Folsom Felony Lawyers

Rely on Our Experience to Fight Your Felony Charges in Greater Sacramento 

Any encounter with the justice system can be jarring, but when you’re facing felony charges, your situation becomes even more stressful. A felony conviction can have lifelong effects and disrupt your future.

Finding a capable felony defense attorney is critical to protect yourself and your prospects. A criminal defense lawyer can work to get your charges reduced or, even better, dismissed. 

Our team at Walsh Law is ready to hear your case. Our Folsom felony attorneys will listen to your story and give your case the attention it deserves. With former prosecutorial experience, we can put our comprehensive knowledge of both sides of the criminal justice system to work for you.

Do not wait to discuss your defense options if you have been charged with a felony! Call (916) 610-3558 or use our secure contact form to schedule your free initial consultation with our Folsom felony attorney.

How Felony Charges Work in California

Criminal charges are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the act committed or the severity of the crime. You can be charged with a felony for a crime punishable by a prison sentence of more than one year.

Under California Penal Code § 1170(h), felony convictions come with a 16-month prison sentence by default. Some felony convictions carry specific penalties.

Common Felony Charges in Folsom

Felony charges are often crimes that involve serious injury to others or the destruction of valuable property. Our Folsom felony lawyers can provide more details about what you have been specifically charged with and what it means for your case. 

Some crimes that can be charged as felonies include:

• Hit-and-run car accident
• Fraud
• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Aggravated assault
• Battery
• Domestic violence
• DUI
• Sexual assault
• Gun charges
• Gang activity
• Homicide

What Are Wobblers?

Some crimes are classified as “wobblers.” These are crimes that can either be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. The severity of your crime, as well as any previous criminal history, will determine what level of crime you’re charged with. For example, depending on the circumstances, aggravated assault could be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. You’d face a much shorter sentence if you’re convicted of a misdemeanor versus a felony.

Our criminal defense attorneys can fight to negotiate how a wobbler offense is ultimately charged. If you have been accused of committing a wobbler offense, we can advocate for you by presenting mitigating evidence, highlighting your character, and negotiating with the prosecutor to reduce the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor. This negotiation can significantly impact the severity of the penalties and the long-term consequences you could be facing. 

Penalties for a Folsom Felony Conviction

Felony convictions can mean strict sentences and harsh collateral consequences. A prison sentence is meant to punish the defendant for their actions and discourage other people from committing the same crime. They are meant to be strict but fair. In many cases, sentencing can be left to the judge’s discretion.

Most felonies in California have three fixed sentencing options defined in the criminal statute. If there isn’t one defined, the sentencing options will be 16 months, two years, or three years.

After a conviction, a judge will select a base sentence unless there are sentencing alternatives available. There are cases where probation, fines, or mandatory supervision will satisfy part of the sentencing requirements. Other factors, like your criminal history or circumstances surrounding your crime, can influence a judge’s decision to extend your sentence.

California’s Three-Strikes Rule

Beyond facing several years in jail and fines of thousands of dollars, a felony conviction can lead to even more significant penalties if you’ve been convicted of other felonies in the past. California enforces a “three-strikes” law, which means that if you are convicted of three serious or violent felonies, you will likely face 25 years to life in prison. People facing a second serious or violent felony conviction can face extended penalties as well. 

Other Consequences of a Felony Conviction

A felony conviction carries significant consequences that extend far beyond the statutory penalties imposed by the court. Individuals with felony convictions often face long-term challenges in various aspects of their lives.

A felony conviction on your record can negatively impact your life in several ways, including:

• Difficulty finding employment
• Challenges finding housing
• Mandatory sex offender registration
• Loss of licenses — driver’s or professional
• Social stigma
• Loss of gun ownership rights

These potential consequences underscore the importance of getting legal representation. We can pursue strategies aimed at reducing felony charges whenever possible. 

Understanding Your Rights During a Felony Charge in Folsom

Facing felony charges can be overwhelming, but it's crucial to understand your rights throughout the legal process. Knowing your rights empowers you to make informed decisions and ensures you are treated fairly under the law.

Here are some key rights you should be aware of:

• The Right to Remain Silent: You do not have to answer questions from law enforcement without an attorney present.
• The Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to an attorney, and if you cannot afford one, the court will appoint a public defender.
• The Right to a Fair Trial: You are entitled to a trial by jury, where your case will be evaluated by your peers.
• The Right to Confront Witnesses: You can challenge the evidence and testimony presented against you.
• The Right to Appeal: If convicted, you have the right to appeal the decision within a specified timeframe.

At Walsh Law, we believe that understanding your rights is the first step in building a strong defense. Our experienced felony defense attorneys in Folsom are committed to protecting your rights and guiding you through every stage of your case.  

Don't hesitate to reach out to our Folsom felony attorneys at (916) 610-3558 or online for a personalized consultation to discuss your situation and explore your options.