Facing felony charges is a serious legal matter with potentially life-altering consequences. Felonies are the most serious category of crimes under California law, punishable by state prison time, hefty fines, probation restrictions, a permanent criminal record, and more. At the Law Offices of Maxwell J. Wright, we provide experienced, results-driven representation for individuals facing all types of felony charges. When your future is at stake, you need a skilled advocate who knows the system, understands the law, and is ready to fight for the best possible outcome.

Whether you are under investigation or have already been charged, we are committed to protecting your rights, freedom, and future.

What Is a Felony?

Under California Penal Code § 17, a felony is defined as a crime that can be punished by imprisonment in state prison or, in some cases, county jail for more than one year. Felonies are distinct from misdemeanors, which carry lighter penalties, and infractions, which are minor offenses.

Some felony offenses are “straight felonies”—meaning they must be charged as felonies—while others are “wobblers”, which can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors depending on the facts of the case and the defendant’s criminal history.

Common Felony Charges We Defend Against

We have successfully defended clients against a wide range of felony charges, including but not limited to:

  • Violent Crimes: Homicide, attempted murder, aggravated assault, robbery, carjacking
  • Sex Offenses: Rape, sexual battery, child pornography, lewd acts with a minor
  • Drug Crimes: Possession for sale, drug trafficking, manufacturing controlled substances
  • Weapons Offenses: Felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful weapon possession, assault with a firearm
  • White Collar Crimes: Grand theft, forgery, embezzlement, securities fraud, tax evasion
  • Domestic Violence Felonies: Corporal injury on a spouse, aggravated threats, felony child abuse
  • Gang Enhancements: Charges enhanced under Penal Code § 186.22 for alleged gang activity
  • Three Strikes Law: Prior serious or violent felony convictions can dramatically increase sentencing

Felony Penalties and Sentencing Exposure

Felony convictions in California can carry the following penalties:

  • State prison sentences 
  • Strikes on your criminal record under California’s Three Strikes law
  • Parole or formal probation with strict supervision
  • Significant fines and court fees
  • Loss of gun ownership rights
  • Mandatory sex offender registration (for qualifying sex offenses)
  • Immigration consequences, including possible deportation for non-citizens

In certain cases, you may face sentencing enhancements that add years—or even decades—to your prison term (e.g., firearm use, gang involvement, prior convictions, great bodily injury).

Our Approach to Felony Defense

At the Law Offices of Maxwell J. Wright, we take a comprehensive and strategic approach to every felony case:

  1. Early Intervention – When possible, we intervene before charges are even filed, working with investigators and prosecutors to avoid formal prosecution or seek lesser charges.
  2. Thorough Investigation – We independently investigate the facts, interview witnesses, review police procedures, and identify constitutional violations or evidentiary weaknesses.
  3. Motion Practice – We challenge illegal searches, suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, and file motions to dismiss or reduce charges.
  4. Negotiation & Advocacy – We negotiate aggressively with prosecutors for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or diversion programs.
  5. Trial-Ready Representation – We prepare every case as if it is going to trial. If your case does go to trial, we work tirelessly to be the most prepared in the room, and to present a compelling, passionate, and persuasive defense aimed at achieving acquittal or minimizing penalties.

We understand what’s at stake, and we approach each case with a tailored defense team and strategies built on thorough investigation, legal expertise, and relentless advocacy. We are well-versed in the law, are trial tested, and have a proven track-record of successfully defending individuals against the full range of felony charges.

Wobbler Offenses, Charge Reduction, and Post-conviction Relief

Many felony charges in California are considered wobblers, meaning they can be reduced to misdemeanors under Penal Code § 17(b). This is especially critical when seeking to avoid a strike offense or long-term consequences. We have successfully moved to reduce felony charges before and after conviction. We also assist clients in pursuing post-conviction relief, including expungement and certificates of rehabilitation.

Contact Us Today for a Free, Confidential Consultation

If you or a loved one is facing felony charges, time is critical. A conviction could be devastating and follow you for life. Let the Law Offices of Maxwell J. Wright fight to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom. Don’t wait, call us today at (310) 870 –1271 or use our confidential contact form to schedule a free consultation. The earlier we get involved, the more we can do to protect your rights.

