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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a felony charge?

Felonies are the most serious criminal cases. A case is a felony if the punishment can include state prison. This differs from a misdemeanor (or less serious) case, in which the punishment is, at most, a year in county jail. Felony charges range from drug, burglary and car theft cases up to rape, arson and murder. Although some felonies are punishable by life in prison, most cases have fixed sentences. Just because someone is charged with a felony does not necessarily mean he or she will be sent to state prison. The possible penalties depend on the charges and facts of your case, and should be discussed with your lawyer. The law of sentencing in felony cases is very complex and has been growing more difficult each year. 

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1. What are my rights if I've been arrested/charged with a crime?
2. Who can get advice from the Law Offices of the Public Defender?
3. Are Public Defenders real attorneys?
4. What do Public Defender's do?
5. How do I get a Public Defender?
6. Are all "appointed attorneys" employees of the law offices of the Public Defender?
7. If my ability to speak, read, or understand English is limited can you still help me?
8. What type of support staff does the Public Defender employ in the defense of its clients?
9. How does a criminal case get started?
10. What happens to the information I give the Public Defender's office?
11. What's going to happen to me in court?
12. Someone called the police about me and now they want to drop the charges, why are the police and the prosecutor charging me?
13. What is a felony charge?
14. What is a misdemeanor charge?
15. Can I expunge my case?