Felony Attorney in Los Angeles

Serious Felony Charges Need Serious Defense

When you or someone you care about is facing a felony, everything can change in a matter of hours. Jail, a permanent record, and damage to your family and career are suddenly on the line. In this moment, you need clear information and a steady legal team, not more uncertainty.

At Shevin Law Group, we represent people accused of serious crimes in the Los Angeles area. Since 1992, our firm has focused on criminal defense and has stood up for defendants’ rights in courts here and across the country. We know how overwhelming this is, and we work to bring order and strategy to a situation that feels out of control.

Our goal is to guide you through what comes next, explain your options in plain language, and step in to protect your future. Whether the case involves violence, drugs, cannabis, or financial allegations, we look closely at the facts and the law to build a defense that fits your circumstances.

Contact a felony attorney in Los Angeles at Shevin Law Group by calling (818) 918-5838 or reaching out online. We offer free consultations and have over 50 years of combined experience protecting the rights of the accused. Spanish, Armenian, and Russian services are available.

Felony Charges We Commonly Handle in Los Angeles

Felonies are the most serious crimes under California law. They typically expose a person to the possibility of state prison, longer periods of supervision, and lasting consequences on employment, housing, and immigration status. Understanding the nature of the charge is the first step in planning a defense.

We regularly represent clients in a wide range of serious criminal matters. These can include:

• Violent allegations, such as assault with a deadly weapon or robbery
• Serious property or financial crimes
• Drug and cannabis-related felonies
• Serious driving cases 
• Matters with business or financial aspects, such as fraud or other white-collar allegations

Our team reviews financial records and other technical evidence carefully, and when needed, we work with appropriate outside resources to help us understand complex material.

Understanding Felony Laws in California

Under California Penal Code § 17, a felony is defined as a crime punishable by death, imprisonment in state prison, or, in certain cases, incarceration in county jail under the provisions of the state’s realignment statutes. Unlike misdemeanors, which generally result in a maximum of one year in jail, felony convictions frequently carry multi-year sentences.

California law categorizes felonies into several distinct types, which influences how our firm approaches your defense:

• Straight Felonies: These are crimes that can only be prosecuted as felonies. Examples include murder (PC 187), rape (PC 261), and carjacking (PC 215). These often count as "strikes" under California’s Three Strikes Law.
• Wobblers: A unique aspect of California law allows certain crimes to be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Common wobblers include assault with a deadly weapon (PC 245(a)(1)), grand theft (PC 487), and corporal injury on a spouse (PC 273.5). Under a law effective January 1, 2026 (AB 321), judges now have expanded discretion to reduce these charges to misdemeanors at almost any point before trial.
• Serious and Violent Felonies: Certain crimes are specifically listed under PC 667.5(c) (violent) and PC 1192.7(c) (serious). Convictions for these offenses trigger much harsher sentencing rules, including mandatory prison time and limitations on "good time" credits.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Felony Convictions in California

The impact of a felony conviction in California is tiered, ranging from probation to life imprisonment or even the death penalty for capital offenses.

Criminal Penalties and the Three Strikes Law

California uses a "triad" sentencing system (low, middle, and high terms) for most felonies. For example, a conviction might carry a sentence of 2, 3, or 5 years. However, California's Three Strikes Law (PC 667) significantly enhances these terms:

• Second Strike: If you have one prior "serious" or "violent" felony, your sentence for any new felony is doubled.
• Third Strike: If you have two or more prior serious or violent felonies, a new conviction can result in a mandatory minimum of 25 years to life in prison.

Collateral Consequences

The "hidden" penalties of a felony often last a lifetime:

• Loss of Civil Rights: You lose the right to vote while incarcerated, the right to serve on a jury, and—perhaps most significantly—your right to own or possess firearms for life.
• Employment and Professional Licensing: A felony record can trigger the automatic revocation of professional licenses (medical, legal, real estate) and creates massive hurdles for future employment.
• Immigration Consequences: For non-citizens, many felonies are considered "aggravated felonies" or "crimes involving moral turpitude," which result in mandatory deportation and a permanent bar from re-entry. Our firm provides services in Spanish, Armenian, and Russian to ensure our diverse client base fully understands these risks.
• Housing and Education: Many Los Angeles landlords and educational institutions deny applicants based on a felony record.

