I’ve Been Charged with a Felony, What Do I Do Next?

“I’ve been charged with a felony, what do I do next?”

If this question is echoing in your head right now, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. Being charged with a felony is serious, but it’s not the end. There’s a path forward, and it starts with understanding your situation and getting the right legal help.

If you’ve been charged with a felony, contact Mark Broughton today for a free, confidential consultation. You deserve a strong defense and someone in your corner.

What Is a Felony?

In California, felony crimes are considered the most serious offenses. These are not infractions or misdemeanors. Felonies come with the potential for significant prison time, steep fines, and lifelong consequences. Even being accused can have an impact on your reputation, your relationships, and your job.

Some common felony charges include:

• Homicide and attempted murder

• Rape and sexual assault

• Arson

• Human trafficking

• Burglary and robbery

• Failing to disclose HIV-positive status to a partner

Each of these offenses carries different penalties depending on the circumstances, but all should be taken extremely seriously.

California’s Three Strikes Law

If this isn’t your first time facing a serious charge, you may be looking at even steeper consequences under California’s Three Strikes Law.

Here’s how it works:

• If you’ve been convicted of two prior serious or violent felonies, and you’re charged with a third, that third strike could land you 25 years to life in prison.

• Even a second strike can double your sentence compared to a first offense.

That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced felony defense attorney like Mark Broughton who understands how to defend against these enhanced penalties.

Step 1: Get a Criminal Defense Attorney—Immediately

This is the most important decision you can make.

The legal system is complex, especially when felony charges are involved. You need someone who understands not just the laws—but how prosecutors think, how judges operate, and how juries respond.

Here’s what a skilled attorney will do for you:

• Explain the charges and possible consequences clearly so you know what’s happening and what’s at stake.

• Review and investigate the evidence—and challenge anything that was obtained illegally or doesn’t hold up.

• Build a defense strategy specific to your case, whether that’s pushing for charges to be dropped, negotiating a reduced plea, or fighting for an acquittal in court.

• Represent you in court at arraignments, pre-trial hearings, and trial if it comes to that.

With more than 40 years of experience, Mark Broughton has defended clients in some of the toughest felony cases. When everything is on the line, experience matters.

Step 2: Understand What You’re Being Charged With

Felony charges can be complex. Some are “straight felonies”—which means they can only be charged as felonies. Others are “wobblers,” meaning the prosecutor has discretion to charge them as either a felony or a misdemeanor.

Understanding exactly what you’re being charged with helps you:

• Gauge the potential penalties

• Understand the legal strategy your attorney might take

• Know what kind of evidence the prosecution will need to provide

Your attorney will help you review the complaint or indictment and make sure you’re fully informed.

Step 3: Do Not Talk About the Case

This cannot be overstated: do not talk about your case with anyone but your attorney.

That includes:

• Friends and family

• Coworkers

• Law enforcement

• Social media posts

• Texts or emails about what happened

Even if your intentions are innocent, anything you say can be twisted, taken out of context, or used against you in court. Stay quiet. Let your lawyer do the talking for you.

Step 4: Preserve Any Potential Evidence

While your attorney will handle most of the legal heavy lifting, you can help by gathering any documentation or records that might be relevant to your case. Your attorney will review these details and decide what helps your defense.

That includes:

• Emails, texts, or voicemails

• Photos or videos

• Receipts or documents

• Anything that might help explain your actions or refute the prosecution’s version of events

Do not alter or delete anything. That can be seen as tampering and could hurt your case. Just bring what you have to your attorney and let them decide what’s helpful.

Step 5: Prepare for Court Appearances

Once you’ve been charged, you’ll likely be given a court date for your arraignment. This is the first time you’ll appear before a judge, and it’s where you’ll officially hear the charges against you and enter a plea.

From there, your case could involve:

• Bail hearings

• Pre-trial motions

• Preliminary hearings

• Trial (if your case goes that far)

Your attorney will guide you through every step, but it’s your responsibility to show up on time, dress appropriately, and take the process seriously. Judges notice—and respect—people who appear respectful and engaged.

Step 6: Know Your Legal Defense Options

Every felony case is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all defense. Your attorney will look at the evidence, the witnesses, and the circumstances of your arrest to build the strongest possible strategy.

Some common defenses include:

• Lack of intent – You didn’t intend to commit a crime.

• Mistaken identity – You were not the person who committed the act.

• Alibi – You were somewhere else when the crime occurred.

• Self-defense – You were protecting yourself or someone else from harm.

• Unlawful search and seizure – Law enforcement violated your rights in collecting evidence.

• False accusations – Someone may be accusing you out of revenge, jealousy, or confusion.

No matter what you’re up against, your defense starts with a strong, experienced advocate on your side.

Step 7: Understand the Potential Consequences

Felony convictions carry serious, life-changing penalties. These may include:

• State prison time, starting at one year and potentially much longer

• Thousands of dollars in fines and restitution

• Probation or parole

• Loss of civil rights like voting or owning firearms

• Difficulty finding employment, housing, or professional licenses

• Immigration consequences if you’re not a U.S. citizen

The good news? These penalties aren’t guaranteed. With the right defense, you may be able to avoid conviction altogether—or reduce the charges and penalties significantly.

Step 8: Think About the Long-Term Impact

A felony charge doesn’t just affect your immediate future—it can follow you for the rest of your life. But how it affects you depends a lot on what you do next.

That’s why it’s critical to:

• Take the charge seriously from day one

• Get legal help early

• Follow your attorney’s advice every step of the way

Your future is worth fighting for. And the right legal representation can make all the difference.

Contact Mark Broughton for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been charged with a felony, don’t wait. Time is not on your side—but help is.

With more than four decades of courtroom experience, Mark Broughton knows how to defend clients in the most serious cases. Whether you’re facing your first charge or dealing with a possible third strike, you need someone who will stand up for you.

Call (559) 691-6222
Email mark@FresnoCriminalLawyer.com
Or click here to schedule a free consultation online.

Let’s sit down, one-on-one, and review your case together. You deserve a clear plan, a strong defense, and an advocate who’s ready to fight for your future.