Sacramento & Placer County
Felony Charge Defense
Defending Your Rights
“Felony charges have potentially serious consequences, some of them for life. The difference between good representation and bad representation can be less jail time versus more jail time, pretrial release versus staying in custody, or dismissal versus a conviction.” — Ryan J. Couzens
Felony Defense Attorney Serving Placer, Sacramento, Nevada, Sutter, and Yuba Counties
Felonies are serious crimes that can carry sentences in state prison, along with lifelong consequences including the loss of civil rights (like voting and the right to bear arms) and professional licenses. Early legal intervention is critical in these types of cases.
Every case is different, and the right defense depends on the facts, the law, and your personal history. At Couzens Criminal Defense, we bring the insight of a former prosecutor and the dedication of a seasoned trial attorney to every case. Call today at 916-603-2000 for a free consultation and let us begin building your defense.
Understanding Felony Charges
If you’re facing a felony charge in Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Auburn, Loomis, Folsom, Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Carmichael, Elk Grove, Galt, Orangevale, North Highlands, Antelope, Nevada City, Yuba City, or Marysville—Couzens Criminal Defense is here to protect your future.
What are Felony Charges?
Below are examples of felony charges we defend and what they mean:
- Robbery (Penal Code § 211): Taking property from another person through force or fear.
- Burglary (Penal Code § 459): Entering a building with intent to commit theft or any felony.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Penal Code § 245): Attacking someone using a firearm or other dangerous weapon.
- Kidnapping (Penal Code § 207): Moving someone a substantial distance without consent, by force or fear.
- Possession for Sale of Controlled Substances (Health & Safety Code §§ 11351, 11358): Possessing narcotics with the intent to sell.
- Auto Theft (Vehicle Code § 10851): Unlawful taking or driving of a vehicle without the owner’s consent.
- Felony Vandalism (Penal Code § 594): Willful destruction or defacement of property valued over $400.
- Identity Theft (Penal Code § 530.5): Using another person’s personal information without permission for unlawful purposes.
- Grand Theft (Penal Code § 487): Theft of property or money valued over $950.
- Negligent Discharge of a Firearm (Penal Code § 246.3): Firing a gun in a reckless manner that endangers others.
- Shooting at an Inhabited Dwelling or Vehicle (Penal Code § 246): Firing a weapon at an occupied home or vehicle.
- Resisting an Executive Officer (Penal Code § 69): Using force or threats to obstruct a law enforcement officer in the performance of their duties.
- Domestic Violence (Penal Code § 273.5): Inflicting physical injury on a spouse, cohabitant, or partner in a dating relationship.
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Penal Code § 29800): Owning or possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
- Elder Abuse (Penal Code § 368): Inflicting physical harm, neglect, or financial exploitation on someone aged 65 or older.
- Organized Retail Theft (Penal Code § 490.4): Coordinating with others to steal merchandise from retail stores with the intent to resell.
- Hit and Run with Injury (Vehicle Code § 20001): Leaving the scene of an accident where another person is injured or killed.
- Felony Evading a Police Officer (Vehicle Code § 2800.2): Fleeing from law enforcement in a vehicle with willful disregard for safety.
- Felony Child Abuse (Penal Code § 273a(a)): Causing or permitting a child to suffer physical harm or endangering their health or safety under circumstances likely to produce great bodily injury or death.
How are Felonies Punished?
A felony, by definition, is a crime that can land you in prison. Felony convictions carry prison sentencing ranges based on the severity of the offense. Many felonies come with a “determinate sentence,” meaning the court will choose between a low-term, mid-term, or upper-term based on the facts and any aggravating or mitigating factors. More serious crimes, like murder or kidnapping, carry “indeterminate sentences” that may include life in prison (meaning you don’t get out until a parole board says so.)
However, some individuals may still qualify for probation, usually for two years, which carries a maximum of one year in county jail—and in some cases, a felony can be “reduced” to a misdemeanor or sometimes programs like diversion are available.
How Do We Defend Against a Felony?
Being charged with a felony is serious—but it’s not the end of the road. At Couzens Criminal Defense, we use strategic, aggressive, and informed defense tactics to fight for our clients’ rights and futures. Here are ten ways we can defend you against felony charges:
- Lack of Evidence: If the prosecution cannot prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the case may be dismissed or result in an acquittal.
- Constitutional Violations: Illegal searches, failure to provide Miranda warnings, or coerced statements can lead to suppression of key evidence.
- Mistaken Identity: Eyewitnesses can be unreliable. Alibis, surveillance footage, or digital records may prove you weren’t the person involved.
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others: You may have acted lawfully to protect yourself or someone else from immediate harm.
- False Accusations: Charges can stem from lies, misunderstandings, or ulterior motives such as custody disputes or revenge.
- Mental Health Defenses: Conditions affecting your judgment or behavior may qualify for Mental Health Diversion or reduce criminal responsibility.
- Entrapment: If police pressured or manipulated you into committing a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have, this may be a valid legal defense.
- No Criminal Intent (Mens Rea): If you lacked the intent to commit a crime, you may not be guilty—even if a law was technically broken.
- Alibi: Evidence that you were elsewhere at the time of the crime can be powerful and may lead to a dismissal.
- Plea Bargaining or Diversion Programs: In appropriate cases, your attorney may negotiate reduced charges, probation, or entry into a program that avoids a felony conviction and jail time.
Can a Defendant in a Felony Case Get Diversion?
One option in felony cases—even very serious ones—is Mental Health Diversion, which allows the defendant to be put in counseling for a time and then the case is dismissed. Mental health diversion under Penal Code § 1001.36 allows eligible defendants to pause their criminal case and enter treatment if they suffer from a qualifying mental health disorder that significantly contributed to the offense. If the court finds the defendant suitable and public safety is not at risk, it may approve a treatment plan. Successful completion of the program can lead to full dismissal of the charges, with the arrest treated as though it never occurred.
What Sets Couzens Criminal Defense Apart
At Couzens Criminal Defense, you benefit from:
- A former award-winning prosecutor who now defends people accused of domestic violence
- Nearly two decades of courtroom experience with domestic violence
- Early, pre-filing intervention to stop charges before they start
- A firm that knows how to investigate, challenge, and negotiate on your behalf
- Customized defense strategies including self-defense, mutual combat, lack of intent, and false accusation
Call Us Today For a Free Consultation
Every case is different, and the right defense depends on the facts, the law, and your personal history. At Couzens Criminal Defense, we bring the insight of a former prosecutor and the dedication of a seasoned trial attorney to every case. Call today at 916-603-2000 for a free consultation and let us begin building your defense.
