Felony Defense Attorney in Los Angeles

Committed to Meticulous Preparation of Your Felony Case

Felonies are the most serious, and generally violent, of all criminal offenses. These crimes carry prison terms of more than a year all the way up to life, and may even be punished by the death penalty. If you or someone you know is facing felony charges, it is crucial that you engage the services of a capable felony defense lawyer you can trust to pursue your best interests throughout the entirety of your case. You will want someone who is not afraid to work tirelessly, who will investigate every fact and detail, and who is committed to getting the full story of your situation and its circumstances.

At Castaneda Law, APC, you will find a Los Angeles felony defense attorney who fulfills all of the above and more. Our firm offers outstanding professionalism that combines a persistent work ethic with years of legal experience and a dedication to getting results. We urge you to take advantage of our free, initial consultation to find out more about how we operate and what we can do on your behalf.

Reach out to a Los Angeles felony attorney at Castaneda Law, APC online or at (213) 238-6479 to get started today.

What is a Felony?

A felony is a category of crime that is more serious and typically carries more severe penalties than a misdemeanor. Felonies are considered the most serious type of criminal offenses in the legal system. The specific characteristics of felonies can vary by jurisdiction, but some common features include:

• Severity: Felonies are generally more serious offenses than misdemeanors. They often involve acts that are considered highly dangerous, harmful, or morally reprehensible. Examples of felonies include murder, robbery, rape, burglary, and certain drug offenses.
• Penalties: Felonies are punishable by more significant penalties than misdemeanors. These penalties can include lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, probation, parole, and other sanctions.
• Criminal Record: A felony conviction results in a person having a felony on their criminal record. This can have long-lasting consequences, affecting various aspects of their life, including employment, housing, and civil rights.
• Loss of Rights: In some jurisdictions, felony convictions can lead to the loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote, possess firearms, or serve on a jury. These rights may be restored in some cases, depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the offense.
• Trial Process: Felony cases often involve a more complex and formal legal process than misdemeanor cases. They typically require more extensive investigations, may involve grand juries, and may result in more extensive court proceedings.
• Categorization: Felonies are often categorized into different classes or degrees based on their severity. For example, a state might have first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree felonies, with first-degree felonies being the most serious.
• Repeat Offenders: Felonies can lead to enhanced penalties for repeat offenders. Subsequent felony convictions can result in longer prison sentences or other enhanced punishments.

It's important to note that the classification of crimes as felonies or misdemeanors and the specific penalties associated with each can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. What constitutes a felony in one state or country may be treated as a different offense in another. The severity of a felony charge and its potential penalties depend on the laws of the jurisdiction where the crime occurred.

If you are facing felony charges, it is essential to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can provide legal advice, represent your interests, and help you navigate the legal process effectively.

California Felony Facts & Consequences

Felonies can be divided into two categories, which include “straight” felonies and “wobblers.” Straight felonies are those offenses that can only be charged as felonies; they cannot be reduced down to misdemeanors. Wobblers are offenses that could be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the facts and circumstances of the case. The prosecutor has the discretion of how such offenses are charged. Generally, wobblers are considered less serious than straight felonies and result in less harsh punishments.

Most California felonies are straight felonies. These include such crimes as: 

• Murder
• Rape
• Lewd acts with a child
• Vehicular manslaughter
• Drug Crimes including trafficking
• Burglary
• Robbery
• Arson

California also has established the “three strikes” law that punishes repeat offenders with increased punishments for successive felony convictions. For example, a second felony conviction can lead to prison time that is doubled while a third one will lead to 25 years in prison to life. First felony convictions carry more than a year of prison time and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

In light of the grave penalties connected with any felony conviction, we strongly advise that you seek our services. Our Los Angeles felony defense attorney can help, whether you are still under investigation or have been formally charged.

Understanding Local Felony Defense in Los Angeles

Living in Los Angeles, you are likely aware of our community's unique challenges regarding criminal justice. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is known for its rigorous prosecution of felony cases. It is essential to have a dedicated defense attorney who understands the local legal landscape. At Castaneda Law, APC, we are deeply familiar with the workings of local courts, including the Los Angeles Superior Court, and the specific procedures followed by law enforcement agencies like the LAPD and the LA County Sheriff's Department.

One of the significant pain points for residents in Los Angeles is the high rate of violent crimes, which often result in felony charges. Whether it's gang-related activities in South LA or drug offenses in East LA, the consequences of a felony conviction can be life-altering. Our firm is committed to addressing these local issues head-on, providing tailored defense strategies that consider the unique aspects of each case and the community's specific needs.

We understand that facing a felony charge can be overwhelming, especially with the potential for severe penalties such as lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. The impact on your life, from employment opportunities to housing, can be devastating. We focus on meticulous preparation and a thorough understanding of the local judicial system to offer you the best possible defense.

Moreover, we know the local resources available to our clients, such as the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office and various community organizations offering support and rehabilitation services. While we do not partner with these entities, we can guide you on accessing these resources to help mitigate the impact of a felony charge on your life.

At Castaneda Law, APC, we are not just your legal representatives but your neighbors who understand the complexities of living in Los Angeles. We are here to help you navigate through these challenging times with a defense strategy that is as unique as our city.

Contact our Los Angeles criminal defense attorney by contacting us online or by phone at (213) 238-6479.