Felony Crimes

Sacramento Felony Defense Attorney

What is a Felony?

A felony is a crime that carries a maximum sentence of more than one year in custody. Felonies are much more severe than misdemeanors, which are only punishable by up to one year in prison. Some felonies can even be punishable by death. In California, certain crimes are considered "wobblers," meaning they can either be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Prosecutors most often choose to charge wobblers as felonies.

What is Considered a Serious Felony in CA?

When a person is charged with a felony, the State of California proceeds as though they may be dangerous criminals. This can mean harder challenges such as larger bail amounts, jail time, and having less important misdemeanors charged as felonies.

Serious Felonies in Sacramento Include:

If you have any questions about what is considered a felony in Sacramento, CA, contact our Sacramento felony lawyers. Our team is ready to answer all of your questions.

Have You Been Charged With a Felony in Sacramento? Call Donato Legal Group Today at (916) 318-5997 or Contact Us Online to Meet With Our Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Sacramento!

What Are the Penalties for Felonies in Sacramento?

In California, felony crimes are either charged as straight felonies or wobbler felonies. A straight felony is a crime that can only be charged as a felony. In contrast, a wobbler felony can be criminally charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the prosecution's choice. If convicted of a felony, the penalties could include the following:

  • Extended time in county jail or state prison
  • Up to $10,000 in fines
  • Community service
  • Victim restitution
  • Mandatory drug testing

Unlike other states, California also imposes a rule where subsequent felony convictions are penalized more harshly, meaning if you are convicted of more than one felony, your sentence could be doubled.

What is the Minimum Sentence For a Felony in California?

Depending on the specific offense and the circumstances of the case, California has varying minimum sentences for felonies. Penalties for felony convictions in California include imprisonment, fines, probation, and community service. State prison can be the punishment for a felony conviction for grand theft, for example, while state prison can be the punishment for a felony conviction for second-degree murder, for example. When it comes to specific information about a case, you should contact an attorney.

What Happens When You Get 3 Felonies in California?

When you get 3 serious or violent felonies in Sacramento, CA, you can receive 25 years to life in prison. This is called the “three strikes law”. An example of the strikes law is:

Andrew has a prior conviction of carjacking. He is charged with grand theft for shoplifting from a dealership. Because carjacking is a serious felony, he is a “second striker”. This means that his potential prison term for the grand theft charge will be twice as long as a normal sentence.

Local Resources & Support for Felony Defense in Sacramento

When facing felony charges in Sacramento, it's crucial to understand the local resources and support systems available to you. The Sacramento County Public Defender's Office and the Sacramento Superior Court are key entities that play significant roles in the criminal justice process. While we are not affiliated with these entities, knowing they exist can help you navigate the complexities of your case.

Residents of Sacramento often face unique challenges when dealing with felony charges. The city's diverse population and socio-economic conditions can impact the legal process. For instance, the high cost of living in areas like Midtown and East Sacramento can make it difficult for some individuals to afford bail or legal fees. Additionally, the proximity to state government buildings means that law enforcement agencies are particularly vigilant, leading to a higher likelihood of arrests for certain crimes.

We understand these local pain points at Donato Legal Group and are committed to providing tailored legal support. Whether you're dealing with charges related to robbery in Oak Park or drug trafficking near the Sacramento River, our team is well-versed in the local legal landscape. We can help you understand your specific challenges and develop a robust defense strategy to protect your rights.

Moreover, Sacramento's community resources, such as the Sacramento County Probation Department and local rehabilitation programs, can offer additional support. These resources can be invaluable in helping you comply with court requirements and work towards a positive outcome in your case.

If you or a loved one is facing felony charges in Sacramento, don't hesitate to contact Donato Legal Group. Our deep understanding of the local area and its unique challenges allows us to provide the comprehensive legal support you need.

Contact us Today to Start Your Defense

Felonies are the most serious criminal offenses a person can face. Being convicted can leave you without many of your legal rights.

Once you have been charged with a felony, the prosecution will immediately begin to build a criminal case against you. This requires careful planning and legal preparation. Donato Legal Group can help you understand the felony criminal charges and evidence filed against you and help you plan how to defend yourself.

Contact Donato Legal Group today for an initial consultation with our criminal law attorney in Sacramento!

Commonly Asked Questions

What legal rights might I lose if convicted of a felony in Sacramento?

A felony conviction in Sacramento can have significant consequences, including the loss of certain legal rights. Convicted felons may face difficulties in securing housing, employment, and loan opportunities. They may also be ineligible for certain professional licenses. It's crucial to understand the full impact of a felony conviction on your future, which is why seeking guidance from a knowledgeable defense attorney is essential.

Why should I choose Donato Legal Group for felony defense in Sacramento?

Choosing Donato Legal Group for your felony defense in Sacramento means you'll be working with a dedicated team that understands the complexities of criminal law. Our attorneys are committed to providing a strong defense, helping you understand the charges against you, and planning an effective strategy to protect your rights. With our legal support, you can navigate the criminal justice system more confidently.

Recent Case Results

We Prepare Every Case as if it's Going to Trial

Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.

