315 Montgomery St Suite 900
sam@gellerlawsf.com
Felony Attorney San Francisco
Your future is worth fighting for.
Why You Need Guidance from an Experienced San Francisco Felony Lawyer
Facing a felony charge in San Francisco can significantly alter your life. The complex legal system and serious potential consequences typically require the guidance of a seasoned criminal defense attorney who understands what is at stake. At Geller Law, PC, we provide aggressive, personalized defense for clients facing high-stakes criminal charges, working to protect your rights.
Felony charges in California range widely, from drug offenses and theft to assault, weapons charges, and beyond. Each one carries its own risks and requires its own approach. Background checks, housing applications, professional licenses, a conviction impacts all of it. That weight is real, and it deserves a real response.
There is no one-size-fits-all defense. Your case needs a strategy built around the specific facts and circumstances you’re facing.
Building a defense early matters. The sooner work begins, the more tools there are to work with.
That’s where we come in. We understand the seriousness of these charges and the long-term effects a felony conviction may have on your future. With extensive knowledge in criminal defense law, we have become a trusted ally to those navigating San Francisco’s judicial system, rigorously defending our clients’ rights at every stage of their cases.
PRACTICE AREAS
Understanding Felony Charges in San Francisco
A felony charge in San Francisco, and throughout California, is the most serious type of criminal offense, carrying significant penalties that may include lengthy imprisonment, life sentences, or, in extreme cases, the death penalty. Under California law, a felony is generally defined as a crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
In California, felonies range from non-reducible “straight” felonies like murder and armed robbery, to “wobblers” like grand theft and domestic violence that prosecutors can charge as either a felony or a misdemeanor.
The consequences of a felony conviction typically extend well beyond prison time. A conviction can follow you for years, affecting nearly every area of your life:
- Heavy fines
- Loss of voting rights
- Difficulty finding employment after release
In the Superior Court of California, judges are bound by standards set by the state and federal constitutions, but a determined prosecution will still push hard for a conviction.
For repeat offenders, the stakes can be even higher under California’s “three strikes” law, which may significantly increase sentences for those with multiple serious or violent felony convictions.
What a Felony Charge Can Do to Your Life
A felony charge in San Francisco does not wait for a verdict to cause harm. The moment charges are filed, your job, your housing, and your reputation are all at risk. Background checks flag open cases. Employers pull offers. Landlords deny applications. The damage starts now, not after the trial.
A conviction makes things worse. A felony on your record can block you from jobs, housing, professional licenses, and even the right to vote. For non-citizens, it can trigger immigration consequences. These are not abstract risks. They are real outcomes that happen to real people in San Francisco courts every week.
Our approach to felony defense may include:
- Thoroughly reviewing and challenging the prosecution’s evidence
- Advocating for self-defense claimswhen the facts support that you acted in response to an immediate threat
- Seeking plea deals to reduce the severity of charges when doing so serves your best interests
- Tailoring defense strategies to the unique circumstances of your case
- Preparing rigorously for trial and working toward dismissals where possible
Every case at Geller Law, PC, receives a personalized strategy aligned with your goals and the specific facts at hand. We aim not only to defend you but also to advocate powerfully on your behalf throughout the entire legal process.
Why Geller Law Is the Right Choice for Your Felony Case
Choosing a felony lawyer in San Francisco is a high-stakes decision. The attorney you pick shapes every part of what comes next.
Here is what sets Geller Law, PC apart:
Sam Geller Handles Your Case Personally
Sam Geller is a trial attorney. Your case does not get handed off. From the first call through the final hearing, Sam is the one working on your defense. You get direct access to the attorney who knows your facts and knows your goals. No hand-offs. No surprises.
Recognized for Excellence in Criminal Defense
Sam Geller’s proven record in high-stakes defense is backed by peer recognition and client trust across the legal industry. Named a Super Lawyers Rising Star and selected to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40, Sam has consistently demonstrated exceptional courtroom advocacy and results. These honors reflect an ongoing dedication to fighting for clients when the stakes are highest, giving you the confidence that your case is in proven hands.
Focused on High-Stakes Criminal Defense
Sam’s practice centers on serious criminal charges. That includes felonies, domestic violence, DUI, drug offenses, and charges as grave as murder and attempted murder. That focus matters. Sam knows how prosecutors in San Francisco build these cases. He also knows where they tend to fall short. That knowledge shapes your defense from day one.
