Felony Offenses

Felony charges pose a significant threat to various aspects of your life. With fines, prison time, and other severe legal consequences at stake, it is crucial that you act swiftly. By partnering with a felony lawyer, you can explore your options and devise a viable plan of action to move forward with.

There’s no question that criminal cases are stressful and frightening to deal with, but fortunately, you are entitled to legal representation no matter what your circumstances are. With the guidance and support of a trusted felony offenses attorney, you will have access to the resources you need to achieve the best outcome available to you.

Manavi Law Group has been ardently working alongside individuals facing felony charges since 2006. Countless clients have benefited from our fierce advocacy – and we’re prepared to provide you with the same level of service every step of the way.

An Overview Of Felonies In California

Felonies are the most serious crimes in our system. Some felonies can also be further classified as “serious felonies” or “violent felonies,” which carry strikes if a Defendant is found guilty. A third strike subjects the Defendant to a mandatory 25 years to life in prison, without regard to what the underlying felony 1st strike, 2nd strike, or 3rd strike offenses were.

In a felony case, a Defendant’s first appearance in court is an Arraignment. At the Arraignment, the judge may also address the issue of reasonable bail, or set the Defendant for a bail review hearing at a future time.

In setting bail, the judge will consider factors such as:

• The Defendant’s criminal history
• The severity of the offense
• The facts of the case
• The Defendant’s community ties
• The likelihood that the Defendant will return to court
• The interests of public safety.

Depending on these factors, the judge may raise or lower bail. In some circumstances, the Defendant may be released on their own recognition, meaning that they must post money in order to be released pending trial. Conversely, there are circumstances where the Defendant does not qualify for bail.

The next significant milestone in a felony case is the Preliminary Hearing, sometimes referred to as the “Prelim.” At the Preliminary Hearing, a judge will hear a basic outline of the prosecutor’s case and answer two questions:

1. Is there probable cause to believe that a crime was committed?
2. Is there probable cause to believe the defendant was the person who committed that crime?

If the judge answers both questions affirmatively, the Defendant will be “held to answer” for the charge(s).

After the Preliminary Hearing, there will be a series of Pretrial dates before the Trial date. A Pretrial date can be set for a variety of reasons. The attorneys may be bringing and arguing various motions to the court, exchanging discovery, or plea bargaining.

Many cases cannot be resolved without a Trial. In a Trial, twelve members of the community, the Jury, decide whether the Defendant is guilty or not guilty. Some Defendants waive their right to a Jury. Those cases are called “Court Trials,” where a Judge decides if the Defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

If the Defendant is found guilty, he or she will then proceed to Sentencing, where the Judge decides the proper sentence for the crime that was committed.

Charged With A Felony In Beverly Hills, CA? Manavi Law Group Is Here To Help

If you or a loved one is facing a felony matter, do not wait. Our qualified team is prepared to provide you with the legal assistance you need to achieve clarity and success. To get started with an initial consultation and evaluate your options, call us today at (310) 4159-499 or contact us online.