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Felony Attorney in Davis, CA

If you’re experiencing felony charges in Davis, California, it is likely that you have little to no prior experience in dealing with the criminal justice system. You are likely also having many questions regarding felony charges that you may want to direct toward a skilled Davis felony lawyer, but before you do that, learn more about what you may be facing.

The team at the Law Office of Conor Bell has put together legal insights on felonies, including what constitutes a felony, the types of felonies, the consequences, and how we can help you. With hundreds of resolved cases and more than twenty jury trials for crimes ranging in severity, including felonies, we understand the intricacies of these cases. Understanding what happens after an arrest in California is the first step toward building a proactive defense against these severe allegations. We apply a unique defense strategy to each case we take that meets our clients’ individual needs.

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What Constitutes a Felony in Davis, California?

According to data from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), there were approximately 261,400 felony arrests in 2024. In this state, California Penal Code § 19 constitutes felonies as offenses that involve violence, high-value theft, or significant damage.

A felony is a crime that can be punishable by death. It can also lead to imprisonment in state prison, or, in some cases, imprisonment in county jail under Penal Code § 1170(h).

What Are the Different Types of Felonies

Felonies can range greatly, and each should be given serious consideration. Reviewing common criminal charges in Northern California can help you identify how local prosecutors typically approach your specific classification of crime. With the help of a Davis felony defense lawyer, however, you can avoid costly penalties that could impact you beyond just fines and prison. Convictions can have serious implications on what type of work you can be employed in and where it is located, where you can live, and more.

Violent Felonies

Violent felonies include murder, rape, kidnapping, and robbery. If you’re facing a murder conviction, this could result in life imprisonment, while a rape conviction could include several years in prison. Additionally, kidnapping convictions carry a maximum possible prison term of life, while robbery penalties can include up to nine years in prison.

Drug-Related Felonies

With drug-related felonies, penalties can vary depending on the type and quantity of drugs involved. However, offenses usually classed as felonies include sale, possession, transportation, administration, and dispensing.

Property Crimes

Crimes such as grand theft, burglary, shoplifting, and arson count as felonies in Davis, California. With grand theft, you could face 16 months to 2 to 3 years in prison, while burglary of the first degree could result in 2 to 4 to 6 years in prison.

On the other hand, burglary of the second degree could result in a sentence of 16 months to 2 to 3 years in jail, but this can vary.

Then, with shoplifting charges, the penalties are the same as burglary of the second degree if you have a prior serious felony conviction, but not if it is classified as a misdemeanor. Also, arson convictions can result in 16 months, 2 or 3 years for property up to 5, 7, or 9 years if it causes great bodily injury.

The Far-Reaching Impact of a Felony Conviction

Unfortunately, there are far-reaching consequences for felony convictions. For example, if you are convicted of a felony offense in Davis, California, you could be required to disclose the conviction on any job application if it’s requested.

You could also be prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm. In addition, if you are convicted of a sex offense, you could be required to be listed on the sex offender list. It’s also worthwhile to know that a serious felony conviction in California could qualify as a strike, which could increase the penalties for future convictions.

Hire a Felony Lawyer

When you hire a felony lawyer, they will help you build a legal strategy after evaluating your case. With our team on your side, you can expect us to examine evidence for procedural errors, constitutional violations, and weak evidence to put together a strategy that makes the most sense for your felony case.

You can also expect us to negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors when appropriate and work to try to secure plea agreements that minimize jail time. We can also offer court representation and motion filing, including motions to dismiss charges or to suppress evidence obtained illegally.

Should a conviction be inevitable, we will argue for probation, rehabilitation programs, or minimum sentencing to help you avoid maximum state prison time.

FAQs

What Felony Defense Strategies Can You Use?

When facing a felony charge in Davis, California, you have options when it comes to defense strategies. For example, you could challenge evidence legality, provide an alibi, argue self-defense, establish a lack of intent, or highlight false allegations or mistaken identity. If you work with an attorney, they can help you decide which is the preferred route to take.

What Is the 3 Felony Rule in California?

Although other states enforce the three-strikes rule, California is by far the most well-known and strict version. This law follows a sentencing structure that severely punishes repeat offenders. So, if you have one prior serious or violent felony, a new felony can bring harsher penalties, and if you have two prior strikes, a third qualifying felony can lead to 25 years to life in state prison.

What Is the Legal Process for Felony Charges in California?

The legal process for felony charges in California involves several steps. Usually, it starts with an arrest, followed by an arraignment, and then a preliminary hearing to determine whether probable cause exists or a trial is needed. Following this, the District Attorney will file formal charges. In most instances, a case will be resolved before trial through plea bargains.

Do Felonies Go Away After 7 Years in California?

Felony convictions don’t automatically go away or disappear from your record after seven years in Davis, California. These convictions are permanent unless you have them expunged or sealed, and not all felonies are eligible. However, it’s worth knowing that, based on California’s Clean Slate laws (SB 731), your felony record is automatically sealed after four years of remaining conviction-free and after completing your sentence.

Hire Davis Felony Lawyer

For anyone navigating the criminal justice system can be scary and downright traumatizing. That’s why hiring a felony lawyer could be worthwhile. With an attorney like ours at the Law Office of Conor Bell, you have someone who will advocate for your rights while providing invaluable insights into felony laws and support.

If you would like to discuss your case and explore your defense strategies, contact our offices. Let our knowledge and experience help you strengthen the confidence you need to pursue an acquittal, a reduction of charges, or a dismissal of the crime you have been accused of.

Davis, CA Felony Resources