Bay Area Courts, Inside and Out
Sam built his practice in Bay Area courtrooms. He knows how the San Francisco Superior Court handles felony cases. He understands the local judges, the timelines, and the procedural pressure points.
Geller Law, PC serves clients across San Francisco County, Contra Costa County, San Mateo County, Alameda County, Marin County, and Santa Clara County. That reach means Sam knows the procedural landscape in each court where your case might land.
A Defense Built Around Your Situation
Generic defense strategies do not work in felony cases. Sam looks at the facts of your case. Whether you are facing a theft charge, a drug offense, or a violent crime allegation, your defense is built around your specific situation, not a template.
That kind of tailored attention is rare. It is also what your case requires.
What Happens After a Felony Charge in San Francisco
A felony case in San Francisco moves through several clear stages. Knowing what each stage looks like helps you stay calm and make smart decisions.
Step 1: Your First Meeting
Your case starts with a full review of the facts. At Geller Law, Sam Geller listens closely to what happened, asks the right questions, and maps out your options. This first meeting sets the tone for everything that follows.
Step 2: Case Review
After the first meeting, the team digs into your case file. This means reviewing police reports, witness statements, and any physical or digital evidence. Every detail matters. A weak point in the prosecution’s case can change your outcome.
Step 3: Building Your Defense Plan
Once the review is complete, Sam puts together a defense strategy built around your facts. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Your charge, your history, and the specific evidence all shape the plan.
Some defenses challenge how police collected evidence. Others focus on witness credibility or gaps in the prosecution’s story.
Step 4: Arraignment and Pre-Trial Hearings
In California, felony cases begin with an arraignment. This is where you enter a plea. From there, the case proceeds through pretrial hearings in the San Francisco Superior Court. These hearings are not just routine steps. They are chances to file motions, push back on weak evidence, and sometimes resolve the case before trial.
Step 5: Negotiation or Trial
Many felony cases are resolved through negotiation. A well-built defense puts real pressure on the prosecution to offer a better deal. But if the case goes to trial, Sam argues it in court.
He does not hand it off. You get the same attorney at trial who has worked your case from the start.
Step 6: Sentencing or Resolution
If the case ends in a conviction, the next stage is sentencing. There is still room to fight here. A strong argument at sentencing can reduce what you face. If the outcome is an acquittal or a dismissed charge, the focus shifts to protecting your record and moving forward.
Throughout each stage, you stay informed. You know what is coming and why. Sam walks you through decisions before they are made, not after.
You are not left guessing about court dates or next steps.
Timelines vary. A felony case in San Francisco can move fast, especially in the early stages. Arraignments often happen within days of an arrest. Pre-trial hearings can stretch over weeks or months. Trial dates depend on case complexity and court scheduling. A solid defense uses that time well.
Contact Geller Law, PC Today
A felony charge in San Francisco can upend your life fast. Your job, your housing, your freedom, all of it is at risk. Under California law, the distinction between a felony and a misdemeanor can significantly affect sentencing outcomes, and certain offenses may qualify for a reduction depending on the circumstances of your case. You do not have to face this alone.
At Geller Law, we know how much is on the line. Sam Geller works directly with you from day one. Your case gets real attention, not a form letter or a rushed call with a stranger.
The San Francisco Superior Court moves quickly. Every day without a defense is a day the prosecution gains ground. The right move is to act now.
Contact Geller Law today to set up your free initial consultation. You tell us what happened, and we can tell you where you stand and what we can do to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What distinguishes a felony from a misdemeanor in California?
In California, a felony is a serious crime generally punishable by more than one year in state prison. In contrast, a misdemeanor typically carries a maximum sentence of less than one year in county jail.
2. How does California’s Three Strikes law impact felony sentencing?
Under California’s Three Strikes law, repeat convictions for serious or violent felonies may result in significantly enhanced sentences, potentially reaching 25 years to life in prison.
3. What long-term consequences can a felony conviction have beyond prison time?
A felony conviction in California may reach far beyond prison time, often affecting your finances, voting rights, reputation, and employment prospects for years to come.
4. How can a criminal defense attorney challenge a felony charge?
A felony defense attorney may scrutinize prosecution evidence, challenge constitutional violations during arrest, assert self-defense arguments, negotiate for reduced charges, or build a strong case for trial.