In California, offenders can be charged with infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Felonies are the most serious crimes. If convicted of a felony, you can lose a number of rights, including the right to vote, the right to join the military, and the right to run for a public office. Felons may also suffer indirect consequences, including loss of a license, hiked up insurance premiums, loss of professional stature, strict probation terms, and difficulty finding housing or work.
Convicted felons can also face serious court imposed penalties, including lengthy jail sentences, fines, court costs and formal terms of probation.
The US Penal Code stipulates minimal sentences for different classes of felony crimes. California State Law also imposes additional penalties, such as fines and prison sentences, for certain felony counts.
According to Uniformed Crime Reports (UCR) data, the most common felonies include drug abuse violations and driving while intoxicated (felony DUI). Larceny/theft and assault together accounted for nearly 2.5 million felony arrests in 2007, according to the UCR.
Other common felony crimes in California and elsewhere in the United States include disorderly conduct, violation of liquor laws, drunkenness, aggravated assault, vandalism, robbery, motor vehicle theft, forgery, and weapons violations. The violent crimes – such as rape, non-negligent manslaughter, and homicide – resulted in nearly 600,000 arrests in 2007, per the UCR’s figures. Around 467 people out of every 100,000 people got victimized by a violent crime in 2007, according to the same report. That sounds like a lot – and it is. But statistics suggest that violent crime is actually on the decline, nationally.
What should you do if you’ve been charged with a felony?
Whether you got pulled over for driving under the influence in California with a very high blood alcohol concentration (or after you fled the scene of an accident – a hit and run); or you face charges stemming from a bar or club fight gone wrong, a skilled Orange County defense attorney can give you the insight and strategic guidance you require to protect your rights and ensure that you get a vigorous and just defense.
Unfortunately, many defendants accused of felonies in California don’t avail themselves of the full gamut of their resources. As a result, these individuals often wind up with unfairly strict sentences, including, for instance, lengthy prison sentences for minor drug violations.
The sooner you connect with a reliable and results-proven Newport Beach criminal defense lawyer, the better. Attorney Maltaise Cini – a respected Newport Beach criminal defense lawyer – can give you a confidential and clarifying consultation today. Call her offices at 949-660-1389 to schedule your consultation, or explore more at free resources and information about her firm at www.maltaisecinilaw.com.