Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
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Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
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DUI arrests don't always lead to convictions in court. Police officer mistakes, faulty breathalyzers and crime lab errors may get your charges reduced or dismissed. Visit our California DUI page to learn more.
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A criminal record can affect job, immigration, licensing and even housing opportunities. In this section, we offer solutions for clearing up your prior record.
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There are five main differences between misdemeanor probation and felony probation in the California criminal court process. Perhaps the biggest difference is that while misdemeanor probation is typically available for defendants with a misdemeanor conviction, felony probation is available to persons that were convicted of felony offenses.
Other differences include that, in comparison to felony probation, misdemeanor probation:
Note that misdemeanor probation is also referred to as “summary probation.”
Felony probation is also referred to as “formal probation.”
Both types of programs allow an offender to serve most, or all, of their sentence under court supervision instead of custody in either:
Felony probation requires defendants reporting to a P.O.
Summary probation and felony probation are not available to the same types of offenders.
Almost anyone convicted with misdemeanor charges can receive summary probation in California.
The purpose of this type of probation is to:
Courts, therefore, typically give summary probation to first-time and juvenile offenders. But even people with prior convictions may be eligible for it. A judge is likely to grant misdemeanor probation if a defendant will take advantage of a second chance.
Felony probation, on the other hand, is afforded to certain people convicted of felony charges (not misdemeanor charges). But note that not all people with felony convictions are eligible for this type of probation.
Whether or not a convict is eligible for formal probation depends on such factors as:
Only felony probation uses probation reports.
Prior to awarding a defendant with formal probation, a judge must order a probation report from the county probation department. The judge reviews and considers this report before imposing the sentence.
In drafting the report, the department evaluates the defendant’s eligibility and then recommends:
In the end, the judge makes the final decision as to whether to grant probation. The probation report serves as a tool to help the judge make this decision.
In most misdemeanor cases, the judge does not request a probation report. An exception is misdemeanor cases involving sex crimes.4
Summary and formal probation are imposed for different periods of time.
With a misdemeanor offense, summary probation typically lasts for between one and three years in California. During that time, the defendant must comply with certain conditions, such as:
In felony cases, formal probation is typically imposed for between three and five years. As with misdemeanor probation, a probationer must adhere to certain conditions of probation.
Defendants on misdemeanor probation have fewer travel restrictions.
Only felony probation incorporates the use of probation officers.
Once a person is placed on felony probation, he/she most likely must meet with a probation officer. The role of the officer is to verify:
Probation officers also check to ensure that a probationer is not in violation of probation.
California criminal law says that probation officers are not necessary for summary probation for misdemeanor crimes.
A defendant on misdemeanor probation, though, may have to return to court periodically to meet with the judge and give a “progress report.”
During this meeting, the judge will:
A failure to appear (“FTA”) at a scheduled meeting is a violation of probation. It will result in the judge issuing a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest.
Travel opportunities are different under each type of probation.
People on misdemeanor probation generally face no restrictions on travel.
Note, though, that defendants remain obligated to comply with all their probation conditions. Sometimes compliance with these conditions make it difficult for the probationer to leave the state.
Prior to traveling, a convict on summary probation should consult with his/her criminal defense attorney to make sure he/she will not commit a violation by traveling.
A probationer can also petition the court to modify his/her probation terms so that he/she can travel or relocate.
Felony probation often involves restrictions on moving and traveling.
In general:
As to moving, it is a good idea for probationers to consult with criminal defense lawyers prior to going to court. A lawyer will most often provide a person with a free consultation that will explain the best steps a felon should take to make sure his/her rights are protected.
A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.