Experienced Felony Defense in Yuba City & Marysville

Felony charges are the most serious crimes in California, carrying potential state prison sentences, devastating fines, and lifelong consequences. If convicted, you may lose your right to vote, own firearms, and hold certain professional licenses. Your employment opportunities will be severely limited, and your reputation permanently damaged.

Tony Carlos is a former Sutter County prosecutor who has handled serious felony cases from both sides. He understands how prosecutors build their cases, what evidence they rely on, and where their arguments can be challenged. When your freedom is on the line, you need an attorney who knows how to fight.

Felony Cases We Defend

  • Violent Felonies - Murder, manslaughter, robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, assault with deadly weapon
  • Sex Crimes - Sexual assault, rape, child molestation, sex offender registration offenses
  • Drug Felonies - Drug trafficking, manufacturing, possession for sale, large-scale cultivation
  • Property Felonies - Grand theft, burglary, arson, receiving stolen property over $950
  • White Collar Crimes - Fraud, embezzlement, forgery, identity theft schemes
  • Weapons Felonies - Felon with firearm, illegal weapons trafficking, assault weapon possession
  • DUI Felonies - DUI causing injury, fourth DUI offense, vehicular manslaughter
  • Three Strikes Cases - Second and third strike offenses facing enhanced sentencing

Understanding California's Three Strikes Law

Life-Changing Consequences

California's Three Strikes law dramatically increases sentences for repeat felony offenders. A second strike doubles your sentence. A third strike can mean 25 years to life in state prison. If you have prior strikes on your record, skilled defense is absolutely critical to avoid these enhanced penalties.

The Felony Court Process

Felony cases in California involve multiple court appearances and proceedings:

1. Arraignment

Your first court appearance where charges are read and you enter a plea. You must appear within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends/holidays).

2. Preliminary Hearing

The prosecution must show probable cause that a crime was committed and that you committed it. This is an opportunity to challenge weak evidence before trial.

3. Superior Court Arraignment

If the case proceeds past the preliminary hearing, you're arraigned again in Superior Court on the formal information.

4. Pre-Trial Motions

We file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or challenge the prosecution's case before trial.

5. Plea Negotiations

Many felony cases are resolved through negotiation. An experienced attorney can often secure reduced charges or alternative sentencing.

6. Trial

If no resolution is reached, your case goes to a jury trial where the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Felony Sentencing in California

State Prison

Felonies are punishable by state prison sentences ranging from 16 months to life, depending on the offense. Some crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences.

Strike Offenses

Many felonies are "strikes" under the Three Strikes law, including all violent and serious felonies. Prior strikes dramatically increase future sentences.

Defense Strategies for Felony Cases

Challenging the Evidence

We scrutinize every piece of evidence for constitutional violations, chain of custody issues, and reliability problems that can lead to suppression.

Witness Credibility

Many felony cases rely on eyewitness testimony or informants. We investigate witness backgrounds and motivations to challenge their credibility.

Negotiating Reduced Charges

Many "wobbler" offenses can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors. We negotiate to reduce charges where possible to avoid felony consequences.

Proposition 47/57 Relief

Recent California reforms have reduced many theft and drug felonies to misdemeanors. We evaluate whether your case qualifies for relief.

Alternative Sentencing

We advocate for alternatives to prison including probation, treatment programs, work release, and electronic monitoring where appropriate.

Strike Dismissal (Romero Motion)

Courts have discretion to dismiss prior strikes "in furtherance of justice." We present compelling arguments for strike dismissal when possible.

Collateral Consequences of Felony Conviction

Beyond prison time, a felony conviction affects virtually every aspect of your life:

  • Employment - Many employers refuse to hire felons; professional licenses may be revoked
  • Housing - Landlords often reject applicants with felony records
  • Firearms - Permanent loss of the right to own or possess firearms
  • Voting - Loss of voting rights while incarcerated or on parole
  • Immigration - Deportation and permanent inadmissibility for non-citizens
  • Education - Ineligibility for federal student aid and many scholarships
  • Child Custody - Negative impact on custody and visitation rights

Why Choose Tony Carlos for Felony Defense

Former Prosecutor

Tony prosecuted felony cases for Sutter County and knows exactly how the DA builds their case.

Trial Experience

When negotiation fails, you need an attorney ready and able to fight in court. Tony has extensive trial experience.

Local Knowledge

15+ years in Sutter and Yuba County courts means relationships with prosecutors and judges that benefit your case.

Personal Attention

Work directly with Tony throughout your case, not a paralegal or associate. Your future deserves personal attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a felony and misdemeanor?

Felonies are punishable by state prison (over 1 year), while misdemeanors carry county jail time (up to 1 year). Many crimes are "wobblers" that can be charged as either. Felony convictions carry far more severe long-term consequences.

Can a felony be reduced to a misdemeanor?

For "wobbler" offenses, yes. Either during plea negotiations or after completing probation, many felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors. This is one of many reasons skilled defense is critical.

What happens at a preliminary hearing?

The prosecution must present enough evidence to show probable cause. This is an opportunity for your attorney to cross-examine witnesses, challenge evidence, and potentially get charges reduced or dismissed before trial.

Can I get a felony expunged?

Many felonies can be expunged after completing probation, especially if reduced to misdemeanors first. However, sex offenses and some other serious felonies are not eligible. An expungement doesn't restore gun rights.