orange county bail bonds schedules

 Felonies are the most severe type of crime, carrying heavier penalties than misdemeanors and infractions. Felony convictions can result in over a year of prison time and significant fines. Additionally, those convicted of felonies may face long-term consequences, such as losing the right to vote while incarcerated, on parole, or probation, and being permanently barred from owning firearms. 

  In California, felonies are categorized into first, second, and third degrees. Unlike other states that use a class system to group crimes, California evaluates each crime individually to determine appropriate sentencing standards. Prosecutors must provide evidence, such as intent, to elevate a crime’s degree (e.g., from second-degree to first-degree murder). 

 California lawmakers set specific sentencing guidelines for crimes, offering high, medium, and low punishment options for judges to consider. However, some crimes, like murder, may not have predefined standards, resulting in default prison sentences of four, eight, or twelve years.

Straight and Wobbler Offenses

• Straight Offenses: These felonies are always charged as felonies, regardless of the degree.
• Wobbler Offenses: Typically third-degree felonies, wobbler offenses can be reduced to misdemeanors based on the judge's or prosecutor's decision. While a felony can be downgraded to a misdemeanor, it cannot be reduced to an infraction.

 While felony convictions often lead to prison time, some defendants may receive alternative sentences, such as probation, which might include minimal or no jail time. Probation typically lasts up to five years and includes conditions like regular meetings with a probation officer, therapy, community service, and possible drug testing. 

 Felony charges generally result in higher bail amounts, reflecting the severity of the crime. Bail amounts vary based on the specific charges and the defendant's personal history, with each case being unique. 

 Felonies typically result in some of the highest bail amounts in Orange County, reflecting the serious nature of these crimes. Bail amounts vary significantly depending on the specific charges and the defendant's personal history. Each case is unique, and the bail set will depend on the details of the crime and the circumstances surrounding the defendant.