Felony Offenses in California
Being accused of a felony crime is a serious issue that must be handled by an experienced criminal defense attorney in the Los Angeles area. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties and years lost behind bars. At the Law Offices of Omar Gastelum & Associates, our team is prepared to fight for your freedoms after an accusation of a felony offense. Call or contact us today to learn more.
Differences in Felony and Misdemeanor Crimes
Crimes are separated into two distinct categories: misdemeanors and felony offenses. Misdemeanors are crimes that are considered less serious and constitute less harm to victims. Felony offenses are considered the more serious crimes that involve more substantial harm to others, either physically, emotionally, or financially. In some cases a criminal act is elevated to a felony offense if a weapon is used or the victim falls into a certain category, like the elderly or disabled. Some of the most common felony offenses include the following:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Rape
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Aggravated battery
- Kidnapping
- False imprisonment
- Hate crimes
- Torture
- Child pornography
- Fraud
- Drug distribution
- Domestic violence
- Gang crimes, and more.
Penalties for Felony Offenses
Because felony crimes are more serious than misdemeanors, the penalties for felony criminal conviction are also more severe. Felony offenses come with a minimum of one year in prison, and depending on the seriousness of the offense, can result in a lifetime spent behind bars. Prior criminal convictions and other aggravating factors can also increase the amount of time spent in prison for a felony offense. Felony crimes also typically come with fines in the thousands of dollars, and crimes that involve harming another person financially also usually include restitution to the victim.
Once time has been served, those convicted of felony offenses continue to be punished for the crime. They have a felony criminal record that comes up on every background check for jobs, school, and housing. They are not allowed to possess firearms or hang out with others convicted of felony crimes. They may lose custody of their children and have their spouse file for divorce. The list is long of additional penalties that follow a person convicted of a felony offense for the rest of their life.
Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
Hiring a knowledgeable California criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between spending years behind bars and freedom after being accused of a felony offense. An experienced criminal defense lawyer knows the law and how the prosecution operates. They will examine the state’s case and look for every hole in their arguments, which may get evidence set aside or the charges dropped altogether. An attorney represents your legal interests throughout every step of the criminal case and will zealously advocate for your rights. To learn more about how a lawyer can help with felony criminal charges, talk to our office today.
Call or Contact Our Office Today
Have you or someone you know been accused of committing a felony crime in the Los Angeles area? If so, you need the experienced criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Omar Gastelum & Associates representing your case. Call the office or contact us today to learn more.