Crimes are charged in one of two categories: Felonies and misdemeanors. There are also infractions, but those are minor citations that encompass minor traffic violations. Of the two criminal categories, a felony criminal charge is the most serious.

Felonies are the most serious criminal offenses in California and carry serious penalties. Felonies are punishable by time in a state prison and even death.

Misdemeanors are less serious than felony charges, but they are still punishable by jail time of no longer than a year, but only in county and local jails, not in a state prison.

Wobblers are crimes that can be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony. The prosecutor has the discretion to look at the facts of the case and the defendant’s criminal history and background in order to decide how to charge the crime.

Penalties for white collar crimes can be substantial. Sentencing provisions for white collar crimes and can vary from probation or extended incarceration. If you are being investigated for or charged with a white collar crime or conspiring to commit a white collar crime, you need the best criminal defense lawyer available.