Input your charges and see the actual sentence range you face. Know the difference between what the DA threatens and what the law says.
Select charges from the dropdown. All calculations happen locally in your browser — nothing is stored or transmitted.
| Charge | Type | Low | Mid | High |
|---|
Legal Disclaimer: This calculator provides general information only based on California Penal Code sentencing ranges. It does not account for all possible factors that may affect sentencing, including but not limited to: judicial discretion, mitigating/aggravating factors, Proposition 36 reforms, realignment (AB 109), or county-specific practices. Consult a qualified attorney for advice about your specific case.
Overcharging Checker Speedy Trial Calculator | Legal Resources | FAQ
California sentencing is driven by the triad (low/mid/high term) in the statute, plus enhancements (gun use, great bodily injury, gang, strikes), minus good-time credits (typically 15% or 50%). The "maximum exposure" number the DA quotes is almost never the real outcome — most cases resolve 30–60% below that.
Work/conduct credits reduce actual time served. Non-violent felonies typically earn 50% credits (serve half). Violent felonies (PC §667.5(c)) are limited to 15% credits. Serious felonies that aren't violent fall between. The calculator shows both your nominal sentence and realistic release date.
A strike is any serious or violent felony conviction under PC §667(b)–(i) / §1170.12. First strike doubles the sentence on any later felony. Second strike (two prior) triggers 25-to-life minimum on a new felony — even a non-violent one. This is why "just take the plea" to a strike-eligible offense can ruin the rest of your life.