Orange County Felony Lawyer

Felony charges in Orange County, CA, are serious and can lead to prison time, large fines, and a permanent criminal record. These charges include crimes like assault, theft, drug offenses, hit and run, and domestic violence. If you are facing a felony charge, it’s important to have skilled legal representation right away.

At Chudnovsky Law, our experienced felony defense attorneys can handle your entire case from beginning to end. We will review the evidence, protect your rights, and fight to reduce or dismiss the charges. Our team handles all court appearances, negotiations, and trial preparation so you don’t have to face the legal system alone. We understand how the Orange County courts work and will use our experience to fight for the best outcome. With Chudnovsky Law on your side, you’ll have a strong defense every step of the way.

Schedule A Free Consultation

Why Select Us?

Felony convictions in Orange County, California, can bring about serious consequences. If you are currently facing a felony charge, it’s essential to have skilled legal representation on your side. At Chudnovsky Law, our legal team is made up of former prosecutors and seasoned criminal defense attorneys who understand both sides of the courtroom. With over 22 years of experience and more than 9,000 criminal jury trials and cases handled, we know how to build strong defenses that get results.

Our attorneys have been recognized among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and are members of the National Trial Lawyers Association. We will fight aggressively to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future, handling your entire case from start to finish with skill and dedication.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Orange County, CA felony defense lawyer, please call us at (949) 750-2500 or contact us online for more information.

Most Common Felony Charges in Orange County, CA

In Orange County, California, individuals can face felony charges for a variety of serious criminal offenses. Some of the most common felony charges in Orange County include certain types of assault and battery, theft, hit and run, drug crimes, and domestic violence.

Assault and battery become felonies when they involve serious bodily injury, the use of a deadly weapon, or if the victim is a protected person, such as a police officer or healthcare worker. For example, punching someone during a fight might be a misdemeanor, but using a weapon or causing major injury can result in felony assault or felony battery charges.

Theft crimes may be charged as felonies when the value of the stolen property is high—usually more than $950—or if the suspect has prior theft convictions. Felony theft includes grand theft, burglary, and robbery. Robbery, in particular, is always a felony because it involves taking property by force or fear.

Hit and run charges become felonies when someone leaves the scene of an accident that causes injury or death. In California, it is a crime to flee an accident without identifying yourself or offering help if someone is hurt. A felony hit and run can result in prison time and loss of driving privileges.

Drug crimes can also be charged as felonies depending on the type and amount of drugs involved, as well as whether the individual was selling, manufacturing, or transporting the drugs. Common felony drug charges include possession for sale of cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine.

Domestic violence becomes a felony when the abuse results in physical injury or if the offender has prior convictions. Felony domestic violence includes behaviors like choking, punching, or using weapons against a spouse or partner. These charges are taken very seriously in Orange County.

Potential Penalties for an Orange County, CA Felony Conviction

In Orange County, California, a felony conviction can lead to some of the most serious penalties under the law. Felonies are more severe than misdemeanors and typically involve crimes that cause significant harm or involve repeated criminal behavior. If a person is convicted of a felony in Orange County, the punishment can include prison time, fines, probation, or a combination of these penalties.

• One of the most common penalties for a felony conviction is incarceration. Felonies in California are usually punishable by time in a California state prison. The length of the prison sentence depends on the crime. For example, some felonies carry a sentence of 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years, while others—such as certain violent crimes—can lead to 10, 20, or even life in prison. In the most extreme cases, such as first-degree murder with special circumstances, the death penalty may apply.
• Another possible penalty is probation, which allows a person to stay in the community instead of going to prison. Felony probation in California often lasts between 3 to 5 years and usually comes with strict rules. These conditions may include regular meetings with a probation officer, drug testing, attending counseling programs, staying away from victims, and not committing any new crimes. Violating probation can lead to additional punishment, including being sent to prison.
• Fines are also a common part of a felony sentence. These fines can be thousands of dollars, depending on the offense. In addition to court-imposed fines, individuals may have to pay for court fees, restitution to victims, or other costs related to their case.
• Some felony convictions also come with mandatory minimum sentences, meaning the judge must give at least a certain amount of prison time. Other felonies allow the judge to choose from a range of possible punishments based on the circumstances.

Ultimately, the penalties for a felony conviction in Orange County are serious and can change a person’s life. Judges consider many factors, including the details of the crime, the person’s criminal history, and whether anyone was harmed.

Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction in Orange County, CA

In Orange County, California, a felony conviction doesn’t just lead to prison time, fines, or probation. It can also result in serious collateral consequences that affect many parts of a person’s life long after the criminal sentence is over. These consequences are not part of the court’s official punishment, but they can have a major impact on someone’s future.

One of the most common collateral consequences is the loss of employment opportunities. Many employers run background checks, and having a felony on your record can make it difficult to get a job. Some careers, especially those involving government work, healthcare, education, or law enforcement, may be completely off-limits. Even jobs that don’t require a professional license may be hard to get with a felony conviction.