Felony Defense

Facing felony charges is a serious legal matter with potentially life-altering consequences. Felonies are the most serious category of crimes under California law, punishable by state prison time, hefty fines, probation restrictions, a permanent criminal record, and more. At the Law Offices of Maxwell J. Wright, we provide experienced, results-driven representation for individuals facing all types of felony charges. When your future is at stake, you need a skilled advocate who knows the system, understands the law, and is ready to fight for the best possible outcome.

Whether you are under investigation or have already been charged, we are committed to protecting your rights, freedom, and future.

What Is a Felony?

Under California Penal Code § 17, a felony is defined as a crime that can be punished by imprisonment in state prison or, in some cases, county jail for more than one year. Felonies are distinct from misdemeanors, which carry lighter penalties, and infractions, which are minor offenses.

Some felony offenses are “straight felonies”—meaning they must be charged as felonies—while others are “wobblers”, which can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors depending on the facts of the case and the defendant’s criminal history.

Common Felony Charges We Defend Against

We have successfully defended clients against a wide range of felony charges, including but not limited to:

  • Violent Crimes: Homicide, attempted murder, aggravated assault, robbery, carjacking
  • Sex Offenses: Rape, sexual battery, child pornography, lewd acts with a minor
  • Drug Crimes: Possession for sale, drug trafficking, manufacturing controlled substances
  • Weapons Offenses: Felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful weapon possession, assault with a firearm
  • White Collar Crimes: Grand theft, forgery, embezzlement, securities fraud, tax evasion
  • Domestic Violence Felonies: Corporal injury on a spouse, aggravated threats, felony child abuse
  • Gang Enhancements: Charges enhanced under Penal Code § 186.22 for alleged gang activity
  • Three Strikes Law: Prior serious or violent felony convictions can dramatically increase sentencing

Felony Penalties and Sentencing Exposure

Felony convictions in California can carry the following penalties:

  • State prison sentences 
  • Strikes on your criminal record under California’s Three Strikes law
  • Parole or formal probation with strict supervision
  • Significant fines and court fees
  • Loss of gun ownership rights
  • Mandatory sex offender registration (for qualifying sex offenses)
  • Immigration consequences, including possible deportation for non-citizens

In certain cases, you may face sentencing enhancements that add years—or even decades—to your prison term (e.g., firearm use, gang involvement, prior convictions, great bodily injury).

Our Approach to Felony Defense

At the Law Offices of Maxwell J. Wright, we take a comprehensive and strategic approach to every felony case:

  1. Early Intervention – When possible, we intervene before charges are even filed, working with investigators and prosecutors to avoid formal prosecution or seek lesser charges.
  2. Thorough Investigation – We independently investigate the facts, interview witnesses, review police procedures, and identify constitutional violations or evidentiary weaknesses.
  3. Motion Practice – We challenge illegal searches, suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, and file motions to dismiss or reduce charges.
  4. Negotiation & Advocacy – We negotiate aggressively with prosecutors for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or diversion programs.
  5. Trial-Ready Representation – We prepare every case as if it is going to trial. If your case does go to trial, we work tirelessly to be the most prepared in the room, and to present a compelling, passionate, and persuasive defense aimed at achieving acquittal or minimizing penalties.

We understand what’s at stake, and we approach each case with a tailored defense team and strategies built on thorough investigation, legal expertise, and relentless advocacy. We are well-versed in the law, are trial tested, and have a proven track-record of successfully defending individuals against the full range of felony charges.

Wobbler Offenses, Charge Reduction, and Post-conviction Relief

Many felony charges in California are considered wobblers, meaning they can be reduced to misdemeanors under Penal Code § 17(b). This is especially critical when seeking to avoid a strike offense or long-term consequences. We have successfully moved to reduce felony charges before and after conviction. We also assist clients in pursuing post-conviction relief, including expungement and certificates of rehabilitation.

Contact Us Today for a Free, Confidential Consultation

If you or a loved one is facing felony charges, time is critical. A conviction could be devastating and follow you for life. Let the Law Offices of Maxwell J. Wright fight to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom. Don’t wait, call us today at (310) 870 –1271 or use our confidential contact form to schedule a free consultation. The earlier we get involved, the more we can do to protect your rights.