Felony or Misdemeanor?

California Felony and Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers

In California, every crime is categorized as a felony, misdemeanor, or infraction.

A felony is a serious crime that is punishable by death or by imprisonment in the state prison, usually for 16 months or more. Murder, manslaughter, assault, rape, and other violent crimes are all felonies.

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A felony conviction has lifelong consequences. In California, those convicted of felonies cannot vote and may not serve on juries. They cannot serve in the military or own firearms. Felons are not accepted in many graduate school programs. Attorneys, doctors, pharmacists, stockbrokers, teachers, and other licensed professionals may lose their professional license after a felony conviction.

A misdemeanor is a lesser crime than a felony. Misdemeanors are generally punishable by up to one year in county jail, fines of up to $1,000, or both. The use of a gun, involvement in a gang, and other factors can turn a misdemeanor into a felony. A misdemeanor crime can have serious consequences, particularly if you have a prior criminal record. In some instances, conviction for a theft, such as stealing a candy bar, could trigger the three strikes law and result in a mandatory prison term of 25 years without parole.

An infraction is punishable by a fine only. Infractions include traffic offenses such as speeding and other moving violations. You do not have a right to a trial or a right to a court-appointed attorney for an infraction.

At the Blumenthal Law Offices, our criminal defense attorneys provide aggressive defense of all felony and misdemeanor charges. To discuss your case, please contact us today for a free initial consultation and case evaluation.

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