Can you get probation for a felony in California?
Asked by: Annamae Koelpin I | Last update: January 25, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (62 votes)
Probation provides an alternative to incarceration for many people who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony in California. Most first-time, non-violent offenders are eligible for probation and can remain out of police custody if they follow the court-ordered terms of their probation.
What felonies are eligible for probation in California?
- The type of felony offense committed.
- The severity of the offense.
- Whether you were armed during the offense.
- Damage or harm done to victims.
- Any history of a criminal record before the offense.
How long is felony probation in California?
Felony probation is most often imposed for five years, or 60 months. However, the length of time the defendant spends on probation for a felony case can vary.
What is the minimum sentence for a felony in California?
Under the California felony sentencing guidelines, felony penalties can include: felony (or formal) probation, a term of at least 1 year in state prison, or. at least 16 months in county jail (only for felonies that are not serious, violent, or sexual).
How bad is felony probation?
The maximum county jail time for a felony probation sentence is one year (served at half-time). Felony probation typically lasts between three and five years in California. The terms of probation are imposed by the judge. Importantly, the probationer must obey all laws.
Can I get probation for a B felony
How to avoid jail time for felony?
- #1: Negotiating plea bargains. Pleading out can be a strategic move. ...
- #2: Rehabilitation and counseling. ...
- #3: Character references. ...
- #4: Diversion programs. ...
- #5: Demonstrating remorse.
What kind of offenders are usually denied probation?
In other cases, an offender is presumed to be ineligible for probation (use or a deadly weapon, 2 or more prior felony convictions, willful infliction of great injury, residential burglary, etc); other cases, an offender is statutorily ineligible for probation (certain sex crimes, prior strikes, crime with life ...
Do first time felony offenders go to jail in California?
First Time Offender Felony Charge Act in CA
Under the Federal First Offender Act, also known as FFOA, first-time offenders are eligible for special probation programs rather than a prison sentence. After felony probation is successfully completed, the charge and the arrest may be expunged.
Who is ineligible for probation in California?
(k) Probation shall not be granted to, nor shall the execution of, or imposition of sentence be suspended for, any person who is convicted of a violent felony, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5, or a serious felony, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 1192.7, and who was on probation for a felony ...
Do felonies go away after 7 years in California?
Felony convictions are not automatically expunged with the passage of time but require the filing and granting of an Expungement Petition by the Court. Many felony cases are "wobblers"; that is, they can be reduced to misdemeanors (even after many years) and then expunged in the same court proceeding.
Can you get off felony probation early in California?
Termination of probation allows a judge to end probation early due to good conduct and reform. However, obtaining early termination can be challenging and requires a strong legal argument. If you are sentenced to probation in California, you may qualify for early termination.
Do all felony charges result in jail time?
However, it's a common misconception that all felonies automatically result in jail time. The truth is more nuanced. Under California law, judges possess considerable discretion in sentencing, allowing them to impose probation in certain cases instead of incarceration.
What is the new law for probation in California?
A California reform measure that capped probation to two years for many nonviolent offenders applies retroactively to plea agreements that hadn't been finalized when the law took effect in 2021, the Supreme Court ruled Monday.
How long is probation for a felony in California?
Felony probation lasts up to 2 years for most non-violent felonies. It can last up to 3 years for the crimes of grand theft, embezzlement, or theft by false pretenses that involve more than $25,000.
What is considered a serious felony in CA?
A complete list of the serious felonies in California are: Murder (PC 187) or voluntary manslaughter (PC 192) Mayhem (PC 203) Rape (PC 261)
When you get out of jail, are you on probation?
Here in CA you will be on parole for 5 years if you come out of state prison. It will be extended if you violate your terms. Here in Ca state probation is limited to one year for misdemeanors and 2 years for felony's.
Who decides the conditions of probation?
Mandatory Conditions of Supervision: Under 18 U.S.C. §§ 3563(a) and 3583(d), the sentencing court is required to impose specified conditions of probation and supervised release. The mandatory conditions are set forth below.
How to convince a judge to not put you in jail?
Defending the Case
The best way to avoid jail is to avoid a conviction by getting the case dismissed, either by filing motions to suppress or going to trial and getting a not guilty verdict from the jury.
What are the different types of probation in California?
The two primary types of probation in California are formal and informal probation. Informal probation, often referred to as unsupervised probation, is tailored for low-risk offenders. In this format, individuals under unsupervised probation are not required to report to a probation officer.
What is the most common felony in California?
- Penal Code 647.6 PC – Child molestation,
- Penal Code 288 PC – Lewd acts with a minor;
- Penal Code 261 PC – Rape;
- Penal Code 211 PC – Robbery;
- Penal Code 215 PC – Carjacking;
- Penal Code 245(a)(2) PC – Assault with a firearm.
How to avoid a felony?
The 5 most common ways to get a felony charge dropped are (1) to show a lack of probable cause, (2) to demonstrate a violation of your constitutional rights, (3) to accept a plea agreement, (4) to cooperate with law enforcement in another case, or (5) to enter a pretrial diversion program.
How long is first offender probation?
Federal First Offenders Act - Explained
(2) has not previously been the subject of a disposition under this subsection; with the consent of such person, the court may place him on probation for a term of not more than one year without entering a judgment of conviction.
What is the lowest form of probation?
Unsupervised probation is a type of probation authorized in many states where you report directly to the court rather than to a probation officer. This is typically a more relaxed form of probation that is reserved for misdemeanor offenders that pose a low risk of harm to the community.
In which situation is the offender most likely to receive probation?
An offender is most likely to be given probation for a less serious crime like petty theft, not serious offenses like homicide, kidnapping, or arson. These are considered misdemeanors, unlike the latter which are felonies, often resulting in more lenient penalties such as fines, short-term jail sentences, or probation.
What can you not do on probation in California?
The defendant shall not associate with any persons engaged in criminal activity and shall not associate with any person convicted of a felony, unless granted permission to do so by the probation officer.