If you have been arrested on a felony charge in Riverside or in the surrounding areas, it is vital that you get in touch with a felony trial lawyer sooner rather than later. A felony is the most serious charge that can be brought against you, and you are facing serious trouble if you are convicted of a crime classed as a felony. To fight any of the charges that are being brought against you, you’re going to need the help of an experienced lawyer on your side.
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What Is A Felony?
A felony is a charge that is more serious than a misdemeanor. There are a number of different felonies that include but are not limited to:
- Murder
- Rape
- Felony domestic violence
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- Aggravated Battery
- Sexual Battery
- Kidnapping
This is not an extensive list of things that are treated as a felony, but they are some of the most common ones. In some cases, depending on the evidence against you, it is possible to move some of these down to a misdemeanor, but it very much depends on the individual case as well as your criminal defense attorney. For example, some assault cases can be dropped to a misdemeanor, however, this won’t happen if there is a deadly weapon used.
Felony Representation In Riverside
It is important that you speak to a lawyer in Riverside sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the less chance you are going to have at creating a solid case. However, this doesn’t mean that you should just hire anyone to take your case, you need a Riverside felony trial lawyer. Preferably, you’re going to need someone who has experience handling these kinds of things including three strikes cases, and knows exactly what to do.
Why Hire A Felony Trial Lawyer In Riverside?
Unless you want to be facing years in prison, you’re going to need a felony trial lawyer in Riverside or the surrounding areas. It is important that you understand just how serious the charges being brought against you are, and that there is no way you’re going to be able to defend yourself here. A felony trial lawyer will have extensive knowledge of the law, being able to use it in a way that best suits the purpose they want it for, which in this case will be to defend you.
They will also be able to formulate a solid defense strategy, which is always vital to potentially winning any case.
John L. Michels is an experienced felony trial lawyer serving Riverside and the surrounding areas, so if you find yourself in this situation, his experience will prove to be invaluable. Please take a moment to view client reviews from the clients of Riverside Criminal Defense Attorney John L. Michels.
What Can Be Counted As A Felony?
It is common not to know all the differences between a felony and a misdemeanor. Once you cross the boundary between the two, there is very rarely any going back. Most felonies are just one step up from a misdemeanor, so you might think that it would be counted on the less serious side, when in fact this is not the case at all. So, what can be counted as a felony? Well, we talked about a few above, but here are some more examples that you should be aware of.
Gross Manslaughter while Intoxicated- Negligent Manslaughter while Intoxicated
- False Imprisonment
- Hate Crimes
- Torture
- Aggravated Mayhem
- Felony Fraud Cases
- Felony Internet Crimes
- Felony Drug Possession
- Felony Drug Distribution
- Felony Burglary
- Felony Robbery
- Carjacking
- Obstructing justice
- Perjury
- Criminal Threats
Gross Manslaughter while IntoxicatedEach of these crimes will get you a felony charge, meaning that it carries a heavier sentence than a misdemeanor. Even some of the things that you think would not be counted, such as having obstructing justice is a serious crime in the eyes of the law. You’re going to need an excellent Riverside felony trial lawyer if you’re hoping to get a lenient sentence or to get out of the charges altogether.
Penalties For A Felony
It depends on what crime you have committed, the evidence against you and a number of other things as to what your penalty will be if you are convicted of a felony. First, it’s important to know that there are lower levels of felonies which are misdemeanors that have been elevated to a felony. These are generally seen as less serious and carry a lesser sentence, and are known as ‘wobblers’. With these, there is usually a fine or a jail sentence rather than a state prison.
California also largely operates on a three strikes, and you’re out basis, in which the punishment for repeat offenders gets more severe every time they commit a crime. The first time you will get whatever the judge deems necessary, if you are charged with another felony and found guilty then you are likely facing double what you got the first time, and the third time you will receive 25 years in prison without parole.
It’s also important to note that if you are charged with a misdemeanor theft, and then you are convicted of a felony theft charge, the three strike rule can be implemented in a case like this. It is for this reason that it is strongly recommended that you seek the advice of a felony trial sooner rather than later, especially if you are on your second or third conviction.
Get In Touch Today
If you or someone you know has been arrested and is being charged with a felony in Riverside, Temecula, Banning or Murrieta, then get in touch with the law office of John L Michels today. Reducing the chance of being convicted of the crime is the best thing that you can do, and we’re here to help. Due to past experience handling cases like this, you know that you are going to be in the best possible hands.
You can get in touch by phone on (951) 276-8900. Alternatively, you can reach us online, 24/7, 7 days per week. Anything you discuss with the team will be kept completely confidential, and your consultation will be free of charge.
