Felony Sentencing Variations:

In California, most felonies are punishable under the Determinate Sentencing laws. This means a judge may impose 1 of 3 prison terms: low, middle or high term. For instance, first degree burglary is punishable by the low term of 2 years, middle term of 4 years or upper term of 6 years.

Usually the judge chooses the middle term, but it depends on many factors, including the judge’s discretion, the crime’s seriousness, the defendant’s criminal history and other mitigating (less serious) or aggravating (more serious) factors.

• A mitigating factor might be whether the defendant played an active or passive role in the crime.
• An aggravating factor might be whether or not the defendant used a gun or a weapon during the crime.

Even the lightest felony conviction can ruin many aspects of everyday existence, limiting employment, housing opportunities, and quality of life for years to come. To secure the best possible outcome for your case, you must have a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney at your side.

Stephen G. Rodriguez is an experienced Los Angeles Felony Attorney. If you have been charged with a Felony in Los Angeles, and need a criminal defense attorney, call Stephen G. Rodriguez at (213) 223-2173.