Norwalk Felony Lawyer

Norwalk Felony Attorney

Facing felony charges in California can feel like a hopeless situation. However, with the right legal team on your side, you can build a strategy and find the right avenues to seek a more favorable sentence. A Norwalk felony lawyer can guide you through every step of the legal process following your arrest and can represent you to work toward a better outcome for your case.

At Shield Law, APC, we are dedicated to providing the legal support you need as you navigate a criminal charge. Kareem Aref has years of experience handling complex legal battles for our clients across Los Angeles County. Now, we’re ready to put those skills to work for you.

Felonies vs. Misdemeanors in Norwalk, CA

There were 2,410 violent and nonviolent crimes reported in Norwalk in 2023 and another 2,262 in 2024. Moreover, the crime rate in the city has been approximately 25.82 per 1,000 residents in recent years, including both felonies and misdemeanors.

A felony is a crime that is punishable by harsh penalties and time in state prison, whereas a misdemeanor typically involves less severe penalties and time in the county jail or probation. Specific penalties for your case are dependent on the details of the crime and whether or not you secure reliable representation to get through the legal proceedings.

Common types of misdemeanors prevalent in California include:

• Assault
• Battery
• Disorderly conduct
• Driving on a suspended license
• Petty theft
• Prostitution
• Public intoxication
• Reckless driving
• Restraining order violations

Common felonies reported throughout the state include:

• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Carjacking
• Child pornography
• Gross vehicular manslaughter
• Kidnapping
• Murder
• Rape
• Robbery
• Sex crimes
• Some drug offenses

In 2022, 62.4 percent of adult felony arrests resulted in convictions in California. The most common sentence given in these cases involves some form of jail time with probation. By working with a Norwalk felony lawyer, you can aim for lower sentencing that allows you to get back to living your life as soon as possible.

Straight vs. Wobbler Crimes in Norwalk

Wobbler crimes refer to criminal acts that can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the specifics of the case. The prosecutor typically determines how to classify a crime, but the judge can ultimately influence the decision.

After evaluating your case, it can be determined if you’re being charged with a misdemeanor or felony. Examples of wobbler felonies include forgery, grand theft, sexual battery, vandalism, and more. It’s important to note that if you’re convicted of a wobbler felony, you may be able to file a petition to reduce it to a misdemeanor.

Straight felonies refer to criminal acts that are always charged as felonies. This includes things like attempted murder, carjacking, kidnapping, murder, rape, and others. These types of felonies can never be reduced to a misdemeanor sentence.

There are also some criminal acts that wobble between a misdemeanor and a non-criminal infraction. This includes acts of criminal trespass and disturbing the peace, as well as many California Vehicle Code violations.

California’s Three Strikes Law

In 1994, California enacted a three-strikes law to strengthen the punishment of offenders who are convicted of a felony and already have one or more straight or violent felonies on their record. People with multiple felony offenses can expect harsher penalties and fines.

California has a three-strikes rule for judging straight felonies such as attempted murder, carjacking, murder, rape, and others. These types of felonies cannot be reduced to a misdemeanor. No matter how minor, any felony conviction can be punished under the three-strikes law if the defendant already has one or more serious or violent felonies on their record.

FAQs

Talk to a Norwalk Felony Lawyer About Your Case Today

Navigating California’s criminal justice system can be a daunting task, especially if you’re facing felony charges. It’s important to understand how the state classifies crimes as well as the potential punishments you face if you are convicted.

Kareem Aref is ready to hear your story and evaluate your case. Our team at Shield Law, APC, has experience handling all types of criminal cases, including serious felony charges. If you’re ready to talk about your case in more detail, contact us to set up an appointment with a Norwalk felony lawyer today.