Santee Felony Lawyer

Santee Felony Lawyer

When an individual is accused of a criminal offense in Santee, CA, the act is classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on its severity. Felonies are the most severe crimes and come with the strictest penalties. In California, any crime that carries a punishment of more than one year of imprisonment is classified as a felony. Even if prison time is not imposed, a felony charge can significantly impact your ability to secure employment and access other opportunities.  Learn more about Dod Law a Santee felony lawyer.

If you’re facing the ramifications of a felony charge in Santee, contact a felony defense lawyer at Dod Law. With nearly two decades of experience advocating for the rights of California residents, our team has the knowledge and resources to provide highly qualified legal representation. We have earned a reputation for delivering comprehensive guidance and support by taking a meticulous and client-centered approach to our cases.

What This Page Covers:

• Severity: Felonies are severe crimes with penalties over one year of imprisonment, impacting employment and opportunities even without prison time.
• Examples: Common felony charges in Santee include murder, kidnapping, fraud, rape, burglary, grand theft, arson, and vehicular manslaughter.
• Penalties: Felony convictions can result in fines, probation, imprisonment, and mandatory programs, with repeat offenders facing harsher consequences.
• Dod Law: With nearly 20 years of experience, Dod Law provides comprehensive felony defense in Santee, led by a highly reputable attorney recognized as San Diego County’s 2023 Trial Lawyer of the Year.

What Are Common Felony Charges in Santee, CA?

Felonies are considered serious criminal offenses. A “straight” felony is consistently charged and sentenced as a felony, unlike a “wobbler” felony, which can be downgraded to a misdemeanor based on specific circumstances. In California, most severe criminal offenses fall under straight felonies, which may also count as “strikes” under the state’s three-strikes law. Here are some common examples of felony offenses in Santee, California:

• Murder
• Kidnapping
• Fraud schemes
• Rape
• Burglary
• Grand theft
• Arson
• Sale of a controlled substance
• Vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence
• Multiple DUIs

Our team has handled over 6,500 cases and is also prepared to assist you. Our extensive experience will help you navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.

What Are Potential Penalties for Felony Convictions in Santee?

Felony convictions in California come with severe penalties, including significant fines and imprisonment. Most felonies have fixed sentences starting at 16 months, two years, or three years, but judges can impose longer sentences based on the case’s specifics. The severity of penalties depends on the nature of the crime and the individual’s criminal history, with repeat offenders typically receiving more severe consequences.

Having a skilled Santee felony lawyer is crucial as they will advocate for your rights and strive for the best possible outcome. Penalties for felony convictions in Santee include:

• Fines: Financial penalties that can reach up to $10,000
• Probation: Court-ordered supervision as an alternative to incarceration
• Incarceration: Serving time in jail or state prison
• Obligatory educational or rehabilitation programs: Mandatory participation in programs designed to educate or rehabilitate offenders

A felony conviction can severely impact your reputation and future opportunities. Additionally, felony convictions are difficult to expunge, leaving a permanent mark on your record.

How Does a Felony Conviction Affect Your Rights?

A felony conviction in California can have far-reaching consequences beyond fines and jail time. It can severely impact employment and housing opportunities, as background checks revealing a felony often lead to job and rental denials. Access to state and federal assistance programs, such as food stamps and subsidized housing, is frequently restricted for felons, complicating efforts to meet basic needs.

Custody rights can also be affected, with courts potentially viewing convicted individuals as unsuitable guardians. Voting rights may be revoked, preventing participation in elections. Additionally, international travel becomes difficult, as a felony conviction can limit the ability to cross borders. Finally, firearm possession rights can be revoked or restricted, affecting your Second Amendment rights.

What Are Possible Defense Strategies to Felony Charges?

The most effective criminal defense strategies rely on the specific details of your case. Therefore, you must provide your criminal defense lawyer in Santee with detailed information about the conditions that led to your charges. That will enable your attorney to thoroughly understand the charges against you and gather all relevant evidence to support your case. The most common criminal defense strategies include:

• Lack of substantial evidence: Showing that the prosecution’s evidence is inadequate to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
• Mistaken identity: Arguing that the defendant was incorrectly identified as the perpetrator of the crime
• Entrapment: Arguing that law enforcement coerced the defendant into committing a crime they would not have otherwise committed
• Untrustworthy witnesses: Challenging the credibility and reliability of prosecution witnesses
• False evidence: Asserting that evidence used against the defendant is fabricated or tampered with

You should not have to face serious criminal charges by yourself. Our team is here to protect your rights and be with you every step of the way.

Partner With an Aggressive Felony Defense Lawyer in Santee, CA

A felony charge can significantly impact your life, even if you’re never convicted. At Dod Law, we understand the frustration and stress that come with such situations. Whether you’re dealing with a repeat felony charge or your first offense, the potential for long-term penalties and lasting adverse effects is high. With the assistance of an experienced felony defense attorney in Santee, you can take the crucial steps to defend your freedom.

Attorney Dod, named San Diego County’s 2023 Trial Lawyer of the Year by the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association, has nearly 20 years of experience assisting clients with criminal charges across California. With Dod Law on your side, you’ll have a trusted advocate who will diligently examine the facts of your case and present the most favorable evidence in court. 

Contact us at our San Diego office (619) 814-5110 | Orange County office 949-681-7020 | Vista office 760-814-6025 | or schedule an appointment by filling out our online contact form.