7 Consequences of a Felony Conviction in California: The “Domino” Effect

A felony conviction is like tipping the first domino in a carefully stacked row. Once it falls, the impact doesn’t stop—it cascades, knocking over every aspect of your life in its path. From the moment of conviction, the chain reaction begins, spreading far beyond the courtroom to affect your career, relationships, and even basic rights.

If you’ve been charged with a felony offense in San Diego or Chula Vista, it’s imperative to fully understand the gravity of the situation you’re facing. Here are seven of the most devastating consequences of being convicted of a felony in California:

1. Lengthy State Prison Sentence

Most felony convictions in California carry a potential state prison sentence. Some of the most serious felony offenses, like first-degree murder with special circumstances charged under California Penal Code Section 190.2 PC, can even result in life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.

But even lower-level felonies come with the possibility of years locked up in state prison. For example, first-degree burglary is punishable by 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison under California Penal Code Section 461 PC.

2. Expensive Fines and Victim Restitution

On top of prison time, a felony conviction in California nearly always results in substantial fines, court fees, and restitution payments to victims. Fines for felony offenses can reach up to $10,000 or even more in some cases. You’ll also likely have to pay additional fees and costs to the court related to your case.

If your felony offense involved a victim who suffered financial losses, the judge will probably order you to pay restitution to that victim to compensate them for their losses. Restitution payments in felony cases can easily reach into the tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars range.

3. Strict Probation Conditions

If you’re fortunate enough to be granted probation instead of a prison sentence for your felony conviction, you’ll still face very strict supervision, monitoring, and other probation conditions. Most felony probation terms in California last for a period of 2-5 years.

During your probation term, you’ll be required to fully comply with all court orders and probation conditions, which may include things like:

• Regularly reporting to your assigned probation officer
• Submitting to random drug and alcohol testing
• Allowing the search of your person, property, and vehicle at any time
• Not associating with certain people or groups
• Abiding by a curfew
• Wearing a GPS ankle monitor
• Attending counseling or substance abuse treatment
• Performing community service or labor hours
• Staying within the county and/or state

If you violate any of these probation conditions, you could find yourself back in court facing probation revocation proceedings and potential imprisonment for your original felony sentence.

4. Permanent Criminal Record

A felony conviction stays on your criminal record permanently in California, unless you’re able to get it dismissed or sealed through a legal process. This means that any time someone runs a background check on you – such as an employer, landlord, or lender – your felony conviction will show up.

Having a felony on your record can make it extremely challenging to secure employment, find housing, take out a loan, or pursue higher education opportunities, even many years after you’ve paid your debt to society. Some professional licenses may also be impossible to obtain with a felony record.

5. Loss of Gun Rights

Under California Penal Code Section 29800 PC, it is illegal for any person convicted of a felony offense to own, purchase, receive, or possess a firearm. This ban on gun rights is lifelong for felons in California, unless you’re able to get your felony reduced to a misdemeanor or your rights restored (in some cases where there isn’t a federal lifetime ban).

Violating California’s “felon with a firearm” law is a felony crime itself, punishable by up to 3 years in state prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. Federal law also prohibits felons from possessing firearms.

6. Disqualification from Jury Duty

If you have a felony conviction on your record, you are disqualified from serving on a jury in California under Code of Civil Procedure Section 203(a)(5). This ban on jury service lasts as long as your felony remains on your criminal record.

7. Impact on Child Custody and Visitation

Finally, having a felony conviction on your record can severely impact your parental rights if you’re involved in a child custody or visitation dispute. Under California Family Code Section 3044, there is a legal presumption that awarding custody to a parent convicted of certain felonies (like domestic violence or child abuse) would be detrimental to the child’s best interests.

The family court judge will consider your criminal history when making decisions about custody and visitation rights. You may face restricted or supervised visitation time with your child. In extreme cases, your parental rights could even be terminated based on your felony conviction.

As you can see, the consequences of a felony conviction in California are severe, far-reaching, and long-lasting. Your freedom, financial stability, family, constitutional rights, and future opportunities are all put in serious jeopardy when you’re convicted of a felony offense.

This is why it is absolutely essential to retain a skilled and experienced San Diego criminal defense lawyer if you’re facing felony charges. At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, we understand the immense stress you’re under and are deeply committed to aggressively protecting your rights and fighting for your future.

Don’t let a felony conviction destroy your life. Contact the Law Office of David P. Shapiro today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case and start building your hard-hitting defense. With office locations in San Diego and Chula Vista, we’re here for you when you need us the most.