If you have been charged with a Felony in California, you most likely will be ordered to serve a certain amount of time on Felony probation. Felony probation is an alternative to California state prison and was designed by the courts for criminal offenders convicted of Felony crimes in California who don’t pose a risk to society.  The idea is that one serves his or her time under court supervision and out of jail custody. The relevant portion of the law that is applicable to Felony Probation in Orange County is summarized below. However, the full text of the Felony laws in Orange County can be found in California Penal Code Section 1203(a) and is defined as;

• A conditional sentence whereby the court orders suspension of the imposition or execution of a sentence and the order of revocable release in the community subject to conditions established by the court without the supervision of a probation officer

If one is placed on Felony probation, the judge is essentially agreeing not to put one in jail or impose a fine so long as he or she agrees to violate any laws during the period of the Felony probation. The Felony Probation law in Orange County is a very useful process to a defendant charged with that crime in that it allows a defendant to serve his or her time in the community free of having to serve time in jail. At The Atias Law Firm, a criminal defense law firm in Orange County, we know the ins and outs of making sure you stay of jail and instead get placed on Felony probation.

Eligibility For Felony Probation in Orange County

People convicted of non-violent and serious crimes are eligible for Felony Probation.  Felony Probation is usually offered to those that the court believes can be safely rehabilitated and held accountable within the community. Those convicted of certain violent and serious crimes are not eligible for Felony Probation. Probation eligibility factors include but are not limited to a) the seriousness and circumstances of the crime, whether the defendant was armed, the vulnerability of the victim, the degree of monetary loss to the victim, whether the crime was carried out in a criminally sophisticated manner, the defendant’s prior record, the defendant’s willingness to comply with the terms of probation and the likely effect of imprisonment on the defendant. The Felony Probation eligibility requirements can be confusing which is why it is important to contact The Atias Law Firm, a criminal defense law firm in Orange County to assist with determining your options for Felony Probation.

Conditions for serving Felony Probation in Orange County

Felony Probation in California is meant to rehabilitate criminal offenders and to hold those offenders accountable for their actions. Courts have wide discretion for setting reasonable conditions that are fitting and proper for each particular offender.  The conditions of Felony Probation set by the court must be logically related to the offense at hand. Conditions of Felony Probation can include but are not limited to payments of restitution, participation in individual or group therapy, meetings with a probation officer, submission to drug testing, performance of community service, agreeing to submit to a peace officer of various forms of searches, compliance with stay away orders not to harass victims, and compliance with orders not to associate with gang members.

Possible Penalties For Being In Violation Of Probation In Orange County

If the terms of one’s Felony Probation are violated, the judge can revoke the Felony Probation and can impose the original judgment against the defendant. This could mean going to state prison for violating the terms of Felony Probation. If you have been charged with a Felony Probation it is extremely important you contact The Atias Law Firm, a criminal defense law firm in Orange County before appearing in court for the Felony Probation violation as we can help navigate you through the process in avoiding having to spend time in jail on the Felony Probation violation.

Felony Probation and Expungement of Your Criminal Record In Orange County

Once a defendant has successfully completed his or her Felony Probation, the defendant is generally eligible for expungement of his or her record. Expungement is the process of cleaning your criminal record in that one can literally have the criminal charges dismissed from his or her record. Having a conviction expunged in California can be very beneficial in that it can help with employment of various jobs that could not be obtained with the conviction, allow one to obtain various professional licenses and generally allow one to maintain a clean criminal record. The Atias Law Firm can assist you with getting your record swiftly expunged after successful completion of Felony Probation.

Early Termination of Felony Probation in Orange County

Courts have wide discretion to modify the terms of probation. Early termination of Felony Probation is a useful tool for defendants because it allows a defendant to also seek early expungement of his or her criminal record which in turn can help one to obtain various jobs or professional licenses sooner than otherwise expected.  However, if one was sentenced to state prison for conviction of a felony crime, the conviction will not be able to be expunged. For a felony conviction that is considered a wobbler crime in California, the felony can be reduced to a misdemeanor prior to expunging the conviction. If you have been charged with a Felony crime in California it is very important that you utilize the court’s process of Felony Probation. The Atias Law Firm will help you with ensuring that you receive Felony Probation instead of some greater sentence. Contact The Atias Law Firm today for a free and confidential consultation and we will explain the Felony Probation process in greater detail.