Jail or Prison Time
The criminal justice system is designed to handle a wide array of offenses. Some of these crimes are relatively minor and receive a lesser designation (along with lesser penalties). Felony offenses, however, are seen as more serious crimes, and they come with steeper penalties as a result. If you are facing a felony charge, it’s important to understand that what happens next can have a long-term impact on your life. From lengthy prison sentences to steep and life-altering fees, felony offenses carry heavy impacts for the individuals facing them.
Don’t face that situation alone. You want an experienced and dedicated Riverside felony lawyer by your side as you head into court and handle your case. Make sure you’ve chosen a criminal defense attorney who understands the ins and outs of this most serious section of the criminal justice system and who has experience defending felony cases.
If you have been arrested for a crime in Riverside, you may be wondering about the details of the charges and how they will ultimately impact your life. Remember, no matter the circumstances of the crime, you have rights, and protecting those rights is a key component of the criminal defense system. You deserve a fair trial with a powerful defense that examines the charges against you with scrutiny and an eye toward telling your side of the story.
It is in your best interest to avoid speaking with authorities unless you have a lawyer present. While the “right to remain silent” may seem like a dramatized moment played up for television and movies, it truly is one of the strongest pieces of your defense. Even minor statements can be used against you as part of the prosecution’s strategy. Navigating the ups and downs of questioning and trial can be an intimidating and confusing process for anyone. Set yourself up for the best possible defense by getting a skilled attorney on your side as soon as possible.
Felony charges are varied and may encompass a wide range of offenses. It’s important to understand that a felony charge is not necessarily tied to your past criminal history. While criminal history may be taken into account for some charges, others are designated as felonies as a first offense, which means that you could be facing serious penalties even if you have no record of past criminal offenses.
The most common felony charges in Riverside are as follows:
These serious offenses are fairly straightforward and will be prosecuted as felonies due to the very nature of the crime. On the other hand, some offenses are not quite so cut and dry. These so-called “wobblers” could be prosecuted as felonies or could be charged as misdemeanors instead:
In these cases, the court has additional leeway in how they handle the charge, and the details of the case are going to make a big difference. Past criminal offenses and the impact on the victim will be under consideration as well as the circumstances surrounding the crime itself.
Felonies carry stiff penalties. As the most serious designation for criminal offenses, a felony also has the most serious potential outcomes for defendants. Because felonies incorporate such a wide range of offenses, courts typically look at them with a three-tiered system to assign penalties. Across this spectrum of potential outcomes, a defendant is facing a range of possible consequences:
Alejandro handled my criminal case. I was looking at a lot of time and he fought for me for over a year and a half and got me the best possible outcome. He was always honest and upfront about everything. Even after my criminal case was over he would still check on me just to see how I was doing. ( still does ) He was an absolute godsend and always encouraged me to not give up and keep going. Couldn’t ask for a better lawyer.
As you can see, the penalties for a felony have the potential to be incredibly disruptive to your life for a long time. Don’t face these charges on your own. The time to call a felony attorney is as soon as you possibly can. The prosecution will be working on their case and using all the evidence they can—including anything you say during the initial arrest or questioning. Having an attorney by your side as soon as possible provides you with the strongest case to defend yourself against these charges.
There are experienced and dedicated felony lawyers ready to look over your case and help you navigate this challenge. Reach out today to give your case the best defense possible.
The accused is taken into custody. Police will ask basic discovery questions like name and address to identify a person, then pivot to more specific questions related to the incident.
You have the right to remain silent to avoid disclosing evidence that could potentially be self-incriminating, as well as the right to an attorney to defend you in court.
The police will take you in for booking — Police will fingerprint you and get and updated photograph for their records. After, you’ll be given a chance to contact your criminal defense lawyer.
The arraignment is the final date for you to decide how you’re going to plea. If you plead guilty, the case is set for a sentencing date. If you plead not guilty, your attorney will prepare for trial.
In the discovery stage, you’ll get to see exactly what evidence the prosecution has against you. This is when your attorney can make additional requests for evidence if need be and strengthen your defense.
Accepting the plea bargain is the last chance to plead guilty before the trial. Reduced charges may be presented to quickly settle the case and avoid trial.
The prosecutor presents the case to the jury. Any evidence or witness statements are shared at at this time. Afterward, it’s your lawyers turn to take the stands and share your side of the story. The jury will make a final verdict.
At sentencing, the Judge must decide the appropriate legal penalty for the crime you were found guilty of. Decisions are based on the advised penalties for the specific charges in question.
Jail or Prison Time
Substantial Fines
Lengthy Probation
License Suspension
Mandatory Education
A lawyer can help navigate the complex dynamics of a felony charge. In some cases, this may include negotiating probation instead of incarceration or defending the case so that charges are dropped.
A felony has the potential to cause serious, long-term, and ongoing consequences for life. A felony charge should be taken very seriously.
A felony charge is the most serious of criminal offenses, but there are tiers within this classification. Previous criminal offenses and the particular nature of the charge (including the impact on any victims) will determine the severity of how it is handled by the courts. Felony charges have the potential to be very serious and can carry lifelong penalties.
The district attorney is building their case against you right now. The Prosecutor will not take your charges lightly — Will you?