A felony conviction can also affect housing options. Many landlords will deny applications from individuals with a criminal record. Public housing programs may also refuse to rent to someone who has been convicted of certain crimes, especially drug or violent offenses.

Education may also be affected. Some colleges and universities ask about criminal records during the admissions process, and financial aid may be harder to receive, especially for drug-related convictions. This can make it difficult for someone with a felony record to pursue higher education or career training.

Another major consequence is the loss of gun rights. Under California law, individuals convicted of a felony are not allowed to own or possess a firearm. This is a lifetime ban unless the person receives a pardon or has the conviction reduced to a misdemeanor under specific legal procedures.

Immigration status can also be affected. Non-citizens convicted of certain felonies may face deportation, denial of citizenship, or other immigration problems. This applies even to people who have lived in the U.S. for many years.

Finally, felony convictions can lead to the loss of voting rights while serving time in prison. Although rights may be restored after release, the loss can still feel discouraging.

Defenses to a Felony Charge in Orange County, CA

If you are facing a felony charge in Orange County, California, there are several legal defenses that may reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Here are some of the most common legal defenses used in felony cases:

• One possible defense is mistaken identity. This can happen when a witness wrongly identifies someone as the suspect, or if there is unclear video footage or weak evidence. If you can show that you were not the person who committed the crime, the charges may be dropped.
• Another defense is a lack of intent. Many felony crimes require proof that you meant to do something illegal. If your actions were accidental or misunderstood, you can argue that you didn’t have the criminal intent required for a felony conviction.
• Self-defense is another common defense, especially in assault or domestic violence cases. If you used force to protect yourself or someone else from harm, and your actions were reasonable, the court may find that you were acting lawfully.
• In some cases, you may argue that the police violated your constitutional rights. For example, if law enforcement searched your home, car, or body without a valid warrant or probable cause, any evidence they found could be thrown out. This is known as an illegal search and seizure.
• You may also be able to argue that you were the victim of entrapment. This happens when police pressure or trick someone into committing a crime they would not have done otherwise. Entrapment is a valid defense in cases involving drug sales or other undercover operations.
• In drug or theft cases, another defense could be a lack of possession or a lack of knowledge. If the drugs or stolen property did not belong to you, or you didn’t know they were present, you may not be guilty.

How We Can Handle Your Orange County, CA Felony Case for You

At Chudnovsky Law, our experienced Orange County felony defense attorneys are here to guide you through every step of your case. We understand how stressful and overwhelming it can be to face a felony charge, and we’re committed to protecting your rights and building the strongest defense possible.

From the moment you hire us, we take full control of your case. We start by carefully reviewing all the facts, evidence, and police reports. Our team looks for mistakes made by law enforcement, including illegal searches, violations of your rights, or weak evidence. We use this information to find the best strategy for your defense.

We also represent you at every court hearing, file all of the necessary legal motions, and communicate with the judge and prosecution on your behalf. Our goal is to reduce the charges, get them dismissed, or win a not-guilty verdict at trial. In some cases, we may be able to negotiate a plea deal that avoids jail or prison time and helps you move forward with your life.

Our attorneys have years of experience handling all types of felony charges, including assault, theft, drug crimes, hit and run, and domestic violence. We know how the Orange County Court System works and how to fight aggressively to protect your future.

Throughout the process, we keep you informed and answer all your questions. You never have to face the legal system alone. Whether this is your first charge or you have a prior record, we’re here to help you make smart decisions and give you the strongest defense available.

When your future is on the line, you need experienced attorneys who know how to win. At Chudnovsky Law, we’re ready to handle your entire case from start to finish with the skill, dedication, and care you deserve.

Most Important Steps to Take if You’re Arrested on a Felony Charge in Orange County, CA

If you are arrested on a felony charge in Orange County, California, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your rights and your future. What you do immediately after your arrest can make a big difference in how your case turns out.

• First, do not talk to anyone about your case, especially on the phone or in jail. These conversations may be recorded or shared with the prosecution. 
• Be sure to contact our experienced felony defense attorneys at Chudnovsky Law as soon as possible. We will explain your charges, represent you in court, and begin building a strong defense. 
• Attend all court hearings and follow our advice. Failing to show up can lead to more legal trouble.
• Lastly, gather any helpful information or evidence, such as witness names or documents, and give them to us. 

Taking these steps early gives you the best chance at a fair outcome.

Talk to an Experienced Orange County, CA Felony Defense Lawyer Today

At Chudnovsky Law, our experienced team is prepared to advocate aggressively for your interests and pursue the best possible result in your criminal case.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Orange County, CA felony defense lawyer, please call us at (949) 750-2500 or contact us online. 

Schedule A Free Consultation