What You Need to Know If You Have Been Convicted of a Felony Crime in California

Posted on: March 18th, 2023 by Dod Law

Convicted of a Felony in California

Being convicted of a felony in California not only means incarceration of more than one year, but it also carries with it heavy implications that have many farther-reaching impacts. In addition to time in prison, a felony conviction can lead to a person being stripped of certain rights such as the right to vote and the right to hold public office. It can also lead to job loss, inability to find work, and housing discrimination.

At Dod Law, APC, our experienced criminal defense attorneys can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome for your case. We understand how a felony conviction can have serious implications, and we are here to help. In this article, we’ll cover what a felony is and some of the most common consequences of a felony conviction in California.

What to Know If You Have Been Convicted of a Felony

In California, a misdemeanor is less serious than a felony and can include minor crimes such as shoplifting and trespassing. However, a felony is a criminal offense that carries a sentence of more than one year in state prison. Felonies are more serious offenses and can include crimes such as robbery, murder, and rape. A felony conviction in California can lead to a variety of serious consequences, including the following:

Loss of Civil Rights

A felony conviction can result in the loss of certain civil rights, including the right to vote, the right to possess firearms, and the right to hold public office. These civil rights can be lost for a period of time depending on the severity of the crime and the sentence imposed. 

Loss of Professional Licenses

A felony conviction can also lead to the suspension or revocation of professional licenses, such as medical and law licenses, which can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to practice in their chosen field. 

Job Loss & Unemployment

It is all but guaranteed that the job a defendant held at the time of conviction will not be available upon release. Additionally, trying to find work as a newly released convict can be an especially difficult situation for those who have been convicted of a felony and are trying to re-enter the workforce. Employers may be hesitant to hire someone with a felony conviction, making it difficult to find gainful employment.

Housing Discrimination

While a landlord is legally not permitted to discriminate against an applicant based solely on their criminal record, it is common for felons to lose out on housing opportunities. This can be an especially difficult situation for those who are trying to re-enter society. Landlords may be reluctant to rent to someone with a criminal record, making it difficult to find a place to live.

Social Stigma

Social stigma makes it difficult to fit in with peers and find companionship. This can lead to feelings of isolation and lack of belonging, which can be very difficult to cope with.

Why It’s Important to Hire Legal Representation to Fight a Felony Charge

If you are accused of a felony, you have three options available to you: represent yourself, allow the public defender to represent you, or hire your own personal representation. Each of the options has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to understand the differences in order to make the best decision for your particular case. 

Representing yourself is extremely difficult and could result in a less favorable outcome. The prosecutor is likely to not take you seriously if you represent yourself, especially if you cannot articulate a well-planned and executed defense strategy. On the other hand, allowing a public defender to represent you comes with its own troubles. Public defenders are often overwhelmed with an endless stream of complex cases and may not have the time to give your case the attention it deserves. 

An experienced criminal defense attorney, however, can work on your behalf to secure your release while your trial is pending so you can continue working and preparing for your defense. They can also evaluate the evidence against you and develop a strong defense strategy to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible outcome for your case. 

Contact the Criminal Defense Team at Dod Law, APC Today if you have been Convicted of a Felony

After being arrested on a felony charge, the life you’ve worked so hard to build can begin falling down around you like dominoes. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Dod Law, APC understand the serious implications of a felony conviction and are here to help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome for your case.

Our team, which has over 18 years of experience, can work on your behalf to develop a strong defense strategy that ensures the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us online or call us today 619-814-5110 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help.