Felonies are the most serious of crimes, such as burglary, arson, rape, deadly assaults, homicide, robbery, kidnapping, murder, grand theft, embezzlement, most illegal drug offenses, and offenses charged under three strikes law.

The consequences of a felony conviction are usually very serious. For this reason, someone charged with a felony should be VERY selective in their search for the right criminal defense attorney.

A court of law will allow most any licensed attorney to represent someone accused of one or more felonies. However, only a select few can do it well.

The consequences of a felony conviction include many, if not all, of the following:

• Substantial loss of liberty through lengthy periods of incarceration and/or supervised probation and, in some cases, parole.
• Automatic revocation of most professional licenses and ineligibility for many types of jobs, licensing, and educational programs.
• Loss of drivers license, pilots license, etc.
• Loss of immigration benefits to non-citizens (i.e., re-entry, citizenship and visas).
• Deportation (non U.S. citizens only).
• The requirement to register as a sex offender with local law enforcement FOR LIFE. And, in some cases, the dissemination by law enforcement of your sex offender status to your neighbors (i.e., Megan's law).
• Loss of and/or restriction of the right to bear arms.
• The obligation to report your conviction(s) to employers and educational institutions.
• An increase of insurance rates and/or ineligibility for certain types of insurance.
• Ineligibility for certain government benefits (including financial aid).
• Loss of the right to vote
• ...and many more serious and often unpleasant consequences.

To find out how you might be able to avoid a felony conviction in Santa Barbara, and/or one or more of the serious consequences it may carry (in Santa Barbara), please call toll free: 1-866-435-7384 or email.