There are a few different crime classifications in the state of California. Most people are familiar with the terms misdemeanor and felony. There are also infractions, which result in nothing more than a fine. An example of an infraction is a speeding ticket. Misdemeanors can come with up to one year in jail, and felonies can result in a lifetime behind bars.
Many people do not realize that there is another classification: A wobbler. This is a crime that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the specifics of the case. Keep reading to learn more about these types of cases and then contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 to request a free legal consultation.
Straight Felonies
A straight felony is one in which it will only be charged as a felony. Serious crimes are straight felonies and generally also count as a Strike on the California Three Strikes Law. Some examples of this type of felony include murder, robbery, rape, first-degree burglary, lewd acts with a child, carjacking, and more. If you are facing one of these felonies, you should contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 as soon as possible to ensure you have a robust defense.
Wobbler Offenses
As mentioned above, a wobbler can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. The District Attorney will decide how to charge the offense based on how serious they believe the crime was. Some examples of wobbler offenses include assault with a deadly weapon (except firearms – that is always a felony), statutory rape, domestic violence, and perjury.
A person with a previous criminal conviction is likely to be charged with a felony, as is a person who is accused of committing an aggressive or violent crime. If you are charged with a crime and the D.A. has a wealth of evidence that you committed the said crime, one option is to have your criminal defense attorney negotiate to have your charge reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. You would be required to plead guilty, but the penalty could be nothing more than a few hours of community service rather than years in jail.
Your Attorney Can Help You Find the Best Way to Respond to Your Criminal Charges
No one wants to face criminal charges, but your attorney can make the process easier and increase your chances of a positive outcome. If you are curious about how an attorney would advise you, contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055. We can provide a no-fee case evaluation to let you know how you may best proceed. It is never too early to call us – if charges have not been filed, then we may be able to prevent them from ever being filed. Call now and let us get started.