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:
- Robbery
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Carjacking
- Burglary
- Arson
- Rape
- Murder
- Drug trafficking
- Gang activity
- Domestic violence
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
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.
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Case Dismissed Assault with a Deadly Weapon
After an intense road rage incident, our client was charged with assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly ramming another car with her own. After diligent investigation and negotiations with the Prosecutors in this case, Mr. Donato persuaded the government to dismiss the case in its entirety.
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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.
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Case Dismissed Possessing Marijuana for Sale
Mr. Donato covinced the District Attorney that his client was protected under the Medical Marijuana Laws as a legal caregiver, and all felony charges regarding possessing marijuana for sale were dismissed.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Not Guilty Felony Domestic Violence
Our client faced charges for felony domestic violence and misdemeanor child abuse. Mr. Donato showed the jury at trial that Mr. Hillman's spiteful ex-girlfriend had lied about the facts. Mr. Hillman walked into trial facing 10 years in prison, but he walked out a free man.
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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.
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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.
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Not Guilty Attempted Murder
Client was charged with several felonies including attempted murder and was acquitted of this charge by means of self-defense.
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Not Guilty Robbery & Felony Assault
Charged with robbery and felony assault resulting in great bodily injury, our client was facing multiple strikes and significant time in prison. Mr. Donato took this case to trial, earning not guilty jury verdicts on both charges. Mr. Escobar walked out of court a free man, holding his young daughter in his arms.
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Case Dismissed Felony Marijuana Charges
Dismissed Client was charged with multiple felony marijuana related charges. Our investigation showed that client was not involved in the operation although she was present during execution of the search warrant. The case was dismissed as to our client, whereas the co-defendants were convicted.
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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.
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Acquitted of ALL charges (Trial) Felony Sexual Assault of a Minor
Client was a group home employee and was accused by one of the (minor) group home residents of sexual misconduct. Our office successfully showed the complaining witness was lying about the allegations, and the jury unanimously acquitted Ms. Roberts of all charges after deliberating for only a few hours.
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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.
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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.
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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.
