Kern Law, APC, has defended clients for over 20 years against felony charges in San Diego County. A felony arrest or investigation can change your life in a matter of hours. Unlike misdemeanors, felony convictions can result in state prison, substantial fines, loss of firearm rights, professional licensing consequences, immigration problems, and long-term damage to employment opportunities. California generally defines a felony as a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a felony offense in San Diego County, contact my office today. Legal representation early in the Felony criminal process can make a difference in the outcome of your case.
What Is a Felony in California?
Felonies are the most serious category of criminal offenses under California law. Felony charges in San Diego County include some of the following:
- Burglary (PC 459)
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon (PC 245)
- Robbery PC (211)
- Domestic Violence Causing Injury (PC 273.5)
- Drug Sales and Drug Trafficking Offenses
- Grand Theft (PC 487)
- White Collar Crimes and Fraud
- Felony DUI Causing Injury
- Manslaughter
- Firearms Offenses
Felony Case Process
1. Arrest and Booking
After an arrest, law enforcement may take the person to county jail and have them booked -- photographed (mugshot), fingerprinted, entered into the jail management system, assigned a booking number, provided with bail information if applicable, and court date.
2. Arraignment
The arraignment is the first court appearance. The person arrested (now considered the defendant) is advised of the charges, enters a plea of not guilty, and future court dates are scheduled. The defense attorney may also address bail if the defendant has not already posted bail.
3. Preliminary Hearing
In felony cases in San Diego County, a preliminary hearing is held to determine whether sufficient evidence exists for the case to proceed. The district attorney presents evidence, and the defense has an opportunity to cross-examine witnesses. If the judge finds probable cause, the defendant is "held to answer" on the charges. It is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney at the preliminary hearing because it is an opportunity to have some of the charges dismissed or reduced to misdemeanors.
4. Motions and Investigation
Potential motions filed by the defense attorney may include:
- Suppress evidence obtained illegally
- Dismiss charges not supported by the facts
- Challenge search warrants
- Obtain additional discovery
- Exclude statements considered unreliable
5. Trial or Resolution
If a resolution cannot be negotiated by your defense attorney, the case will proceed to jury trial. At the jury trial, the district attorney must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Potential Consequences of a Felony Conviction
The consequences of a felony conviction often extend beyond a conviction, jail, or prison. For example, a felony conviction may also include:
- Loss of firearm rights
- Having a criminal record
- Immigration consequences
- Professional license barriers
- Denial of employment opportunities
- Increased penalties for future criminal offenses
- Damage to professional and personal reputation
Contact Kern Law, APC, Today
If you have been arrested, charged, or are under investigation for a felony offense in San Diego County, do not speak with law enforcement or make any decisions regarding your case without legal counsel. The decisions made early in a felony case can have a lasting impact on the outcome. Contact my office today for a free consultation: 619-200-2808