A felony in California is a serious crime defined under California Penal Code § 17(a) PC as an offense punishable by state prison or, in some cases, county jail under the criminal justice realignment act.
This means that felony crimes carry the most severe penalties in the criminal justice system, including long prison sentences, a permanent criminal record, and major collateral consequences that can affect your future, your rights, and your freedom in Los Angeles and across California.
Hurwitz Law Group helps you understand felony charges, protect your constitutional rights, and build a strong defense with an experienced California criminal defense attorney who understands how the prosecuting agency operates, so you can face the criminal justice system with confidence and fight for the best possible outcome.
Call 323-767-0456 now for a free, confidential consultation and get the help you need today.
| Felonies | Most serious offenses under California law | State prison, county jail, large fines, parole, mandatory supervision | Murder, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon |
| Misdemeanors | Less serious than felonies | Up to 1 year in county jail, fines, probation, community service hours | Domestic violence, petty theft, spousal battery |
| Infractions | Least serious offenses | Fines only, no jail time | Traffic violations, minor violations |
Felony cases in California include a wide range of serious offenses that can lead to state prison, long-term supervision, and life-changing consequences, which is why working with a criminal defense lawyer is critical when facing felony charges in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, or San Bernardino.
Violent crimes include murder, robbery, aggravated assault, and assault with a deadly weapon, which often lead to severe prison sentences or even the death penalty in extreme cases.
Drug offenses such as possession of dangerous drugs for sale under California Health & Safety Code § 11350 and § 11351 can lead to felony charges and serious penalties.
Property crimes include burglary under California Penal Code 460(a) PC and grand theft, which may lead to felony convictions depending on the value and facts of the case.
White-collar crimes include fraud schemes and embezzlement, which often involve financial records and detailed investigation by the California Department of Justice.
Felony sentencing in California can involve a wide range of penalties, including prison sentences, fines, supervision, and long-term consequences that affect your rights, your record, and your future, which is why understanding these penalties is important when facing felony charges.
Felony convictions can result in prison sentences ranging from 16 months to life, depending on the offense and criminal history.
For many felonies, courts may impose fines up to $10,000. If the law does not specify a fine, judges can still impose one under California Penal Code § 672.
Some offenses carry higher fines, such as:
Courts may also order:
Some cases may involve probation, parole, or mandatory supervision under California Penal Code 1170(h) PC, with strict rules set by a probation officer.
Aggravating factors, such as the use of a firearm or repeat offenses under the California three-strikes law, can increase penalties and lead to longer sentences.
California uses a structured sentencing system that determines how prison sentences are imposed, including determinate and indeterminate sentences, and is guided by the California Rules of Court, making it important to understand how these systems affect felony cases.
Determinate sentences are fixed prison terms set by law, such as 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years, meaning the court chooses a specific length based on the facts of the case.
Indeterminate sentences involve a range, such as 15 years to life, where the parole board decides release. This difference affects how long a person may stay in state prison.
The California Rules of Court and sentencing guidelines help judges determine the appropriate sentence based on factors such as the seriousness of the crime, prior criminal record, and the circumstances of the case.
These guidelines promote consistency in felony sentencing. Judges still have some discretion, but they must follow California law when making decisions.
Under California Penal Code § 667, the three strikes law increases penalties for repeat offenders who have prior serious or violent felony convictions, which can lead to much longer prison sentences and, in some cases, a life sentence. A second strike can double the sentence, and a third strike can result in 25 years to life in state prison.
Courts may order multiple sentences to run concurrently (at the same time) or consecutively (one after another), which can greatly affect the total time a person spends in prison. Concurrent sentences reduce total time, while consecutive sentences increase it. Judges decide this based on the facts and severity of the offenses.
A wobbler offense under California Penal Code § 17(b) PC is a crime that can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the facts, the defendant’s history, and the decision of the prosecuting agency or judge.
Some offenses in California are wobbler crimes, meaning they can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors depending on the facts of the case and the defendant’s history. These charges give prosecutors and courts flexibility under California Penal Code § 17(b) PC.