  • Case Dismissed Battery Charged

    With a client facing charges for spousal battery, a serious offense that would have cost him his job, Mr. Donato effectively negotiated with the DA, resulting in a full dismissal in return for 12 anger management classes.

  • Case Dismissed DUI

    Our cient's DUI was dismissed after we obtained the officer's in car camera video which revealed the officer had fabricated major portions of the report.  Thanks in part to Mr. Donato's discoveries, the officer in this case was arrested and eventually plead guilty to numerous counts of perjury and obstruction of justice.  The officer was ultimately sentenced to prison.

  • Dismissed Embezzlement

    Client was a military veteran that was accused of embezzlement from his employer. Mr. Donato was able to get the employer and DA to drop all charges and dismissed the case.

  • Dismissed 1st Degree Murder

    Appointed Indigent Defense Counsel in San Joaquin County; Client was charged with 1st Degree Murder looking at 75 years to Life in prison: upon case discovery review, Mr. Donato was able to present evidence to the DA and get the entire case dismissed in the interest of justice.

  • Not Guilty Possession of a Concealed Firearm

    Charged with possession of a concealed firearm inside of a car, our client was facing special criminal enhancements. Not only did the gun have an illegal high-capacity magazine, our client allegedly possessed the gun in association with a gang.  Mr. Donato fought this case at trial and hung the jury 9-3 for not guilty. But the District Attorney elected to re-try the case. Mr. Donato responded by taking the case to trial again, this time returning with a full not guilty verdict.

  • Penalty Reduced Felony DUI

    Client had previously been to prison for multiple DUI’s and was arrested again for DUI. We got client into treatment and persuaded the court (over the prosecutor’s objection) to sentence him to rehab instead of prison. Mr. Gerber is now a successful (and sober) project manager in the Bay Area.

  • Full Acquittal DUI

    Mr. Donato won a full acquittal at trial by showing that the DA could not prove Mr. Brown was under the influence of alcohol at the time he was driving.  The jury concluded the case was too speculative, and Mr. Brown walked on all DUI charges against him.

  • Case Dismissed Felony Charge

    Getting this felony case dismissed at preliminary hearing was a fight. But by effectively cross examining the arresting officer and showing that our client was not an accomplice to the alleged crime, Mr. Donato succeeded in getting this dismissal.  Our client came into the preliminary hearing facing felony charges of conspiracy and battery with great bodily injury, and he walked out a free man with an untarnished record.

  • Acquittal Attempted Murder

    Client was facing life in prison for attempted murder after a shooting on a bus where the jury found the client acted in self-defense.

  • Case Dismissed Drug Charge

    Our client's drug case was dismissed after Mr. Donato proved to a judge that the officer's only basis for conducting a probation search in this case was for harassment purposes in violation of his client's 4th Amendment Rights.

  • Not Guilty Gang Enhancement

    Our office was proud to defeat the gang enhancement charge at trial for our client, who was charged with possessing a firearm for the benefit of a gang.  Defeating the gang enhancement was the sole reason for going to trial, and it saved our client from gaining a second strike conviction, not to mention significant prison time.

  • Not Guilty Sexual Assault

    With a client facing life in prison on sexual assault charges, our office decided to take this case to trial. After fighting to expose the holes in the Prosecution's case, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on all counts.  Our client was released from custody the same day.

  • Case Dismissed Vehicle Theft and Evading Law Enforcement

    With our client charged with felony vehicle theft and evading law enforcement, Mr. Donato sought out the necessary investigation to show that his client was actually not the driver of the vehicle. The DA dismissed all charges.

  • Case Dismissed Assault with a Deadly Weapon

    Dismissed Client was charged with brandishing a firearm when he had a confrontation with his daughter’s boyfriend in his own home. We effectively fought to get this case dismissed on the eve of trial.

  • Dismissed Felony child abuse

    Private Retained Counsel in Sacramento County; client was charged with felony child abuse and the DA offered prison time for plea bargan, Mr. Donato obtained the opinion of a child abuse expert and was able to get the DA to dismiss the case in the interest of justice.

  • Not Guilty Attempted Murder

    Client was charged with several felonies including attempted murder and was acquitted of this charge by means of self-defense.

  • Case Dismissed Possession of Marijuana for Sale

    Our client was facing felony charges of cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale.  After successfully having the case dismissed, Mr. Donato also negotiated with the District Attorney to return the $20,000 in cash that was seized from our client.

  • Case Dismissed Robbery

    Client was facing robbery charges and our investigation showed the witness was not likely to show up for trial. We pushed to get this case before a jury, and when the prosecution was unable to produce evidence against our client the case was dismissed.

  • Penalty Reduced Domestic Violence with Great Bodily Injury

    People v. Carter Reduced (Probation) Client was a professional athlete and broke his girlfriend’s elbow during a domestic incident. Original offer was five years in prison. Our investigation showed the conflicts and changes in the victim’s story, and we effectively negotiated the case down to house arrest and probation.

  • Not Guilty Illegal Discharge of a Firearm

    Client was charged with multiple felony assaults and unlawful discharge of a firearm with gang enhancements and looking at life in prison. Mr. Donato was able to get a full acquittal.