What is a Felony?

When you are facing criminal charges, one of the most worrying types of charges you could face is a felony charge. Felonies are the more serious charges, and they can come with harsh penalties. Those penalties can haunt you for the rest of your life.

However, you do not have to accept a conviction. You have the opportunity to push back and seek out a strong defense with the help of a Philadelphia criminal defense attorney. Our legal team at van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin has the robust experience, track record of success, and professional tools you need to build a defense for your felony case and potentially reduce or dismiss the charges.

Types of Felony Cases

Felonies cover a range of criminal charges. These can range from habitual criminal offenses like repeated DUI charges, to capital offenses like murder. Because of this, the range of case types and defenses can be as varied. Below are just a few types of felony cases we are prepared to take on:

• Felony drug charges
• Federal criminal charges
• Sex crimes
• Murder

Can My Misdemeanor Become a Felony?

Unfortunately, if you are facing misdemeanor charges now, aggravating factors can turn that into a felony. For example, if you are charged with assault, your charges may not seem so serious. However, if they claim you were committing assault with a deadly weapon, your charges are automatically increased, leaving you with more severe charges and potentially felony charges.

When this happens, it is vital to speak with an attorney about getting these charges reduced. For example, your attorney can help you prove you were not in possession of a deadly weapon. Getting felony charges reduced, even if you are unable to avoid a conviction, can help protect your future and help you avoid more serious penalties.

Penalties for Felony Cases

When you are facing felony charges, one of the most concerning parts of your case may be the penalties you could face if you are convicted. A felony conviction comes with harsh penalties, and you may have difficulties avoiding them or overcoming them. In these cases, you may need an attorney on your side to guide you through this situation.

Your penalties can vary significantly depending on the charges you are facing. Because of this, it is vital to seek out help from an attorney to build a strong defense and avoid these penalties. Below are some of the most common ones you may face, but keep in mind that, depending on the details of your case, your attorney may discuss other potential penalties for a conviction.

Prison Time

When facing felony charges, one of the most pressing penalties you may be facing is imprisonment. Unlike a misdemeanor, you will be facing time in a state or federal prison, depending on the charges you are facing. For a felony charge, you may be facing more than a year in prison, which can turn to decades in more serious cases.

That can make it more difficult to deal with your other penalties. For example, while you are in prison, you may be unable to work in the field you were working in before. That leaves you unable to begin earning money to pay off the fines you may also be facing. In some cases, however, you may be able to seek out probation, or you may be able to seek parole after serving some time in prison.

Court Fines

The fines for a felony charge can vary depending on the severity of the criminal offense. For example, felony drug possession charges may come with different fines than rape charges.

However, both of these cases can leave you facing a severe financial burden even after your prison sentence is over. That can impact you, your family, and your future. Because of this, it is vital to work hard to avoid a sentence that impacts your financial future.

Additional Penalties

Certain felony convictions can come with other penalties that can impact your ability to move on following the conviction. For example, if you were facing felony DUI charges, your license may be suspended or even revoked. In some cases, you may be permanently unable to legally drive.

Likewise, felony charges involving domestic violence can lead to orders of protection or restraining orders. That can impact your ability to spend time with your children or interact with a family member.

Long-Term Consequences for a Conviction

Unfortunately, the consequences of a conviction can follow you even after you have completed your sentence. That is because, even if you complete your sentence, you may still be facing penalties because you now have a criminal record, or your criminal record has worsened. That will show up in background checks, and others will be able to see it.

That can have major impacts on your financial future, your career, and even your housing options. For example, you may be trying to rent an apartment in a specific area of town, but the landlord may have completed a background check. If they see a felony conviction on your record, they may be less likely to offer you housing.

Defend Your Record with a Criminal Defense Attorney

While a felony charge can be devastating, it does not have to change your life. You have an opportunity to defend your case and protect your future. Your top defense may come from a criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia.

Our team at van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin has the tools and experience you need to build a high-quality defense for your felony charges. Our team is prepared to pursue a reduction or dismissal of your charges using high-quality tools and resources and a strong defense tailored to your specific case. With our combined 175 years of experience, we offer top-tier criminal defense services to help you recover.

When you are ready to take action and get your life back on track after a felony charge, reach out to an attorney for consultation. We can discuss our services and your opportunities to avoid a conviction. When you are ready, simply reach out by calling or filling out our online contact form.