Some of the common examples are:
The decision to file a case as a felony or a misdemeanor depends on several factors, as reviewed by the prosecuting agency and the court under California law. These decisions can greatly affect penalties and long-term consequences.
Key factors include:
After a felony arrest, the case moves through several stages in the criminal justice system, which can feel overwhelming. Understanding the process helps you prepare and protect your rights with the help of a criminal defense attorney.
After an arrest for felony crimes, law enforcement takes the person into custody and completes the booking process, which includes recording personal information, taking fingerprints, and preparing police reports.
This step officially starts the case in the criminal justice system. The person may be held in the county jail while waiting for the next court appearance.
At arraignment, the defendant appears in the superior courts where the charges are formally read, and a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest is entered. The judge may also address bail under the bail system. This hearing determines if the person can be released while the case continues. Legal counsel is important at this stage.
During the preliminary hearing, the court decides whether there is enough evidence to move the case forward based on what the prosecuting agency presents. If the judge finds probable cause, the charges are formally filed. This step is critical in felony cases. A strong defense can challenge weak evidence here.
Before trial, both sides file motions, review evidence, and prepare legal strategies as part of the discovery phase under California Penal Code § 1170 and related rules. This stage may involve plea bargains or dismissal efforts. Careful preparation can affect the outcome. Strong defense work is essential.
If you are facing felony charges and want to protect your rights at every stage of this process, you should act now and speak with a criminal defense lawyer who understands California law.
Call Hurwitz Law Group today at 323-767-0456 for a free, confidential consultation and get the legal support you need.
Expungement in California allows some felony convictions to be dismissed under California Penal Code § 1203.4, but eligibility depends on the case, the sentence, and whether probation was completed, which means not all felony convictions qualify for expungement.
Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, some felony convictions may be eligible for expungement if the person successfully completed probation and did not serve time in state prison, allowing the case to be dismissed and the conviction to be expunged from the criminal record.
This process is often called expungement. It can improve opportunities, but it does not completely erase the case from all records.
Not all felony convictions qualify for expungement under California law, especially those involving state prison sentences, serious or violent felonies, or certain offenses that require registration, such as California sex offender cases.
Some convictions may require reduction to a misdemeanor first under California Penal Code § 17(b). These limits make legal guidance important.
Clearing your record can reduce the impact of a felony conviction and help you move forward with your life in a more stable and positive way. While expungement does not erase everything, it can still provide many important advantages.
A few of the key benefits include:
Facing felony charges in California requires a strong legal defense because the stakes are high, and the legal system is complex, which is why working with a felony attorney from Hurwitz Law Group can help protect your rights and improve your chances of a better outcome.
A criminal defense attorney understands California law, including the California Penal Code, sentencing rules, and how felony cases are handled in the criminal justice system, which allows them to explain your situation in simple terms and build a strong legal defense. This knowledge helps identify the best strategy. It also helps avoid costly mistakes early in the case.
Your lawyer helps you through each step of the legal process, including court appearances, arraignment, preliminary hearing, and pretrial motions in superior courts, which can be difficult to handle without legal counsel. Each stage has strict rules and deadlines. Having a criminal defense lawyer ensures you stay prepared and protected.
Your defense team works to protect your constitutional rights and reduce the long-term impact of felony convictions, including risks to employment, housing, and firearm ownership under California Penal Code § 29800. Strong legal defense can help lower penalties or avoid a conviction. The goal is to protect your future and give you a chance to move forward.
If you are facing felony charges, you should act now and speak with Hurwitz Law Group for experienced legal representation and guidance. Early action can make a difference.
A serious crime punishable by state prison or county jail.
Yes, some wobbler offenses may be reduced.
Yes, unless expunged or reduced.
A law that increases penalties for repeat offenders.
Yes, legal defense is critical.
If you are facing felony charges in California, you should act now and speak with a criminal defense lawyer who understands California law and how to protect your future. Hurwitz Law Group proudly serves clients in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
Call us today at 323-767-0456 for a free, confidential consultation and get the legal support you need.
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