2nd Degree Felony

Understanding 2nd Degree Felonies

A second-degree felony is considered a very serious criminal offense. According to FindLaw, second-degree felonies are just below first-degree felonies in severity and can result in substantial fines and years in prison. Let’s take a closer look at what constitutes a second-degree felony and the potential consequences.

What Qualifies as a 2nd Degree Felony?

Second-degree felonies encompass a wide range of offenses. According to Avvo, common 2nd degree felonies include:

• Aggravated assault
• Arson
• Burglary of an occupied structure
• Child abuse
• Credit card fraud over $100,000
• Grand theft between $20,000-$100,000
• Identity theft over $75,000
• Involuntary manslaughter
• Kidnapping
• Robbery
• Sexual battery
• Vehicular homicide

The specific offenses that qualify as second-degree felonies can vary somewhat by state. But in general, they involve crimes that are considered violent, cause significant financial damage, or severely violate public trust.

Penalties for 2nd Degree Felonies

The penalties for second-degree felonies are quite severe. According to LawInfo, potential penalties include:

• Up to 15 years in prison in most states
• Up to life in prison for certain offenses like sexual battery
• Fines up to $10,000 in most states
• Probation lasting multiple years
• Permanent criminal record

In addition, a felony conviction makes it much more difficult to find a job, secure housing, qualify for student loans, or obtain professional licenses. It can negatively impact nearly every aspect of a person’s life.

Defending Against 2nd Degree Felony Charges

Given the severe potential penalties, building an aggressive legal defense is critical when facing second-degree felony charges. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can review the details of your case and construct an appropriate defense strategy. Common defense tactics include:

• Contesting improper police procedures
• Questioning the reliability of eyewitnesses
• Challenging DNA or other forensic evidence
• Seeking to suppress illegally obtained evidence
• Presenting alibis and affirmative defenses
• Seeking reduced charges or diversion programs

An attorney may be able to get charges dismissed pre-trial or seek a favorable plea bargain with lesser penalties. If a trial is necessary, an lawyer can question witnesses and vigorously contest the prosecution’s version of events.
In some cases, it may also be possible to get a felony conviction expunged from your record after a period of time, restoring certain rights. An expungement lawyer can advise you on the expungement process.

Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Case

If you or a loved one are facing second-degree felony charges, finding an experienced criminal defense attorney is extremely important. Be sure to choose a lawyer who:

• Focuses specifically on criminal defense cases
• Has extensive trial experience defending felonies
• Is knowledgeable of the local courts and prosecutors
• Has a proven track record of positive case results

Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case details and legal options. Time is of the essence, so contact a qualified lawyer immediately for skilled guidance and representation. With an aggressive defense, it may be possible to avoid harsh penalties and preserve your future.

Resources

• Guide to Expunging Felonies in California
• Video – How Do Felonies Work?
• Podcast Episode – The Hidden Consequences of a Felony Conviction

I hope this overview on second-degree felonies and potential defenses has been helpful. These types of cases can be complex, with severe penalties at stake. So be sure to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away for skilled guidance tailored to your unique situation. With an aggressive legal strategy, it may be possible to avoid harsh punishment and safeguard your future.