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This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Karren Kenney following our comprehensive editorial guidelines Karren Kenney, the Founding Partner, has 30+ years of legal experience as a criminal defense attorney.
At Kenney Legal Defense, our San Diego felony lawyer understands what's at stake when you're facing a serious charge. A felony in California is a criminal offense that carries a prison sentence of more than one year. Some felony charges can even lead to life-altering consequences like house arrest, a long prison sentence, or, in extreme cases, even the death penalty.
A felony conviction on your record may impact future employment, housing, and legal rights. In San Diego County, these charges are handled aggressively by prosecutors and can come with strict penalties. Hiring an experienced defense lawyer ensures your rights are fully defended.
At our criminal defense law firm, we've helped people across San Diego fight charges involving drug crimes, domestic violence, sexual assault, and more. We know how to take on the criminal justice system—and win.
Felony charges are serious, but you don't have to face them alone. At Kenney Legal Defense, we build a strong defense for every client. Whether you're facing charges of drug possession, child abuse, or identity theft, we know how to challenge the evidence and protect your freedom. We treat every case like it's going to trial—even if it ends in dismissal or a deal.
Our defense attorneys have decades of courtroom experience, and we're known for our proven track record. We've taken on the toughest criminal cases and won. From jury trials to private legal defense, we bring knowledge, confidence, and skill to every stage of your criminal defense case.
Early action matters. The sooner we review your charges, the faster we can begin building your defense. Our team works diligently to investigate witness statements, identify flaws in the legal process, and develop a strategic, aggressive defense strategy. We fight hard to achieve a favorable outcome in every case—because your future depends on it.
Facing a felony charge in San Diego can change your life in an instant. In California, felonies are the most serious criminal charges. If convicted, you could face years behind bars, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. These cases progress rapidly within the criminal justice system, making it crucial to respond promptly and comprehend the challenges you face.
At Kenney Legal Defense, we bring decades of experience to your side. Our San Diego defense team includes criminal lawyers who work diligently to protect your rights. We've handled high-stakes criminal cases involving drug charges, domestic violence charges, white-collar crimes, and sexual abuse. When your freedom is on the line, we deliver strategic, aggressive, and reliable legal representation.
Felony charges in San Diego County include a wide range of offenses. Some are violent, others are financial, and many involve drugs or property. Certain crimes are known as “wobblers,” meaning they can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanor charges, depending on the situation and your criminal history.
At Kenney Legal Defense, we handle:
Wobblers can be reduced with a smart defense strategy. For example, a charge like assault could be downgraded if the facts support a lesser charge. That's why having an experienced criminal defense attorney can help protect your record and limit the damage.
Our criminal attorneys work closely with clients to review evidence, challenge witness statements, and pursue reduced charges wherever possible. When the law allows flexibility, we fight for it.
The primary distinction between a felony and a misdemeanor in California lies in the punishment. Felonies usually involve time in state prison. Misdemeanors carry lighter penalties, often with community service or probation instead of a prison sentence. Felonies also carry long-term consequences that may affect your job, housing, and civil rights.
Here's a clear comparison:
| Category | Felony | Misdemeanor |
|---|---|---|
| Incarceration | State prison | County jail |
| Sentence Length | Over 1 year | Up to 1 year |
| Fines | Up to $10,000+ | Up to $1,000 |
| Record Impact | Long-term, harder to expunge | May be cleared with time |
| Risk Level | High-stakes | Moderate, but still serious |
If you're facing either type of charge, don't wait to get help. A skilled defense lawyer can often mean the difference between jail and freedom—or between a future with a record and one without. Our team at Kenney Legal Defense understands how to challenge the legal process, protect the accused, and guide clients through difficult criminal matters.
Enjoy a free consultation and upfront cost details that avoid unexpected expenses. If you or a loved one has been charged, we're ready to build your defense today.
After a felony arrest in San Diego, the legal process moves fast. From the moment you're booked, your rights and your future are at risk. That's why it's vital to choose a criminal defense attorney with deep legal knowledge and a strong defense strategy.
At Kenney Legal Defense, we guide clients through each phase with precision. Our law offices have a deep understanding of felony cases, and we know how to protect you—especially if you've been falsely accused. Whether you're facing a DUI conviction, false imprisonment, or another felony, our San Diego criminal defense attorney team will fight for the best possible outcome.
Once arrested, you'll be booked into jail. The next step is your first court appearance, also called the arraignment. During the hearing, the judge will present the charges and ask how you plead. If bail is an option, it may be set here. We often push for release on your own recognizance or for reduced bail when appropriate. Acting quickly at this stage gives us an early chance to start building your defense.
The preliminary hearing is a key part of the felony process. Here, the court determines whether there is "probable cause" to move forward. The prosecution must show enough evidence to support the charge—but not prove guilt yet. This stage offers a critical opportunity for your criminal defense representation to challenge weak points in the case.
Our attorneys use the hearing to cross-examine witnesses, test the strength of the evidence, and sometimes expose flaws in the investigation. This can result in charges being reduced or dropped entirely before trial begins.
Many felony cases are resolved without trial, often through plea negotiations. Your defense attorney can work with the prosecutor to secure a reduced charge, lighter sentence, or alternative resolution like community service. In some cases, a felony can be lowered to a misdemeanor.
Our team understands how to negotiate from a position of strength. With years of trial experience and a respected reputation in the legal community, we leverage our standing to negotiate favorable terms. Smart negotiating can save you from unnecessary prison time and the long-term effects of a felony conviction.
