Felony Defense Attorneys in La Mesa
When you are charged with a crime in California, one of the most important steps that you can take in order to protect your rights is to hire a skilled attorney. If you are facing felony charges, retaining legal counsel as soon as possible is even more important. At the office of Garmo & Garmo, Attorneys at Law, LLP, our experienced felony crimes defense lawyers can provide you with the quality, committed representation you deserve. Reach out to our law office today to start the process of building your defense.
Types of Felony Offenses
The list of potential felony offenses in California is long. Examples of felony offenses in California include:
- Drug crimes, including possession, transportation, sale, and manufacturer of most controlled substances;
- Multiple offense DUIs and DUIs with various aggravated circumstances;
- Certain property crimes, such as burglary, trespass, auto theft, fraud, and embezzlement;
- The majority of violent crimes, including murder, manslaughter, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, extortion, kidnapping, rape, and more.
The above list is not exhaustive. If you are facing felony charges and you do not understand the details of the charges or of the potential sentence and penalty you face, we strongly recommend that you connect with our law firm as soon as possible.
Straight Felonies vs. Wobblers in California
For those who have been convicted of a crime, knowing whether you are facing charges for a “straight felony” vs. a “wobbler” can be confusing. A straight felony is a crime that can be charged and sentenced only as a felony – there is no wiggle room to reduce the offense to a misdemeanor crime. A “wobbler,” on the other hand, refers to a crime that may be prosecuted as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the discretion of the prosecution.
Rape, murder, and lewd acts with a child are all examples of straight felonies, whereas second-degree burglary, vandalism, and domestic violence are wobbler offenses.
Penalties for Felony Offenses
Felonies are considered to be more serious crimes than misdemeanors and are therefore punished more harshly. Per felony sentencing guidelines in the state, when a person is charged with a felony, they can be punished by:
- Felony probation;
- Imprisonment in state prison or a period of incarceration in county jail; or
- Fine/fee in addition to or instead of a period of imprisonment.
There are usually three different ways to think about the length of a sentence of imprisonment: low-term, middle-term, and high-term. For example, a specific felony crime may be punished by an incarceration of two, four, or even six years, and the judge will be responsible for determining whether a low-, middle-, or high-term sentence is most appropriate depending on various factors, such as “aggravating factors” like the use of a weapon. Very serious felony offenses can have extreme incarceration periods, including a term of 25 years to life (this is the sentence for a conviction of first-degree murder in California).
In some cases, a person who is convicted of a felony crime may be put on felony probation instead of having to serve a period of incarceration. Being on felony probation–also called formal probation in California–may have many conditions, including meeting with a probation officer monthly, attending therapy sessions, performing community service, paying restitution to any victims of the crime, and more. If the terms of probation are violated, the individual may be ordered to serve time in jail or prison for the maximum sentence of the crime instead.
In addition to facing prison time and large fines, a person who is convicted of a felony will also have to live with that offense being on their record long-term. This can affect a person’s ability to get a job, secure housing, and pursue other opportunities.
The Importance of Working with a Skilled Felony Crimes Lawyer
While being charged with any crime can be significant and have a major impact on one’s life, being charged with a felony offense is especially serious. You may be scared and uncertain about what steps to take, but it’s important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty, you have the right to defend yourself against charges, and you have the right to competent legal counsel.
You can exercise this latter right by reaching out to a felony crimes defense attorney as soon as possible after being arrested and charged with a crime. An attorney can help you by:
- Explaining the charges you are facing;
- Helping you to understand whether the crime with which you’ve been charged is a “wobbler”;
- Explaining to you the potential consequences you face;
- Reviewing the evidence the prosecution has against you;
- Advising you on whether to plead guilty or innocent;
- Negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecution;
- Building your defense;
- Representing you in all interactions with the prosecution and the judge; and
- Helping you to secure the best outcome possible.
It is your attorney’s job to represent your best interests and advocate for you. Without an attorney, you risk misunderstanding your rights, the legal process, and your options.
What to Expect from Garmo & Garmo, Attorneys at Law, LLP
When you choose a felony crimes defense attorney from the office of Garmo & Garmo, Attorneys at Law, LLP, you can expect personalized attention, attention to detail, hard work, a thorough analysis of your case, and an attorney who truly cares about you. We will remain accessible and available, communicative, and committed to protecting your Constitutional rights and defending you against charges or securing the best plea bargain possible.
Call Our California Felony Crimes Law Firm Today
When you are facing felony charges, there’s a lot on the line. But you are not alone – our law firm is here to provide the legal counsel and support you need. If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony offense, reach out to our legal team immediately to learn how we can help and what steps you should take next. You can connect with us by visiting our law office, sending us a message online, or calling us at 619-441-2500 today.