San Jose Felony Attorney

Support When A Felony Threatens Your Future

Facing a felony accusation can turn your life upside down in a moment. You may be worried about jail, your record, and whether you will still be able to see your children or stay in your home. At Magdalena Law Group, we help people in this situation find a clear path forward.

Our attorneys handle serious criminal matters that often arise out of family conflict, including cases involving domestic violence allegations, restraining orders, and custody disputes. We are led by a board certified family law attorney who has been recognized with multiple awards, and our team brings years of experience with complex, emotionally charged cases in Santa Clara County courts.

We know you may feel judged and overwhelmed. Our role is to listen, explain your options in plain language, and help you make informed choices about your felony case and your family. 

To talk confidentially with our team, you can call (408) 601-4439 for a consultation.

What Happens In A Felony Case

Not knowing what comes next can be one of the hardest parts of a felony charge. While every case is different, many felony matters that arise in this region go through the Santa Clara County Superior Court in the city. Understanding the basic path can help you feel more prepared.

In many cases, the process begins with an arrest or a notice to appear in court. The first hearing is typically an arraignment, where you are informed of the charges and a plea is entered. The court usually addresses bail or release conditions at this stage, which may include protective orders or other restrictions that affect where you can live or who you can contact.

After arraignment, felony cases generally move into pretrial proceedings. This is when evidence is exchanged, motions are filed, and there may be discussions about possible resolutions. Some cases proceed to a preliminary hearing, where the court decides whether there is enough evidence for the matter to continue toward trial. Throughout this time, what you say and how you respond to law enforcement or other parties can influence your case.

Criminal proceedings frequently overlap with family court matters. For example, a domestic violence felony may run alongside a custody case at the Family Justice Center Courthouse. Choices made in one courtroom can affect the other. Our attorneys work to help you see the full picture so you can avoid decisions in the criminal case that might unexpectedly harm your position regarding custody, visitation, or support.

If you have just been arrested or learned that you are under investigation, there are immediate steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Stay calm and avoid explaining your side to police or alleged victims without an attorney.
• Gather any court papers, prior orders, and messages that may be relevant, and keep them in a safe place.
• Write down what you remember about the incident, including dates, times, and potential witnesses.
• Contact our office promptly so we can talk with you before important deadlines and hearings.

How Our Team Supports You

When you reach out to us about a felony case, our first priority is to understand what has happened and what you are facing at home. During an initial consultation, we listen to your concerns, review any documents you have, and explain in plain terms how the criminal case and any family law matters may affect one another.

We then work with you to develop a plan that reflects your specific charges, your family structure, and your goals. A strategy for a felony involving allegations of domestic violence will look different from a case involving financial accusations or conduct outside the home. Our attorneys focus on tailoring our approach rather than applying the same plan to every client.

Communication is a central part of how we serve clients. We strive to answer questions before key hearings, clarify what each court date means, and prepare you for how you may need to participate. When possible, we explain options in more than one way, and we are mindful that many clients are managing stress, work, and family responsibilities while their cases move forward.

We also pay attention to your well-being while you are going through this process. Our office environment is designed to help clients feel more at ease, with amenities such as a massage chair and a calm setting that encourages focused conversations. We extend our support beyond our walls as well, through community involvement and pro bono legal assistance that reflects our commitment to making the legal system more accessible.

For those who cannot easily travel or who live elsewhere in Santa Clara, San Mateo, or Alameda counties, we offer consultations by phone and Skype. This flexibility allows you to speak with an attorney without adding additional strain to an already difficult situation.

Consequences Of A Felony Conviction

One of the reasons felony charges feel so overwhelming is that the potential consequences touch many parts of life. In California, a felony conviction can carry the possibility of jail or prison time, probation conditions, fines, and a long-term criminal record. The exact penalties depend on the charge, prior history, and other factors considered by the court.

For parents and partners, family consequences may feel just as serious as legal penalties. A conviction for certain offenses can influence custody and visitation decisions, trigger or extend protective orders, and affect whether you can possess firearms. Courts hearing family cases often pay close attention to what has happened in related criminal matters.

Many people in this region work in fields where background checks are routine. A felony record can affect job opportunities, professional licensing, and in some situations immigration status. These effects can be particularly disruptive in households that rely on one income or where a particular license is required for work.

Our goal is to help you understand not only the potential direct penalties but also the indirect impacts on your family, work, and future plans. While we cannot predict or promise outcomes, we work to identify options that may reduce long-term harm and to coordinate your criminal defense with your broader life and family goals.

Why Clients Choose Our Firm

People who contact us about felony charges are often managing more than one crisis at once. They may be facing a criminal case, a divorce, a custody dispute, and a restraining order, sometimes all in different courtrooms. Our firm was built to navigate that kind of complexity.

Magdalena Law Group is led by a board certified family law attorney who has earned multiple professional awards. Our experience with domestic violence, child custody, asset division, and safety-focused orders gives us a practical foundation for advising clients whose felony cases affect every part of their family life. We bring that perspective to criminal defense work so you do not have to piece together advice from multiple disconnected sources.

Clients also choose us for the way we treat them. We work to provide a professional yet approachable atmosphere where you can speak openly without feeling judged. Our multilingual and multicultural team understands that cultural expectations and language differences can shape how conflicts arise and how they are understood in court. We strive to make sure your voice is heard clearly.

We serve people throughout Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda counties, with in-person meetings at our office and remote consultations available for those who cannot attend in person. Our commitment to community is reflected in our pro bono efforts, which help extend legal support to those most in need.

If you are searching for a felony lawyer San Jose residents can turn to when family and criminal issues collide, we invite you to reach out and learn how we can help you understand your options. A confidential conversation with our attorneys can be an important first step toward regaining a sense of control.

To discuss your situation confidentially with our team, call (408) 601-4439.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I call you after a felony arrest?

You should contact an attorney as soon as you can after an arrest or police contact. Early advice can affect what you say, whether you attend interviews, and how release conditions are handled. We can review your situation and help you prepare for upcoming hearings.

Will a felony charge affect my custody or visitation?

A felony charge can influence custody and visitation, especially if it involves allegations of violence or risks to children. Family courts often consider related criminal cases when making decisions. We can help you understand how the charge may be viewed and plan for both courts.