In California, some crimes are known as “wobbler” offenses. These are charges that can be prosecuted as either a felony or a misdemeanor under the California Penal Code. If you’re facing a wobbler, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight for you.
At Ridley Defense, our attorneys bring over 45 years of combined experience and a hard-earned reputation in Southern California’s criminal courts. We have extensive knowledge on how wobbler charges work and how to push for lesser charges. Our criminal defense attorneys are ready to take on your case. Reach out to Ridley Defense today to get started.
Understanding Wobbler Offenses
A wobbler offense in California is a crime that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case and the prosecutor’s discretion.Your case can quite literally “wobble” between two outcomes. One is less severe with limited penalties, while the other could involve tough sentencing and consequences that follow you for years. Wobbler charges affect how you can be sentenced, which in turn puts your professional licensing, immigration status, and even personal freedoms in jeopardy.
Examples of Common Wobbler Offenses
Wobbler offenses occur more often than many people realize and can arise from a wide range of situations that affect ordinary individuals every day. Potential wobbler offenses:
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Domestic violence
- Sex crimes
- Burglary
- Drug-related charges
- Theft-related charges
- Vehicular manslaughter
How the Charging Process Works for a Wobbler
When a wobbler offense is filed, the process begins much like any other criminal case. But, the flexibility of how it can be charged creates several key points to understand.
Here’s how it works:
- Prosecutor’s Initial Decision: The prosecutor determines whether to pursue the case as a misdemeanor or felony, often considering the facts of the case, criminal history, and mitigating factors.
- Opportunities to Reduce Charges: With Ridley Defense, charges can sometimes be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor through negotiation or at the preliminary hearing stage.
- Judicial Review and Post-Conviction Relief: Judges may reduce a felony conviction to a misdemeanor after sentencing or during probation, offering another chance to minimize long-term consequences.
Judges also have the authority to reduce a wobbler felony to a misdemeanor at various stages of the case, such as during sentencing or even after probation. This means that the classification and penalties can shift over time, offering opportunities for lesser charges or reduced sentences.
Why the Difference Matters: Felony vs. Misdemeanor Consequences
There are notable differences between felony and misdemeanor sentencing guidelines. These classifications mean the outcome of your case hinges on how you are charged and convicted.
At Ridley Defense, we know how important second chances are. Our criminal defense attorneys are determined to make sure your life is not defined by a wobbler offense.
Penalties and Sentencing Differences
If the prosecutor decides to charge your wobbler offense as a felony, you may be facing state prison, loss of certain civil rights, heavy fines, and potential damage to employment and licensing opportunities.
If the same offense is pursued as a misdemeanor, the penalties are far less severe. Misdemeanors are often limited to county jail, probation, or community service, with fewer restrictions on future opportunities.
Impact on Employment, Housing, and Future Rights
When a wobbler offense is charged as a felony, the resulting conviction can close doors to employment opportunities, limit access to housing, and restrict rights such as voting, holding certain professional licenses, or owning firearms.
Employers and landlords often treat a felony record as a disqualifying factor, creating barriers that can last long after a sentence is served.
But, if the offense is charged as a misdemeanor, the long-term damage is significantly less severe, making it easier to rebuild and move forward. This is why having an attorney with extensive knowledge of wobbler offenses is crucial for your defense.
Why Choose Ridley Defense?
At Ridley Defense, we know that having more than just an adequate attorney can make all the difference. Doug Ridley is a former Deputy District Attorney with over 25 years of experience and deep connections within Southern California courts. He uses that insider knowledge to fight for the best possible results in your wobbler cases.
When you choose Ridley Defense, you get a dedicated advocate who knows the system, understands the stakes, and won’t settle until your case reaches the best possible outcome.
Facing a Wobbler Offense in Ventura County? Get Experienced Representation Today
The choices you make in the early days of a wobbler charge can impact your future more than you might expect. But you don’t have to face this alone. At Ridley Defense, our experienced attorneys know the strategies and legal options that can make a real difference in your case by fighting for charge reductions, protecting your record, and protecting your long-term opportunities.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact Ridley Defense today for a free, no-obligation consultation and take the first confident step toward protecting your rights and your future.
