California Criminal Procedures for Felony & Misdemeanor Law

Individuals convicted of a crime, whether by admission of guilt or through the determination of a jury, are subject to, among other penalties: fines, imprisonment, and probation and community service. Defending your criminal case in the strongest way possible, whether your crime is classified as a felony or a misdemeanor, is critical to both your freedom and your future.

The outcome of any criminal case depends upon several procedures--the facts presented surrounding the charges, the strength of the evidence, the legal validity of law enforcement and courtroom procedures, and the goals and strategy of the government and defense. An experienced criminal defense attorney who is knowledgeable in trying criminal cases before a court of law can navigate you through this complicated legal process.

Felony Law

Felony Law involves defending/prosecuting crimes such as drug and narcotics charges, arson, burglary, armed robbery, murder and/or attempted murder, rape and/or sexual assault, kidnapping and aggravated assault and battery. A felony conviction is a serious matter that may be punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or death in the case of the most serious felonies, such as murder, treason, and espionage. A felony conviction also carries the potential loss of certain privileges and Constitutional rights of U.S. citizenship, such as the right to possess a firearm and the right to vote.

Misdemeanor Law

Misdemeanor Law involves defending/prosecuting crimes that are more serious than petty offenses, but much less serious than felonies. Misdemeanors typically result in such punishments as a fine or a jail sentence, not exceeding one year. If a jail sentence is imposed, it is served at a local, city or county jail rather than a state or federal prison (penitentiary). In many jurisdictions and in certain types of cases, defendants who can't afford an attorney are not entitled to a court-appointed attorney in a misdemeanor case. Unlike felonies, misdemeanors are usually handled by special courts with abbreviated procedures, such as a city court or municipal court.