Bay Area Felony Defense
From a Former Prosecutor

Pelta Law defends felony cases in San Francisco, Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Marin, Solano, Napa and Sonoma counties.

Call 415-963-1152. Email marc@peltalaw.com.

Do not send facts of your case in an initial email. An inquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship.

For attorneys referring a felony case

Marc's prosecution background shapes how Pelta Law reads evidence and prepares for trial.

Pelta Law accepts three kinds of work from attorneys: full referrals of felony matters, second opinions on a pending case or plea offer, and co-counsel roles on serious felonies where a trial is likely. A conflict check happens before any case detail is shared.

Felony defense practice

Pelta Law's practice is concentrated in felony criminal defense. The felony defense hub explains each charge type in more detail, with code sections, penalties and common defenses.

• Violent felonies: assault with a deadly weapon or force likely to cause great bodily injury (PC 245), robbery (PC 211), criminal threats (PC 422) and mayhem (PC 203).
• Assault and battery: felony assault and battery charges, including allegations of great bodily injury.
• Domestic violence: corporal injury to a spouse, cohabitant or partner (PC 273.5) and battery on a partner (PC 243(e)(1)).
• Sex crimes and PC 290: felony sex offense allegations and the registration requirement under PC 290.
• Weapons: possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (PC 29800) and carrying a concealed firearm (PC 25400).
• Robbery, burglary and grand theft: robbery (PC 211), burglary (PC 459) and grand theft (PC 487).
• Drug sales: possession for sale and sale or transport of controlled substances (HS 11351, 11352, 11378, 11379).
• Three Strikes and Romero motions: prior strike allegations and motions to dismiss a strike in furtherance of justice.
• Pre-filing and search warrant defense: representation after a search or an investigation contact, before any charge is filed.
• Juvenile transfer and federal: transfer hearings under WIC 707 and felony matters in federal court.

Many of these charges appear on California's list of serious felonies (PC 1192.7(c)) or violent felonies (PC 667.5(c)), lists the Three Strikes law incorporates by reference. A listed charge changes sentencing exposure and custody credits.

Pelta Law also handles DUI, restraining orders, professional licensing consequences of a felony charge and juvenile matters. These pages sit under Practice Areas.

How a felony case moves in the Bay Area

This is general information about California felony procedure. It is not legal advice, and the timing in a specific case depends on the county, the court's calendar and the facts.

Arrest. After an arrest the person is booked and either released or held. The district attorney then decides whether to file charges, and what charges to file. A lawyer can contact the district attorney's office during this window, before the filing decision is made.

Arraignment. The first court appearance. The charges are read, counsel is confirmed and a plea is entered. A person held in custody is generally arraigned within 48 hours of arrest, not counting Sundays and holidays.

Trial. If the case is held to answer, an information is filed and the case is set for trial. A felony trial is generally set to begin within 60 days of arraignment on the information unless the defendant waives time, consents to a later date, or the court finds good cause.

Many cases resolve before trial. Some go to a jury.