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Felony defense

Felony Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles

A felony accusation is serious, and so is the process that follows. Felony cases in California move through additional stages, and the evidence deserves an unhurried, thorough review before any decision is made.

  • More stages than a misdemeanor case
  • Release conditions are often addressed early
  • Early, thorough evidence review matters

How felony cases differ

Felonies are the most serious category of criminal charge. They can carry significant consequences, and a conviction can follow a person long after a case ends, affecting work, housing, firearms rights and immigration status.

Procedurally, felony cases in California usually include a preliminary hearing, where a judge decides whether there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. That hearing is an important opportunity to see and test the prosecution’s evidence early.

Typical stages of a felony case

  1. Arrest and charging. After an arrest, the prosecutor decides what to file. Charges can sometimes be filed as either a felony or a misdemeanor.
  2. Arraignment and release. Charges are read, a plea is entered, and bail or release conditions may be argued.
  3. Preliminary hearing. The prosecution presents evidence and a judge decides whether the case moves forward. The defense can cross-examine witnesses.
  4. Pretrial motions. Motions can challenge searches, statements, identification procedures and other evidence.
  5. Resolution or trial. The case may be resolved by agreement or tried before a jury.

What the defense investigates

  • Search warrants, warrantless searches and the basis for each
  • Statements, interviews and whether rights were honored
  • Digital evidence: phones, accounts and location data
  • Forensic testing and expert conclusions
  • Witness credibility, bias and inconsistent accounts
  • Your personal history and circumstances that matter to how the case is viewed

In a felony case, preserving evidence that helps you, such as messages, receipts or video, can be time-sensitive. Tell your attorney about it early.

Steps to take now

  • Do not speak with investigators, co-defendants or alleged witnesses about the case.
  • Do not delete messages, photos or accounts; deletion can create new problems.
  • Follow every release condition exactly.
  • Make a list of people who may have helpful information and give it only to your attorney.
  • Speak with a criminal defense attorney before the preliminary hearing.

Frequently asked questions

Can a felony be reduced to a misdemeanor?
Some offenses in California can be charged or later treated as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Whether that is possible depends on the specific charge and circumstances, which is something to review with your attorney.
What happens at a preliminary hearing?
A judge hears evidence and decides whether there is enough to hold you to answer the charges at trial. It is also a chance for the defense to question witnesses and learn about the case.
Should I talk to the detective to explain my side?
It is generally unwise to give a statement without counsel. Explaining yourself rarely ends an investigation, and statements can be used against you.

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Call 818-400-0293 or email Asya@Ovsepyan-Law.com. Office: 15303 Ventura Blvd., Suite 900, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.