When faced with a felony charge, there are inevitably many questions that arise.
What is a felony?
A felony is a crime that is considered by the state of California to be the most serious type of offense.
California has three classifications of offenses:
- Felonies (the most serious and punishable with time in California State Prison)
- Misdemeanors (less serious and punishable with no more than one year in county jail)
- Infractions (the least serious and generally punishable with fines)
What are some common Felony offenses?
Some common felony offenses include:
- Drug possession
- Battery
- Domestic violence
- Firearm offenses
What are the penalties that may follow if convicted of a felony?
The penalties following a Felony conviction may include:
- Jail time
- Probation
- Jail time & probation
- Fines
- Restitution
- Counseling
- Stay-away orders
- Community service
- Physical labor through Caltrans
Will a Felony conviction show up on a background check?
Yes, a felony conviction will show up on a background check.
Can I get a Felony conviction expunged?
Yes, some felony convictions may be expunged from your record.
The California Penal Code allows for some people convicted of felonies to have their cases reopened and their cases dismissed.
However, to be eligible, the convicted person must have completed his or her probation period, paid in full his or her fines as well as any restitution, have served no time in state prisons, not be facing any other charges, and at least one year must have passed since the crime.
Once expunged, the conviction is completely removed from your record and you can say that you were never convicted of a crime.
