Adults who are accused of breaking the law in California may face a variety of different charges. Each type of criminal accusation carries unique consequences. People can typically divide California criminal infractions into two primary categories.
Some offenses are misdemeanors, while others are felony offenses. Felony offenses are more serious and often lead to more significant penalties. Someone facing felony charges in California may worry about the potential penalties after a conviction or guilty plea.
What consequences might a defendant face after a felony conviction in California?
Incarceration or probation
Sending someone to prison is a common outcome following a guilty plea or trial conviction for a felony offense. The duration of someone’s time in state custody depends on the offense that allegedly occurred and also the prior record of the defendant. Sometimes, testimony from witnesses can Inspire either lenience from a judge or the harshest sentence possible. Some crimes lead to incarceration in county jail facilities, while others require incarceration in state prisons. Occasionally, judges do have the option of sentencing someone to felony probation. Felony probation typically imposes numerous restrictions on someone’s life and may last from three to five years in most cases.
Financial penalties
Felony charges in California can have numerous financial consequences for the defendant. Often, the judge presiding over a felony case has the option of imposing up to $10,000 in fines. The defendant may also need to cover court costs. Additionally, judges have the authority to order people to pay restitution to victims. Especially in cases involving serious injuries or financial crimes, restitution may be part of someone’s sentence.
Secondary social consequences
Regardless of what penalties the courts impose, someone convicted of a felony offense can expect numerous social consequences for their conviction. Those consequences might include difficulty obtaining employment, challenges when seeking out rental housing and issues with higher education, including financial aid. In some scenarios, a felony conviction may prevent someone from securing certain types of professional licensing.
Those who understand the potential penalties of California state charges may more easily recognize how important defending against those allegations actually is. Learning about the specific penalties possible given the charges that someone faces may help them prepare to respond more effectively in criminal court.