense attorney can provide guidance on your rights, help you understand the charges, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your situation. Additionally, gather any relevant documents or evidence that may support your case, and remain calm throughout the process.

How can a felony defense attorney in Rancho Cucamonga help my case?

A felony defense attorney plays a vital role in protecting your rights and building a strong defense against felony charges. They will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your case, gather evidence, and identify any weaknesses in the prosecution's argument. By leveraging their knowledge of California law and courtroom procedures, they can negotiate plea deals, seek reduced charges, or represent you in trial if necessary.

What factors influence whether a crime is charged as a felony or misdemeanor in Rancho Cucamonga?

Several factors influence whether a crime is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. The nature of the offense, the severity of the harm caused, and the defendant's prior criminal history are critical considerations. For instance, certain crimes, such as grand theft auto, can be classified as either a felony or misdemeanor based on the circumstances surrounding the case.

What is California's Three Strikes Rule?

California's Three Strikes Rule states that each subsequent offense adds the possibility of a harsher sentence and longer prison time. However, there are statutes of limitations on all cases.

This is the time limit which prosecution has to bring a case against you. The limitations are different for each circumstance and there are exceptions. Hiring a dedicated Rancho Cucamonga criminal defense attorney from Newman & Allen is always in your best interest.

We know the laws and we have helped numerous clients throughout our nearly 20 years in practice. While we know that each case is different and that there are unique circumstances in every situation, our experience can benefit you before and during trial.

What are Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction?

Being convicted as a felon comes with a number of serious penalties. Prison times and fines are just the beginning—there are many other ways that a conviction can follow you around for life. That is why when our firm takes a case, we do everything possible to defend our clients against these charges.

A felony conviction can seriously impact your future, including:

Disqualification for certain jobs and difficulty finding employment
Loss of your right to vote or legally own a firearm
Permanent loss of reputation and relationships
Difficulty finding housing
Disqualification for certain government benefits
Ineligibility for federal student loans, grants, and professional licenses

Protect Your Future with Experienced Felony Defense Lawyers

When facing felony charges, it is crucial to have a skilled and experienced legal team on your side to protect your rights and defend your case. Our Rancho Cucamonga felony defense attorneys at Newman & Allen have a proven track record of success in handling serious criminal cases throughout California.

Benefits of hiring our felony defense lawyers include:

Extensive knowledge of California criminal laws
Strategic defense strategies tailored to your specific case
Strong negotiation skills for possible plea deals
Aggressive courtroom representation for trial cases
Compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process

Don't risk your future by facing felony charges alone. Contact Newman & Allen today to schedule a consultation with our experienced felony defense lawyers.

Contact Our Rancho Cucamonga Felony Defense Attorney

At Newman & Allen, we believe that every individual has the right to a fair and just legal process, regardless of the charges they may be facing. Our Rancho Cucamonga felony defense attorneys are dedicated to providing staunch defense for serious crimes in California, and we are committed to ensuring that our clients fully understand their legal rights throughout the entire legal process.

We can help you understand the collateral consequences of a felony conviction, and work tirelessly to build a strong defense to protect your rights and freedom. Our criminal defense team is available 24/7 to provide the support and legal representation you need when charged with a felony crime in Rancho Cucamonga.

Hiring one of our skilled felony defense lawyers can greatly help. Call (909) 328-6101 or contact our firm online today to request a confidential free case evaluation with Newman & Allen.

California Felony Charges FAQ

What are the penalties for a felony conviction in California? Penalties for a felony conviction in California can vary depending on the nature and severity of the offense. They may include imprisonment in state prison, fines, probation, community service, restitution to victims, loss of certain rights (such as voting or owning firearms), and registration as a sex offender (for certain offenses).
How long does a felony stay on your record in California? In California, a felony conviction typically remains on your criminal record indefinitely unless you take legal action to have it expunged or sealed. However, some felony convictions may be eligible for expungement or reduction under certain circumstances.
Can I vote if I have a felony conviction in California? In California, individuals with felony convictions are ineligible to vote while they are incarcerated or on parole. However, once they have completed their sentence and parole, they are eligible to register to vote and participate in elections.
Can I own a firearm if I have a felony conviction in California? In California, individuals convicted of certain felony offenses are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. This prohibition is generally permanent, although some individuals may be eligible to have their firearm rights restored through a legal process.
Can a felony conviction be expunged in California? In some cases, individuals convicted of felonies in California may be eligible to have their convictions expunged, which means the conviction is dismissed and the individual is released from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense. However, not all felony convictions are eligible for expungement, and eligibility requirements vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

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