Felony Criminal Defense Attorney in Lancaster
Protecting Your Freedom, Record & Future When Everything Is On The Line
A felony arrest can turn your life upside down in a matter of hours. You may be worried about going to jail, losing your job, or how this will affect your family and your future. If you are searching for a felony attorney Lancaster because you or someone close to you is facing serious criminal charges, you need clear guidance and a lawyer who will stand beside you in court.
At Law Office of Jesse P. Duran, I focus my practice on criminal defense work in and around Lancaster, CA. Since 2007, I have defended people in the Antelope Valley Courthouse and other local courts who are accused of serious crimes, from violent crimes, drug-related offenses, and felony DUI. When you contact my office, you work directly with me, attorney Jesse P. Duran, from our first conversation through your court appearances.
I understand that you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start. My goal is to explain what you are facing, help you understand your options, and work to protect your rights at every stage. To talk about your specific situation, you can call (661) 903-8056 for a confidential consultation.
Why Clients Trust My Felony Defense Representation
When you are deciding who will defend you on a serious criminal charge, trust and experience matter. I opened my practice in 2007, and since that time I have focused on defending people in criminal court here in Lancaster and throughout the Antelope Valley. I appear in the same felony courtrooms regularly, and I know how cases are commonly handled in this area.
Many clients choose my office because they want direct access to the lawyer who is actually handling their case. When you hire me, you do not get passed off to an associate you have never met. I meet with you, review the evidence with you, and appear in court with you. This hands-on approach allows me to understand what matters most to you and to tailor our strategy around your priorities and the facts of your case.
My work in criminal defense has received recognition beyond my own office. I hold a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating, which reflects factors such as experience and feedback from clients and peers. I have also been recognized among the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers. These recognitions do not predict results in any specific felony case, but they are independent indications that my work and advocacy have earned respect in the legal community.
Because I have practiced in this community for many years, I have built professional relationships with people throughout the local criminal justice system. These relationships, along with familiarity with local procedures and tendencies, help me navigate the process more effectively for my clients. When combined with one-on-one attention, this can provide a meaningful advantage as we move through your case.
Felony Charges I Defend & What Is At Stake
Felony cases are not all the same. The potential consequences depend on the charge, the facts, your prior record, and many other factors. In my practice, I defend a wide range of felony accusations, including violent crimes, drug-related offenses, serious DUI allegations that are charged as felonies, and various property and theft offenses. Each type of charge brings its own legal issues and potential penalties.
In California, a felony conviction can carry a sentence in county jail or state prison, along with substantial fines and lengthy probation terms. Judges may also impose conditions such as protective orders, mandatory programs, and restitution. For some offenses, there can be strike consequences under California law, which may affect future sentencing if new cases arise. These are not just legal penalties, they can change the course of your life.
Beyond the courtroom, a felony record can make it more difficult to find work or housing, can affect certain professional licenses, and can create immigration problems for non-citizens. It can also influence child custody or family law matters and can damage your reputation in the community. When I evaluate a case, I look at both the immediate criminal exposure and the long-term impact so that we can discuss realistic goals and options.
Not every felony case leads to a conviction, and not every conviction leads to the maximum punishment. Outcomes depend on the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, legal issues in the case, your background, and the work that goes into your defense. Part of my role as your felony criminal lawyer in Lancaster is to help you understand what is at stake for your specific charges and how we can work to protect you.
What To Do After A Felony Arrest in Lancaster
If you or a loved one has recently been arrested, the first hours and days can feel chaotic. You may get calls from law enforcement, you may be dealing with bail issues, and you might not even know exactly what has been charged. Taking a few careful steps now can make a real difference later.
Use Your Rights & Limit Statements
You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. It is usually wise to use those rights. You are not required to answer questions about the facts of the case without a lawyer present, and statements made to police or others can be used in court. If officers or detectives want to speak with you, you can politely state that you want to consult with a lawyer before any questioning continues.
Preserve Information & Documents
It can also help to write down or gather information while it is still fresh. This might include names and contact information for potential witnesses, photographs of any injuries or locations related to the case, and copies of any paperwork given to you by law enforcement or the court. Keep these materials in a safe place so they can be reviewed as part of your defense.
Prepare For Court At The Antelope Valley Courthouse
For many felony cases arising here, hearings typically take place at the Antelope Valley Courthouse in Lancaster. The first appearance in a felony case is usually the arraignment, where charges are read, counsel is confirmed, and bail or release conditions may be reviewed. Having a lawyer at this stage can help ensure that your rights are asserted and that any bail or custody issues are properly addressed.
