Lake Tahoe Felony Lawyer

If you are arrested and charged with any crime in California, two important constitutional rights come into play. First, you have the right to remain silent once you are arrested, and it’s always best to take full advantage of this right. Even if you are arrested for a crime you did not commit and feel like you can explain your side of the situation, the police have no incentive to help you, and they could easily twist your words against you in many ways.

Defense Representation for Lake Tahoe, CA, Clients Facing Felony Charges

The second is the right to legal counsel, even if you cannot afford to hire a defense attorney or do not want to pay private attorney’s fees. However, public defenders provided by the court may cost nothing to retain but can’t match the level of personal representation you get when you hire a private Lake Tahoe felony attorney.

An experienced private criminal defense attorney is an invaluable asset, and after an arrest, you should fully exercise your right to remain silent until you can speak with a lawyer. The sooner you secure legal counsel after an arrest, the more likely you will be to formulate an effective defense and avoid the worst penalties your situation entails. The Law Office of Conor Bell handles a wide range of criminal defense cases in the Lake Tahoe, CA, area, including those pertaining to felony offenses. Our firm can provide the comprehensive defense representation you need in this challenging situation.

California Criminal Offense Designations

California enforces a robust penal code that includes definitions for all types of criminal offenses, largely categorizing most offenses into “misdemeanor” and “felony” designations. For example, the crime of driving under the influence (DUI) may qualify for misdemeanor or felony prosecution, depending on several variables. Many other offenses also “wobble” between misdemeanor and felony designations, depending on the severity of those offenses.

Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies but may still entail harsh penalties. Depending on the nature of the misdemeanor offense, the defendant could face fines, time in county jail, and other restrictions like conditional probation. Felonies are more severe criminal offenses that are often violent and/or destructive. For example, if the police stop you for suspected drunk driving, and it would be your first offense, you would likely face a misdemeanor charge. However, if you seriously hurt or killed another driver because you were under the influence, it’s more likely you will face a felony charge.

Benefits of Defense Counsel in a Lake Tahoe Criminal Case

Whether you have been charged with a felony you did not commit, or you did break the law and believe the prosecution to be overzealous in their charges against you, it’s imperative that you have defense representation you can trust to guide you through your case. Your defense attorney can review the details of your arrest and booking to ensure the police respected your rights and upheld the laws of due process.

A Lake Tahoe felony attorney is an invaluable asset if you have been accused of a crime you did not commit. For example, you may have been the target of a false accusation, or you may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you need to secure exculpatory evidence or establish an alibi that proves you could not have committed the offense in question, you will need an experienced defense attorney’s assistance.

If you have committed a crime, an experienced defense attorney is even more essential. Depending on the nature of your offense and your criminal record, an experienced defense attorney may be your only chance of avoiding the worst penalties that a conviction would entail. You may also have room to argue for alternative or diversionary sentencing. For example, if you are charged with any felony drug offense but suffer from a substance abuse disorder, your Lake Tahoe felony attorney may be able to leverage this fact in your favor to help you secure a lighter sentence.

Types of Felony Charges in Lake Tahoe, CA

Finding defense representation that you can trust is crucial, no matter what your felony case entails. Take time to look for a Lake Tahoe felony attorney with specific experience handling cases like yours. The Law Office of Conor Bell provides criminal defense representation for a wide range of felony charges, including:

• Felony property crimes. If you are charged with a felony-level theft offense or destruction of property, you could not only face severe penalties if convicted but also restitution to the victim for their damages, including fines and several years in state prison. In addition, the theft of a firearm or vehicle in California may automatically qualify for felony prosecution.
• Felony drug offenses. The severity of a drug offense typically hinges on the type of substance, the quantity in the defendant’s possession, and other details of the case, such as whether the defendant has a record of prior drug offenses or whether they committed additional offenses in the situation in question. Some defendants who show clear proof of a substance abuse disorder and/or mental health disorder may have grounds to argue for more lenient penalties or compulsory rehabilitation instead of jail time, but such agreements are harder to secure for felony-level offenses.
• Felony DUI. It’s possible to face a felony DUI charge if you have prior DUI convictions within the past few years or if you caused severe or fatal harm to another person while driving under the influence. Penalties for felony DUI in California typically include restitution to the victim, fines, incarceration in state prison, and loss of driving privileges.
• Felony assault. Any violent crime can lead to felony prosecution, especially if the victim suffers serious physical injury. However, the exact penalties for assault typically hinge on the severity of the incident in question.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney at Our Legal Team Today

The Law Office of Conor Bell provides comprehensive defense representation in these and many other types of criminal cases. Our clients often worry about the penalties they face if convicted. When it comes to felony charges, it’s important to remember that California has a Three Strikes Law. Anyone convicted of three felonies in California may automatically face a prison sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.

Regardless of what your case entails, the Law Office of Conor Bell can provide the answers you need to your legal questions when you are facing felony charges in Lake Tahoe, CA. Contact our team today and schedule a consultation with a Lake Tahoe felony defense attorney you can trust.