The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that between 70 and 100 million adults in the U.S. have a criminal record. A charge can be anything from a felony conviction, misdemeanor, or arrest without conviction, and a felony conviction affects various aspects of a person's life.
A criminal defense attorney can help during your criminal conviction and life post-conviction. At the same time, the immediate legal repercussions can be overwhelming. There are pathways to mitigate the effects and reclaim control over your future.
Individuals convicted of crimes with a felony record often face huge challenges. It can be not easy to secure employment and housing, for example.
Our law office at Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers is here to help you understand the challenges of felony offenses and the options available.
Defining Felonies
A felony is a serious crime that usually comes with severe penalties, like prison time, and felony crimes are classified based on their nature and gravity. They can range from violent crimes to financial crimes. Knowing what makes a crime a felony is important because it affects legal proceedings and potential penalties. Comprehending the nature of felony charges helps people make better legal decisions.
A felony is more serious than a misdemeanor and often involves violence or major harm to others. Examples of felonies can be murder, robbery, sexual assault, and certain types of fraud. Felonies usually result in more than one year in prison, and the penalties can vary depending on the crime and where it happened.
Difference Between Felony and Misdemeanor
Felonies encompass various criminal activities, each with varying degrees of severity. Some common examples include:
- Violent felonies: These crimes include murder, rape, robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon. These offenses are considered the most grievous due to the physical harm or threat of harm they inflict on victims.
- Property crimes: Property crimes include offenses like burglary, arson, and grand theft. These felonies involve the unlawful taking or destruction of someone else's property.
- Drug offenses: Felony drug offenses involve illegal manufacturing. As well as the distribution or possession of controlled substances. Depending on the amount and type of drug, these crimes can end in long prison sentences and hefty fines.
- White-collar crimes: White-collar crimes include fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering. These non-violent offenses are usually committed for financial gain. If caught, they can have grim legal and financial repercussions.
- Sex crimes: Sex crimes cover offenses such as sexual assault, child pornography, and human trafficking. These felonies carry heavy penalties and often need offenders to register as sex offenders.
The main difference between felonies and misdemeanors depends on the severity of the crime and the corresponding punishment.
Misdemeanors are less grievous offenses, usually punishable by fines or imprisonment for less than a year. In contrast, felonies involve more drastic crimes with harsher penalties, often including a long prison time.
Imprisonment for a Felony Conviction
A felony conviction often results in imprisonment. Sentences vary based on the crime and jurisdiction. Sentence guidelines determine the length of imprisonment. The court will consider factors such as the crime and the defendant's criminal history.
Penalties for a California Felony Conviction
Being convicted of a felony in California brings severe legal repercussions that can deeply affect a person’s life.
A felony conviction also results in a permanent criminal record, which has long-lasting effects that extend beyond imprisonment. The consequences vary based on the crime’s seriousness, prior criminal history, and other factors.
- Incarceration: A felony conviction in California often leads to prison imprisonment. Sentences can vary from one year to life, depending on the felony’s severity and prior convictions or enhancements. The most extreme crimes, such as murder, may result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
- Fines: Felony convictions usually involve hefty fines. These can range from $1,000 to over $10,000, depending on the crime and any more penalties ordered by the court. Paying these fines can create a lasting financial burden for the individual and their family.
- Probation and parole: In addition to prison time, a convicted felon may be placed on probation or parole. Probation requires regular meetings with a probation officer and adherence to certain conditions, such as attending rehabilitation programs or performing community service.
- Restitution: Courts may require the convicted person to pay restitution to the victims of their crime. Restitution compensates victims for financial losses, such as medical bills, property damage, or lost wages.
- Loss of rights: Felony convictions can result in losing certain civil rights, such as the right to vote, own firearms, or serve on a jury. These restrictions often continue even after the sentence is served. Losing these rights can affect an individual’s civic participation and personal freedoms.
- Extra costs: Beyond fines and restitution, those convicted of felonies may face other costs. Other costs include legal fees, court costs, and expenses for mandatory programs like drug or alcohol rehabilitation. These costs can add up, creating a lot of financial strain.
Consequences of a Felony Conviction
A felony conviction can alter your life negatively, and convicted felons often face significant financial and emotional strain. These consequences can disrupt lives and create significant financial and emotional strain:
- Social stigma: A felony conviction often carries a social stigma. It can usually affect personal and professional relationships. Individuals may face discrimination, judgment, and isolation from their communities.
- Employment opportunities: A felony conviction can impact your chances of getting a job and may limit your career prospects and growth. Many employers carry out background checks and may hesitate to hire individuals with criminal records.
- Driving privileges: A felony conviction can harm driving privileges. It may lead to the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license.
- Impact on car insurance: A felony conviction can also affect car insurance rates. It will make coverage more expensive and difficult to get.
- Immigration status: For non-citizens, a felony conviction can have adverse immigration consequences. It can end in deportation and ineligibility for certain visas or green cards.
- Voting rights: A felony conviction can affect voting rights and limit your participation in an electoral process.
Life Post-Conviction
Handling life after a felony conviction can be challenging, but it's possible with the right support and determination. Knowing the potential obstacles and exploring available resources can help individuals rebuild their lives.
At Perlman & Cohen, we help you handle life post-conviction and reclaim your future through:
- Rehabilitation programs: Participating in rehabilitation programs is essential for personal development. These programs help reintegrate you back into society and can provide education. Activities like vocational training and therapy help individuals get the skills needed for a successful transition.
- Employment opportunities: Finding employment post-conviction can be difficult. Many organizations and companies, though, are willing to give individuals a second chance. It's important to leverage resources such as job training programs and career counseling to increase employability.
- Legal support and advocacy: Legal support can be instrumental in addressing challenges like housing discrimination and voting rights restrictions. Advocates can assist individuals in recognizing their rights. Lawyers simplify legal complexities that often arise post-conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if I am convicted of a felony?
If you are convicted of a felony, seek legal guidance to know your options for appeal or expungement. Participating in rehabilitation programs and working closely with an attorney can help mitigate the long-term consequences.
What rights do I lose?
A felony conviction can affect civil liberties, limiting rights and freedoms like firearm possession or financial aid. Understanding these restrictions is necessary for navigating the legal system and exploring potential options for regaining rights.
How can a criminal defense lawyer help me?
A lawyer can provide valuable guidance and representation for individuals facing felony convictions, helping them handle the legal landscape and pursue positive outcomes.
Contact Perlman & Cohen Felony Charge Defense
A felony conviction can have consequences that extend well beyond the initial legal penalties, affecting your personal, professional, and social life for years. Yet, awareness of these long-term repercussions and taking proactive steps to handle them can help you rebuild your future.
Seeking the guidance of skilled legal professionals can help you explore options like expungement, restoring civil rights, and accessing support resources to lessen the effects of a criminal record.
Contact Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers for a free consultation on your felony offense. Our team of lawyers will be ready to defend you and provide personalized attention.