If your case goes to trial, we're ready. A felony trial involves jury selection, opening statements, the presentation of evidence, cross-examination of witnesses, and closing arguments. The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Our attorneys are trained trial lawyers who've built their skills through real courtroom battles—not just law school theory. We prepare every case with care and go to trial when it's in your best interest. You deserve attorney services that give you confidence in court—and we deliver exactly that.
Felony cases in San Diego County Superior Court follow a strict and complex path. Each step in the process can have a major impact on your freedom, finances, and future. Being prepared starts with understanding the risks.
At Kenney Legal Defense, we walk clients through each stage of the legal process. With decades of courtroom experience, our criminal defense lawyers have helped hundreds of people get their charges reduced, dismissed, or dropped before trial.
After a felony arrest in San Diego, you'll be booked into custody. Law enforcement will gather your information, take fingerprints, and hold you until your arraignment or release on bail. Depending on the charge, bail may be high—or denied entirely.
The arraignment is your first court appearance. The judge will review the charges and request your plea. You have the right to an attorney. At this stage, having a San Diego criminal defense attorney already on your side is critical. We often push for reduced bail or argue for release on your own recognizance.
A preliminary hearing plays a vital role in felony proceedings. This is not a full trial but rather a hearing to decide if there is probable cause to continue. The standard of proof is lower than at trial, but it's a key opportunity for the defense.
At Kenney Legal Defense, we use this hearing to challenge weak evidence, expose holes in the prosecutor's case, and push for dismissal. We may cross-examine witnesses, question the credibility of the arresting officers, and raise concerns about police procedure violations. In some cases, this stage can result in early dismissal or a significant shift in how the case proceeds.
Felony cases require a strategic and aggressive defense. Every detail matters—what the police did, what the witnesses saw, and how the prosecution builds its case. Our job is to find the weak spots and protect your rights at every step.
At Kenney Legal Defense, we've built a reputation in the legal community for smart, hard-hitting criminal defense representation. We utilize proven methods to help our clients avoid prison and maintain a clean felony record.
One of the most powerful tools in our defense strategy is challenging the evidence. If officers searched you illegally, we can push to suppress the evidence. If a lab made errors in handling forensic materials, we bring that to court.
We also question the credibility of witnesses. Did they contradict themselves? Were they pressured by law enforcement? We look for procedural mistakes, such as improper police conduct or flawed chain of custody. When these errors are present, they can weaken the prosecutor's case enough to have charges dropped or reduced.
Not every case goes to trial. In many felony cases, we work out plea deals that reduce the charges. Instead of prison, we push for probation, fines, or community service. Some clients may qualify for a diversion program that avoids a conviction altogether.
Our attorneys are skilled negotiators. We use every angle—from your clean criminal history to problems in the case—to argue for a lesser charge. These deals can keep you out of jail and protect your criminal record from long-term damage.
Sometimes, the best approach is to go on the offense. In certain cases, we present affirmative defenses to prove that our client should never have been charged. These include self-defense, mistaken identity, or showing that our client was elsewhere when the crime occurred.
We also employ defenses such as necessity or factual innocence when supported by strong evidence. For those who are falsely accused, we build a defense backed by documentation, witnesses, or expert testimony. These strategies require careful planning and deep legal knowledge—but they often make the difference between a conviction and a win in court.
A felony conviction in California brings more than just time behind bars. It can affect your life for years—even decades—after the case ends. Whether you're facing charges for drug offenses, domestic violence, or sex crimes, the penalties can be severe and permanent.
At Kenney Legal Defense, we've seen how a single mistake or false accusation can lead to life-altering results. Our criminal defense lawyers work hard to prevent that outcome. If you're accused of a felony, you need to understand the full picture of what you're up against—and what can be done to protect your future.
The most immediate risk is prison time. A felony conviction in California can result in:
Felony probation, while often better than incarceration, still comes with strict rules. Violating those terms can send you directly to prison. At Kenney Legal Defense, we aim to reduce prison time and pursue alternative sentencing when possible.
The long-term fallout from a felony conviction reaches far beyond the courtroom. Many people don't realize the ripple effects until it's too late. A felony can impact your:
That's why we take every criminal defense case seriously—from the first court appearance to the final resolution. A strong legal defense is your best chance at avoiding these lifelong consequences.
When you're facing serious criminal charges in San Diego, you need more than just any lawyer—you need a defense team that knows the system and knows how to win. At Kenney Legal Defense, we focus on building strong, personalized defenses for clients facing felony charges in San Diego County.
We've built a reputation in the legal community for our aggressive trial work and commitment to favorable outcomes. Whether you've been falsely accused or are hoping to avoid the harshest penalties, we can help.
Here's what sets our law offices apart:
Our team treats every felony case with the urgency it deserves. We know what's at stake—your freedom, your record, and your future.
Whether we're pushing for diversion, reducing a charge, or preparing for trial, we act fast and think strategically. With Kenney Legal Defense, you're getting a defense team that shows up ready to fight—and ready to win.
Can a felony be reduced to a misdemeanor?
Yes, some felonies are “wobblers” and may be reduced based on the charge, your history, and how the case is handled.
Will I go to jail if I'm charged with a felony?
Not always. Some cases are resolved through probation, diversion programs, or plea deals that avoid prison.
How long does a felony stay on my record?
A felony remains on your record unless you qualify for expungement or record sealing under California law.
Can I get bail in a felony case?
Yes, but bail is usually higher than in misdemeanor cases. A lawyer can also argue for reduced bail or release.
If you're facing a felony charge, time is critical. Contact Kenney Legal Defense today for a free consultation with an experienced San Diego felony lawyer. We will listen to your case, explain your legal options, and start building your defense right away.
