Being accused of committing a crime is a big deal. If you have been accused of a crime, it is important that you take appropriate steps to defend yourself and have your charges either reduced or dismissed. However, while figuring out your options, it is crucial that...
What is a felony murder charge?
Murder is, of course, a felony charge on its own. However, when someone is charged with a “felony murder,” it can be very different than what people generally think of as a murder charge. Typically, a murder charge requires intent. A person has to plan out, to some...
What are some reasons that you might want a plea deal?
When the police arrest you, proving your innocence is often one of your first wishes. Entering state custody, even temporarily, can be a humbling and potentially traumatizing experience. Focusing on your innocence can help you endure this often dehumanizing process....
What happens when your co-defendant is a snitch?
There’s an old adage that says there is honor among thieves, but if that were ever true, it is certainly not in the case of co-defendants that snitch, turn state’s evidence and testify against you. Here in California, however, an alleged accomplice’s testimony must be...
4 reasons to hire a private attorney when facing felony charges
If you or a loved one face criminal charges and wonder how you will handle your felony case, you might feel distraught and scared. Especially if you are a first-timer, the legal system can feel especially confusing if you do not know your way around a criminal court....
Are there different types of felony sentences?
People charged with serious crimes can receive a felony sentence if convicted. Felony sentences are usually longer than those provided for misdemeanors. They can also involve time spent in a state correctional facility, as opposed to a county jail. According to the...
Will a prior felony enhance my sentence?
If you have a prior felony conviction in California, you may be concerned about facing new charges. It is a legal standard in the United States that repeat offenders face enhanced sentences in most cases. But these depend on a few factors under California law,...
Can one felony conviction impact your future?
California residents like you may end up with a felony conviction for one reason or another. Once convicted, the important part is not how you got there. It is how this matter may affect you moving forward in life. While the impact of felonies differ from state to...
Defining “aggravated assault”
It goes without saying that a criminal charge in California will bring with it certain consequences. Those that come to us here at the Law Offices of Mark W. Fredrick typically want to know (above all else) what those consequences may be. If you find yourself in such...
What are the differences between felonies and misdemeanors?
Going through the criminal justice system can be frustrating, and it is important to understand basic terms related to the law. For the most part, crimes fall into two major groups: felonies and misdemeanors. There are several differences between these two categories....