Tulare Felony Defense Lawyer

Tulare Felony Defense Attorney

A felony conviction can change your life, so it’s important to take action as soon as possible. It can be stressful to be arrested or charged with an offense such as grand theft, burglary, or even manslaughter, but you can find help from skilled legal representation. A Tulare felony defense lawyer can help you consider your options for defense and fight to mitigate or eliminate the consequences of a felony conviction.

The team at Carlos Navarrete Law Firm understands the severity of felony cases and how much these charges can affect your future. We fight for you and your interests with compassionate and comprehensive care.

Our firm has combined decades of experience supporting families and individuals in Tulare, and with 23 years of criminal trial experience in over 80 trials and thousands of cases, our criminal defense lawyer provides the insight you need. Our founding attorney is a former prosecutor with a deep understanding of both sides of these cases, which is highly beneficial, as he can anticipate the strategies of the prosecution and be prepared to dismantle or weaken them.

Common Felony Charges in Tulare

Felony offenses have more severe criminal consequences compared to misdemeanors, often resulting in higher fines and more time in prison. Both felonies and misdemeanors result in criminal records that can affect your future, and felonies can also impact your rights. Some common felony charges include:

• Assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm. This offense can result in up to $10,000 in fines and/or imprisonment in jail for up to one year or imprisonment in state prison for two, three, or four years. If the assault is committed with a firearm, imprisonment in jail has a minimum sentence of six months. Penalties also increase for an assault with a machine gun. In Tulare County in 2024, there were 302 offenses for an aggravated assault with a firearm.
• Grand theft of a firearm. This is punishable by imprisonment of 16 months, two years, or three years.
• Pandering. This is the offense of procuring someone to be a prostitute, such as by threat, encouragement, fraud, or other method, or receiving something of value for procuring someone for prostitution. Penalties include imprisonment for three, four, or six years.
• Burglary. Burglary is the offense of entering a dwelling, building, or vessel with the intent to commit either larceny or any felony. If the building or vessel is occupied during the offense and is designed for habitation, this is a first-degree offense. Conviction can result in two, four, or six years in prison. Otherwise, it is a second-degree offense, which is punishable by up to one year in jail. There were 1,305 burglary offenses in Tulare County in 2024.
• Sexual assault. The criminal offense of rape can result in a minimum penalty of three, six, or eight years in prison. Aggravating factors, such as if the victim is a minor under 18 or a minor under 14, can result in more severe penalties.
• Drug trafficking. This is the transportation, importation, sale, or distribution of certain controlled substances. Penalties include three, four, or five years of imprisonment.
• Bribery and corruption. Bribing individuals such as jurors, judicial officials, arbitrators, or other officials in order to influence their decision is an offense punishable by two, three, or four years of imprisonment.
• Manslaughter. This is the offense of killing someone without malice. Involuntary manslaughter, the killing of someone during a non-felony criminal act or a non-criminal act, is punishable by two, three, or four years’ imprisonment. Voluntary manslaughter is punishable by three, six, or eleven years’ imprisonment.
• Murder. First-degree murder offenses can result in 25 years to life imprisonment. Second-degree murder results in 15 years to life imprisonment.

Under California’s Three Strikes Law, penalties for repeat violent offenders increase in severity.

FAQs About Tulare, CA Felony Defense Laws

How Much Does a Felony Defense Attorney Cost in California?

The cost of a felony defense attorney in California will vary significantly based on factors such as their experience and the severity of your charges. Felony defense lawyers are more likely to have higher-than-average fees due to the severity of the charges. Cases that go to trial are likely to be more costly because of the time and resources required. Speak to an attorney about their cost during your consultation.

How Do You Fight a Felony Charge?

The most effective way to fight a felony charge is to hire a felony defense lawyer. The right defense to fight against your charges will depend on the offense you are being charged with, the specifics of your arrest and alleged offense, and other factors. When you work with an attorney, they can examine these specifics to determine what the right defense is. An attorney talks through these options and helps you make an informed decision.

Do I Need to Hire a Felony Defense Lawyer in Tulare?

Yes, you need to hire a felony defense lawyer in Tulare if you have been arrested for or charged with a crime. Regardless of whether you are innocent, you need an effective legal defense. It’s important you invoke your right to remain silent and your right to legal counsel. An attorney can determine your options for a defense and can prevent you from saying something that could be used against you.

What Is the Minimum Sentence for a Felony in California?

The minimum sentence for a felony in California depends entirely on the specific offense, because each criminal statute has its own penalties. For example, a felony offense of child neglect can have a minimum sentence of two, four, or six years in prison, or up to one year in jail. The offense of carjacking can result in three, five, or nine years in prison. It is important to talk with a lawyer about your specific charges.

Contact a Tulare Felony Defense Attorney at the Carlos Navarrete Law Firm Today

If you or someone you love has been accused of a felony offense in Tulare, reach out to Carlos Navarrete Law Firm today. Our legal team is dedicated to providing an optimal defense for Tulare residents when they need us.