The impact is both short-term and potentially life-long.
A felony offense is the most serious type of crime under California law. It is defined as any criminal offense for which a person can be sent to prison for more than one year. Being charged with a felony can be incredibly scary, as it can result in severe immediate consequences, such as a lengthy prison sentence. But as a criminal defense attorney San Bernardino, CA can explain, the long-term consequences of felony convictions are often more significant — which is why it is so important to hire a highly skilled lawyer to represent you if you have been charged with a California felony.
Under California law, a felony includes any number of crimes, from a more serious DUI charge to crimes such as rape and murder. A conviction of these offenses can result in years in prison. However, once you are released from prison and have completed the terms of your sentence, the consequences often continue.
While recent changes to California law prohibit employers from explicitly asking prospective employees about criminal convictions, they can ask for information about convictions if there is a legitimate, business-related reason to do so. For example, if a person has a felony conviction for drug trafficking, then a pharmacy would have a legitimate reason to ask an applicant about that conviction. Similarly, if a person has a felony conviction for felony DUI, a bus company would be permitted to inquire about this type of criminal conviction.
Beyond job interviews, a felony conviction may prevent a person from working in certain fields. This is because certain professional and business licensing boards may refuse to license a person who has a felony conviction. That could prevent a person from becoming a doctor, nurse, lawyer, dentist, pharmacist, real estate agent, teacher, social worker, or physical therapist. According to a criminal defense attorney San Bernardino, CA, it may also prevent you from certain federal jobs. This includes serving in the military, unless you obtain a waiver from the Secretary of Defense.
In addition, anyone who is currently incarcerated, awaiting transfer to state prison, or on parole or supervision is barred from voting. However, California — unlike many other states — automatically restores the voting rights of people convicted of felonies. Once you are released and having completed the terms of your sentence, you will need to register or re-register to vote. While you will be able to vote, you will not be able to serve on a jury unless you take additional steps to restore your civil rights. This can be accomplished by obtaining a pardon from the California governor. A criminal defense attorney San Bernardino, CA can work with you to help you petition for a pardon.
Finally, if you are convicted of a felony in California, you will be banned for life from possessing a firearm. This ban applies to all California felonies. There are ways to restore your California gun rights, with the assistance of a criminal defense attorney San Bernardino, CA. However, if you have been convicted of a felony involving the use of a dangerous weapon, then the lifetime ban cannot be lifted.
A California felony conviction can have serious, lifelong consequences. That is why it is so vital to have a top notch criminal defense attorney to represent you. Contact the Chambers Law Firm today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation or to learn more about how we can help if you have been charged with a felony.
