ORANGE COUNTY FELONY DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Aggressive & Award-Winning Representation Since 1994
Certain crimes, typically those deemed more “severe” in nature, are charged as felonies. In California, felony crime convictions carry some of the harshest penalties, including life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or death.
If you or someone you care about is facing felony charges, you can’t afford to not fight back. Orange County felony defense attorney Jacqueline Goodman is prepared to put over 26 years of legal experience and a proven track record of success on your side. As a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law by the State Bar of California, Attorney Goodman is widely recognized for her expertise in criminal law and justice. She understands the system and what is at stake.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony: What's the Difference?
Misdemeanors are considered less serious offenses compared to felonies. Convictions for misdemeanors can result in less severe penalties, such as fines, probation, community service, or imprisonment in county jail for up to one year.
Felonies are more serious crimes and typically involve acts that pose a greater threat to public safety or result in significant harm. Felony convictions can lead to more severe penalties, including imprisonment in state prison for over a year, hefty fines, probation, or even the death penalty in cases of capital crimes.
Misdemeanor charges are generally filed by a complaint or citation, while felony charges often involve a grand jury indictment or a preliminary hearing. Misdemeanor trials typically occur in the lower courts (municipal or traffic courts), while felony trials are conducted in higher courts (superior courts).
Lastly, misdemeanor sentences may be served in county jail, whereas felony sentences usually involve state prison time.
Contact The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman online or call (714) 266-3945 for a free and confidential case review.
Criminal cases are often complicated. There are two sides to every story, and it is important that the court sees the situation clearly. We can help defend you in your criminal case and make sure your perspective is heard.
CLASSIFYING FELONY CRIMES
Some crimes are always charged as felonies in the state of California; other crimes that are typically charged as misdemeanors may be charged as felonies if certain aggravating factors are present. The former are known as “straight” felonies, whereas the latter are known as “wobblers.”
Legally, a “felony crime” in California is one that is punishable by a maximum sentence of more than one year (12 months) in jail or state prison.
Some examples of common straight felonies in California include:
- Murder
- Rape
- Lewd acts with a child under the age of 14
- Vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence
- The sale of a controlled substance
Meanwhile, wobbler felonies, or crimes that can be upgraded to felonies depending on the circumstances involved, include but are not limited to:
- Sexual battery
- Domestic violence
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Multiple DUI
- Certain white collar crimes, such as forgery
WHEN IS A CRIMINAL CHARGE UPGRADED TO A FELONY?
In the case of wobbler felonies, certain factors are taken into account in order to determine whether the offense will be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony.
These factors may include:
- The criminal history of the alleged offender
- The age of the alleged offender
- The nature of the offense
- Whether a weapon was allegedly used in the commission of the crime
- The potential for future criminal behavior
- The level of cooperation with law enforcement
- The overall strength of the case
If, for example, you are arrested for burglary of an uninhabited building, but you have a history of prior convictions for similar offenses, you may face felony burglary charges. As a result, you will also face harsher penalties.
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"I can't say enough good things!"- Travis H.
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"Ms. Goodman’s attention to detail and knowledge of laws are truly unsurpassed."- Ralph S.
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"My family and I truly admire and respect this amazing and talented lawyer."- Chip E.
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"I don't know where to start. Honestly, I don't think I could possibly write anything that would come close..."- Sharif A.
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"She really listened and asked questions and delivered advice that was very useful."- Mary P.
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"Choose her to represent you in the orange county area"- Elizabeth E.
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"She's an amazing attorney that you can count on."- Aliya J.
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"I felt like I was getting represented by a superstar attorney. She'll run circles around any DA."- Marcus W.
CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF JACQUELINE GOODMAN TODAY
A felony charge is a serious threat to your freedom, your finances, and even your life. If convicted, you could face tens of thousands of dollars in fines, a lengthy prison sentence, and even the death penalty. It is critical that you work with an experienced and aggressive felony defense attorney in Orange County in order to ensure your rights are protected.
Attorney Goodman handles every case that comes to The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman directly. She will work with you at every stage of the process, providing honest legal counsel and answers to your questions as she fights tirelessly for the best possible outcome in your specific case. Put an award-winning criminal defense attorney on your side.
Call (714) 266-3945 to get started with a free consultation.
REAL PEOPLE. REAL RESULTS.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSEDCHILD ENDANGERMENT / CRUELTY
Penal Code 273a(b) Child endangerment/cruelty.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CHILD MOLESTATION
Child molestation: Felony.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
PROBATION VIOLATION
PC 1203.2 Committing a new crime or violating any term or condition of probation.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
ATTEMPTED MURDER OF POLICE OFFICER
Los Angeles Arrest Pre-filing representation on Attempted murder of police officer, assault with a deadly weapon upon a police officer.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CONTEMPT OF COURT ORDER
Contempt of court order by a gang member.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE
Child Sex Abuse case dismissed.
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