If you were charged with a felony offense, you are likely concerned about the potential implications of the charge on your life. You know that a felony charge can affect your freedom, your financial situation, your employment and even your relationships. Recently new legislation has emerged that affects felony offenders. Our lawyers help our clients to understand the full ramifications of a felony charges and remain current on the changing landscape of legislation.
At Valencia, Ippolito & Bowman in San Jose, California, our lawyers have 65 combined years of experience in handling legal matters. With our vast experience, we know how to remain current on changes in the law. Our commitment to personal service means that we are truly dedicated to keeping our clients informed of the new changes as well. Contact our law firm to discuss the Criminal Justice Realignment Act of 2011 by calling us at 877-7NO-JAIL.
Our law firm has won numerous awards, including being named Criminal Defense Firm of the Year by San Jose Magazine.
New Legislation Affecting Sentencing and Supervision of Felony Offenders
The Criminal Justice realignment Act of 2011 was passed making sweeping changes to sentencing and supervision of felony offenders. The law speaks to the location of where a defendant carries out his or her sentence, and how a defendant is to be supervised on parole.
Changes to Felony Sentencing
Part of the realignment act is based on categorizing felonies into three groups defined by where they would carry out a jail sentence, including:
- Sentenced to county jail: In felonies where the statute does not specify a term of punishment and the term could be 16 months, two years or three years, the offender is sentenced to county jail.
- Excluded from county jail: If the offender has prior or current serious or violent felony convictions; is registered as a sex offender; or has been convicted of a felony with an enhancement of an aggravated offense then he or she is excluded from county jail.
- State prison: A variety of specific crimes must be served our in state prison under the new law.
To learn more about how this act affects your personal situation, contact our lawyers.
Free Consultation With a San Jose Criminal Attorney
When you need the help of a California criminal lawyer, call our law firm at 877-7NO-JAIL or send us an e-mail. We offer payment plans, credit card payments and evening or weekend consultations. Se habla español.