If you have been released or a family member is in custody, contacting a lawyer as soon as you can is important. Early involvement allows me to obtain and review the initial reports, advise you about what to expect at upcoming court dates, and start planning how to approach the case. Even if you are not sure what your next step should be, a conversation can give you a clearer picture of your situation.
How I Approach Felony Criminal Defense Cases
Felony cases involve high stakes and many moving parts, so my approach is structured and careful. It usually begins with a detailed conversation with you about what happened and about your history. I then review the available reports, charging documents, and any evidence provided by the prosecution. This helps me identify the key issues we need to address early in the case.
Understanding The Stages Of A Felony Case
In a typical California felony case, there are several stages. After arraignment, cases often move into a series of pretrial conferences or hearings. During this time, I obtain discovery, which can include police reports, witness statements, recordings, and other materials. I look for inconsistencies, gaps in the evidence, and potential legal problems such as search and seizure issues. Where appropriate, I may file motions to challenge certain evidence or raise legal issues with the court.
Evaluating Negotiation Options & Trial Readiness
At the same time, I evaluate any negotiation options that may arise. Prosecutors sometimes make offers that can range from dismissals on certain counts to plea deals that reduce charges or limit custody time. As your felony criminal defense attorney in Lancaster, I discuss these options with you, explain the potential risks and benefits, and help you decide whether negotiation or moving toward trial fits your goals and the evidence in your case. The final decision about accepting or rejecting any offer is always yours.
If a case proceeds toward trial, preparation becomes even more intensive. This can include further investigation, preparation of witnesses, and development of cross-examination plans. While not every case goes to trial, being ready for that possibility helps us negotiate from a stronger position and ensures that we are not caught unprepared if trial becomes the best choice. Throughout this process, my focus is on giving you honest advice based on experience, rather than making promises about results that no one can guarantee.
At every significant step, I communicate with you about what is happening and why. My goal is to make sure you are involved in decisions, understand the options in front of you, and feel that you have an advocate who is actually listening to you. Complex felony cases can take time, but you should not feel left in the dark while your future is being decided.
The Advantage Of A Local Felony Defense Lawyer
Choosing a lawyer who regularly works in the courts where your case is filed can provide important practical benefits. I have practiced in Lancaster and the surrounding Antelope Valley community since 2007, and I routinely appear in the Antelope Valley Courthouse on felony matters. Over time, this has given me insight into how cases are often scheduled, how certain types of charges are commonly approached, and what to expect in different courtrooms.
Every judge and prosecutor has their own style and priorities. While no attorney controls those decisions, familiarity with local tendencies can help in planning strategy, preparing you for court, and framing arguments in a way that is more likely to be heard. This kind of local knowledge is built through years of day-to-day work in the same courthouse, not through occasional appearances.
Being a local felony defense lawyer in Lancaster also means that I am accessible for in-person meetings when that is helpful. Some discussions about evidence or preparation for testimony are simply easier face-to-face. When you need to review discovery in detail, discuss important choices, or get ready for a hearing, you do not have to deal with a lawyer who is across the state or impossible to meet in person.
My long-term presence in this area has also allowed me to build working relationships throughout the local criminal justice system. These relationships are professional, not personal favors, but they can make communication smoother and help move cases forward. When you combine local knowledge with a practice focused on criminal defense, you get representation that is grounded in how cases actually unfold here.
Client Communication & Support During Your Case
Facing a felony charge is stressful, and unanswered questions make that stress worse. One of the reasons people come to my office is that they want to know who will actually answer their calls, explain their options, and appear next to them in court. When you hire me, I am the attorney you deal with on your case.
I take time to listen to your concerns and to explain what is happening at each step. Before important court dates, we talk through what to expect, what issues may come up, and what role you will need to play, if any. After hearings, I explain what occurred and what it means for the next stage of your case. You should not have to guess what happened in court or what it means for you.
Over the years, many clients have expressed appreciation for being kept informed and for the personal attention they receive. While every client and every case is different, I strive to provide the same level of communication and support in each matter. When new developments arise, I work to keep you updated promptly so that you are never left wondering whether your case is being attended to.
My goal is not only to provide strong legal representation, but also to help you feel that you have a steady guide through a system that can feel confusing and intimidating. Knowing that you can speak directly with your lawyer and get straightforward answers can make a difficult time more manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I Go To Jail For My Felony Charge?
