California Criminal Sentencing Guidelines Calculator

California uses a **determinate sentencing** system for most felonies — the Determinate Sentencing Law (Pen. Code § 1170) assigns a low, middle, and upper term for each offense. Judges default to the **middle term** unless aggravating or mitigating factors apply (SB 567, effective Jan 1, 2022). The type of system — determinate vs. indeterminate — determines whether the judge or a parole board controls actual release.

**25 years to life** for third-strike felonies under the Three Strikes Law (Pen. Code § 667(e)(2)(A)). Drug offenses: Prop 36 (2000) diverts first- and second-time simple possession to treatment instead of prison. Firearm enhancements add **3–10 years** (§ 12022.5). Mandatory minimums remove judicial discretion for specific offenses — the judge cannot sentence below the statutory floor regardless of circumstances.

Felony probation (formal/supervised) typically lasts **2 years** under AB 1950 (2020), down from the prior **3–5 year** norm. Misdemeanor probation is capped at **1 year**. Violent felonies (Pen. Code § 667.5(c)) are ineligible for probation in most cases. Probation keeps a defendant out of prison under court-imposed conditions — but not every offense qualifies.

Non-violent offenders earn **day-for-day** good-time credit (50% reduction). Violent offenders (§ 667.5(c)) earn only **15%** credit. Prop 57 (2016) expanded early-release credits for non-violent felons through rehabilitation program milestones. Good-time credits can dramatically reduce actual time served — understanding the rules is essential for estimating a realistic release date.

A California criminal sentencing calculator should distinguish the sentence pronounced by the judge from expected time served. Jail credit, prison classification, earned-time rules, parole eligibility, probation eligibility, and mandatory-minimum statutes can all change the practical outcome.

• Charge level, offense class, count number, and statutory range.
• Prior record, enhancements, victim injury, weapon allegations, and drug quantity.
• Mandatory minimums, probation eligibility, diversion, and plea offer terms.
• Jail credit, good-time credit, parole eligibility, and consecutive versus concurrent time.
• Fine, court costs, restitution, supervision fees, and collateral consequences.

Treat the output as a planning range, not a promise. Judges, prosecutors, probation departments, and plea negotiations can all move the number. Use the estimate to prepare questions for a defense lawyer about the best-case, likely, and worst-case outcomes before deciding whether to plead or fight.

California cost and deadline signals is the right starting point because statewide law sets the baseline, while the facts of your criminal case determine the actual risk band. Use the calculator before you compare attorney quotes, court options, or settlement choices.

Factors that affect the California estimate usually comes down to three inputs: the amount at stake, the deadline or statutory rule, and whether the matter can be resolved before a contested filing. The calculator keeps those inputs separate so the result is easier to challenge.

County variation matters in California because clerk practices, hearing calendars, and local filing steps can change the time cost even when the statewide rule is fixed.

• Los Angeles County: 10,014,009 residents, county seat in Los Angeles.
• San Diego County: 3,298,634 residents, county seat in San Diego.
• Orange County: 3,186,989 residents, county seat in Santa Ana.
• Riverside County: 2,418,185 residents, county seat in Riverside.
• San Bernardino County: 2,181,654 residents, county seat in San Bernardino.

1. Run the calculator with your current numbers and save the 2026 result.
2. Compare the result with documents, notices, invoices, or deadlines already in hand.
3. Use the estimate to prepare a focused consultation or filing plan before the next deadline.