The California Criminal Defense Process for Felony Charges

The road through the Los Angeles Superior Court is long and structured. We guide you through every phase to ensure no opportunity for a dismissal or reduction is missed.

• Arraignment: This is your first appearance, which usually takes place in Los Angeles County Superior Court, often at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center for cases originating in central parts of the city. Here you are informed of the charges. We argue for your release on "own recognizance" (OR) or a reduction in bail.
• The Preliminary Hearing: This is a critical stage unique to felonies. The prosecution must present evidence to a judge to prove there is "probable cause" to move forward. We use this as a chance to cross-examine their witnesses and reveal the weaknesses in their case before it ever reaches a jury.
• Pre-Trial Motions: Under the 2026 updates to the Penal Code, we have more opportunities to file motions to dismiss (PC 995) or motions to reduce wobblers to misdemeanors (PC 17b).
• Discovery and Forensic Investigation: We dive deep into the evidence. From analyzing DNA and fingerprints to reviewing cell tower data and LAPD body-cam footage, we perform our own investigation to counter the police narrative.
• Jury Trial: If a favorable resolution is not possible, we take the case to trial. We are known for our aggressive courtroom presence and our ability to simplify complex legal issues for a jury.

What To Do After A Felony Arrest

The hours and days after a felony arrest or when you learn that you are under investigation can feel chaotic. You may be in custody, arranging bail, or trying to understand a booking sheet filled with unfamiliar terms. Family members often scramble to get reliable information and worry about doing something that might make things worse.

One of the most important rights you have is the right to remain silent. Law enforcement officers and detectives may want to question you or your loved one, and it may be tempting to explain or clear up misunderstandings. Speaking without legal guidance can close off options later, so contacting a felony lawyer as early as possible is critical.

There are several practical steps that can help protect a case in the early stages. These actions can also make it easier for our firm to step in and begin working for you:

• Ask clearly for an attorney and avoid answering questions about the incident until you have legal advice.
• Share basic information with trusted family members so they can help coordinate contact with a criminal defense firm.
• Keep paperwork from the arrest, booking, or release, including any notices of upcoming court dates.
• Write down what you remember about the events leading to the arrest, including names of witnesses, as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Avoid discussing the situation on social media or by text, since those communications may be used as evidence.

When we are contacted early, we can review the situation, advise on communication with law enforcement, and prepare for the first court appearance. In Los Angeles County, that first appearance often occurs at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center or another county courthouse, depending on where the alleged offense took place. Early legal guidance can influence issues such as bail, release conditions, and how the case is first presented to the court.

Why Choose Our Felony Defense Firm

When you search for a felony attorney, you may see many similar promises. What matters more than slogans is a record of standing with the accused over time. Our firm has been focused on criminal defense since 1992, and that history informs how we approach every new felony case.

Shevin Law Group is led by Attorney Eric D. Shevin, who has devoted his career to defending people charged with crimes and working in the developing field of cannabis law. Our experience began before medical cannabis was widely accepted and continued as California enacted the 1996 Compassionate Use Act, along with the many laws that followed. This long view helps us understand how past and current rules affect clients facing drug and cannabis-related felonies today.

Over the years, we have handled matters in various states, which have required us to adapt to different legal systems and complex issues. That adaptability becomes useful when a felony case in this area involves business activity, cannabis operations, regulatory concerns, or conduct that crosses state lines. We bring the same careful analysis and tenacity to local cases in Los Angeles County Superior Court that we bring to more far-reaching matters.

We do not believe in one-size-fits-all defense. Instead, we work to understand your background, the allegations, and the potential consequences for your life. We communicate openly about risks, possible strategies, and likely paths forward, so you can make informed decisions. Our commitment is to provide informed and persistent advocacy while respecting that the outcome can never be guaranteed.

Talk To Our Firm About Your Felony Case

If you or a loved one is facing a felony accusation, you do not have to sort through the legal system on your own. A confidential conversation with our team can help you understand what you are facing, what your options may be, and how we can work to protect your rights.

Since 1992, Shevin Law Group has represented people charged with serious crimes in this area and beyond. We bring decades of focused criminal defense work, a deep understanding of cannabis and regulatory issues, and a commitment to careful, personalized representation. Reaching out is the first step toward regaining a sense of control over what happens next.

Call (818) 918-5838 or reach out online to speak with our team about your felony case.