Whether you go to jail or prison on a felony case depends on many factors, so there is no simple yes or no answer. Courts look at the type of charge, the specific facts, your prior record, any injuries or losses involved, and what the law allows for that offense. In some cases, it is possible to work toward outcomes that reduce or avoid custody time, such as probation or alternative sentences, although this is not available in every situation. Part of my role is to evaluate the charges against you and the evidence, then discuss the range of possible outcomes based on experience in local courts. With that information, we can talk about realistic goals and how to approach your case.
What Happens At My First Felony Court Date in Lancaster?
The first felony court date is usually the arraignment, which often takes place at the Antelope Valley Courthouse here in Lancaster. At arraignment, the judge typically tells you what charges have been filed, confirms that you have or will have a lawyer, and addresses bail or release conditions. In most cases, a plea of not guilty is entered at this stage so that there is time to review discovery and evaluate the case. Having a lawyer present means that someone is there to speak on your behalf, to request reasonable bail terms where appropriate, and to make sure your rights are protected from the very beginning. Before that first appearance, I explain what to expect so you are not walking into the courtroom blindly.
Will I Work Directly With You On My Felony Case?
Yes. When you hire my office, you work directly with me, attorney Jesse P. Duran, on your felony matter. I meet with you to discuss your case, I review the reports and evidence, and I appear at your key court hearings. I do have staff who assist with administrative tasks, but you will not be handed off to another attorney you have never met. Many clients find it important to know that the lawyer they speak with during the consultation is the same person who will stand beside them in court, and that is how I choose to run my practice.
How Do You Approach Defending Felony Charges Like Mine?
My approach begins with understanding your side of the story and carefully reviewing the prosecution’s evidence. I look for legal issues such as unlawful searches, problems with identification, or weaknesses in witness statements. I then consider what additional information or investigation might help clarify the facts. As your case moves through the stages of arraignment, pretrial hearings, negotiations, and possible trial, I keep you involved in the decisions that affect you.
As a felony defense attorney Lancaster, my goal is to use my knowledge of the local courts and California law to help you make informed choices about whether to fight charges at trial, seek negotiation, or pursue other options that may be available.
Can A Felony in California Ever Be Reduced Or Cleared?
In some situations, felony charges or convictions in California may later be reduced or may qualify for certain forms of relief, but this depends heavily on the specific offense and your circumstances. For example, some offenses are what lawyers call wobblers, which means they can be filed or later reduced to misdemeanors under certain conditions. There are also limited post-conviction options that may help with aspects of your record in some cases. These possibilities are not automatic and are not available for every type of felony. If you have questions about the long-term impact of a conviction or the chance of future relief, we can discuss those issues as part of planning your defense.
How Soon Should I Contact A Lawyer After A Felony Arrest?
It is usually best to contact a lawyer as soon as you can after a felony arrest or when you learn that you are under investigation. Early involvement allows your attorney to advise you before you speak with law enforcement, to address bail and release issues promptly, and to start reviewing the initial reports and evidence. Waiting can sometimes limit options or lead to statements being made without full understanding of the consequences. If you are unsure whether it is the right time to involve a lawyer, a consultation can help you understand what is happening and what steps are wise to take now.
What Will Our First Meeting About My Felony Case Be Like?
During our first meeting, my focus is on listening to you and gathering enough information to start evaluating your case. I will ask you about what led up to the arrest, what you have been told about the charges, and whether you have any documents such as court papers or reports. I then explain the general legal framework that applies to charges like yours and outline what I see as the immediate priorities, such as upcoming court dates or evidence that needs to be preserved. This meeting is also your opportunity to ask questions about how I work and what you can expect if you choose to hire me. By the end of the consultation, my goal is for you to have a clearer sense of where your case stands and what the next steps might be.
Talk With A Lancaster Felony Defense Lawyer Today
A felony charge can threaten your freedom, your record, and your future, but you do not have to face it alone. With experienced guidance, you can better understand what you are facing and what can be done to protect your rights. As a local felony criminal attorney in Lancaster, I bring years of work in the Antelope Valley courts, a record of dedicated client advocacy, and a commitment to one-on-one representation.
If you or a loved one has been accused of a serious crime here in Lancaster, CA, or in the surrounding area, I encourage you to reach out and discuss your situation. We can talk about your charges, the court process, and possible paths forward so you can make informed decisions. Taking this step can help you regain a sense of control at a time when everything feels uncertain.
To schedule a confidential consultation with a felony lawyer Lancaster, call (661) 903-8056 today.