Felony Attorney in Newport Beach

If You’re Facing Felony Charges, Act Now—Your Defense Begins Here

Finding yourself or a loved one arrested or charged with a felony in Newport Beach is overwhelming. In moments like this, you need a felony attorney in Newport Beach who truly understands what is at stake: your freedom, your reputation, and your future. 

At Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC, we deliver immediate, experienced felony defense when every hour counts and every detail matters. We know that criminal accusations are not just legal problems. They cause stress, uncertainty, and concern for what lies ahead. 

Our attorneys approach every case not just with legal skill, but with compassion and determination. With more than a century of combined experience and a team that includes former prosecutors and recognized leaders in the Orange County legal community, our firm gives you the support and advocacy you deserve from the very first call.

Clients rely on us because we respond when others might not—in the middle of the night, on weekends, and whenever the situation demands. We are here for you 24/7 because moments of crisis do not wait for office hours. That is the standard you can expect from our Newport Beach felony lawyers.

Call (949) 251-0330 or reach out online to speak with a felony attorney in Newport Beach who can intervene immediately.

Understanding Felony Laws in California

California law defines a felony as any crime punishable by more than one year in state prison or, in certain cases, county jail under Penal Code 1170(h) (Realignment). Unlike many states, California does not use a numerical or alphabetical classification system (Class A, B, etc.); the severity of the felony is determined by the potential punishment.

Types of Felony Cases We Defend in Newport Beach

Each felony case brings distinct challenges, and our firm is equipped to address even the most complex allegations within this jurisdiction.

Here are some of the felony matters our Newport Beach lawyers commonly defend:

• Violent crimes, including assault, battery, or robbery
• White collar offenses, such as embezzlement, forgery, and fraud
• Major theft, burglary, and property crimes
• Drug trafficking and large possession offenses
• Felony DUI and vehicular offenses
• Sex offenses under California law

When handling cases like these, we match you with the right attorneys from our team based on the nature and complexity of the charge. Former federal prosecutors contribute valuable insight for white collar matters, while experienced trial lawyers lead in high-stakes violent crime cases. 

We know the policies and practices used by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and our strategies are responsive to how Newport Beach law enforcement applies California state law.

Some felony offenses also involve federal court or special local jurisdictions within Orange County. Our attorneys are admitted to state and federal courts and have extensive experience defending cases at every level that may impact Newport Beach residents.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Felony Convictions in California

The penalties for a felony conviction are harsh and endure long after any sentence is served. In California, sentences are served as one of three terms: a low, middle, or high term, chosen by the judge based on mitigating or aggravating factors.

Direct Penalties

• State Prison vs. County Jail: Sentences for the most serious felonies are served in state prison. Many lower-level, non-violent, non-serious felonies are now sentenced to county jail under Penal Code $\S$ 1170(h) (Realignment), which is still a period of imprisonment lasting over one year.
• The Three Strikes Law: If you have one prior "strike" felony conviction, the sentence for a new felony is doubled. If you have two prior "strike" convictions, the sentence for a third felony (even a non-serious one) is 25 years to life.
• Fines and Restitution: Felony convictions can carry fines up to $10,000 plus court fees and mandatory restitution to victims.

Collateral Consequences

• Loss of Rights: A felony conviction results in the permanent loss of the right to possess firearms and the temporary loss of the right to vote (until completion of sentence, parole, or probation).
• Professional Licensing: Convictions can lead to the revocation or denial of professional licenses (medical, legal, financial, etc.).
• Employment and Housing: Felony status creates a permanent barrier to many forms of employment, housing, and military service.
• Immigration: Most felonies qualify as crimes involving moral turpitude or aggravated felonies, leading to mandatory deportation for non-citizens.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Felony Defense

The strength of Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC lies in our aggressive, calculated strategy rooted in over 100 years of legal experience and the unique perspective of former prosecutors.

• Challenging the Investigation: We use our former prosecutorial knowledge to find the investigative missteps the police and D.A. made—areas where typical defense lawyers may not look. This leads to the most potent motions to suppress evidence.
• Targeting the Wobbler: Our firm's core strategy for many felonies is the aggressive and persistent pursuit of a Penal Code 17(b) motion to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor, often at the preliminary hearing or sentencing phase.
• Expert Witness Retention: We regularly retain forensic experts, investigators, and criminologists to counter the State's technical evidence, such as DNA analysis, ballistics, or digital evidence, ensuring the prosecution's story is met with reasonable doubt.
• Aggressive Plea Negotiation: When a plea is the best option, we leverage our trial reputation and the inherent weaknesses we have identified in the State's case to negotiate highly favorable terms, often avoiding the imposition of a strike or the longest prison terms.

When you need a felony attorney in Newport Beach who has seen the process from both sides, you choose our firm.

Why Choose Our Newport Beach Felony Lawyers

Selecting the right legal counsel is one of the most important decisions you will make after a serious accusation. At Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC, every client benefits from our exclusive focus on criminal defense and from access to a full defense team—not just an individual attorney.

Our attorneys hold AV ratings, have served as presidents or chairs of local bar associations, and regularly appear in high-profile cases in the Orange County court system. These credentials are not just honors—they reflect decades spent earning trust from courts, prosecutors, and clients alike.

Our team is recognized by Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell, among other respected entities. We are also deeply embedded in the local legal community, serving in leadership roles and receiving accolades for our dedication to criminal defense. From the first consultation, you are supported, informed, and given honest guidance about every aspect of your case in the Newport Beach system.

Our Approach to Felony Defense: Putting the Law on Your Side

We believe that building a strong defense requires more than checking boxes. Our team crafts a personalized strategy for each client, conducting a thorough review of law enforcement reports, evidence, and witness statements. Collaboration is central to our work, and every case is reviewed by our team—including attorneys with hands-on prosecution experience—to ensure no angle is overlooked.

Here’s how our process helps clients facing felony charges:

• Every detail of your case is discussed by our attorneys, drawing on collective experience and strategies
• We challenge the prosecution’s theories and file motions to exclude weak or improperly obtained evidence
• Experts may be consulted where appropriate to strengthen your defense
• Former prosecutors anticipate the government’s tactics and develop responses
• We strive to tell your side with honesty and clarity, countering bias and focusing on a fair outcome
• We maintain clear and regular communication to keep you informed at every stage

Our attorneys explain legal options in plain language and are available to answer questions or concerns that arise throughout your felony case in Newport Beach. Our aim is to pursue outcomes that give you the best possible opportunity to move forward.

Take Action Now: 24/7 Support When You Need It Most

No one chooses to be charged with a felony, but you can choose who stands by you. Reaching out to an experienced felony lawyer in Newport Beach as soon as possible can make a critical difference, especially when time and evidence are major factors. Acting immediately allows our team to gather information, protect your rights, and advocate for the best possible results.

Ready for help? Contact Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC 24/7 at (949) 251-0330 for a free consultation with a felony attorney in Newport Beach.