CRIMINAL DEFENSE
If you’ve been charged with a criminal act, you deserve to claim your right to a fair trial. A criminal defense lawyer can help you build a strong and successful case by providing an aggressive defense strategy crafted with discretion. The law states that you are innocent until proven guilty. However, accused individuals in the modern day are all too often lumped into the “guilty” category before the case even comes to trial. For this reason alone, a knowledgeable and experienced attorney could help to sway a biased legal and courtroom environment.
Your Rights
Every person deserves the right to defend themselves against accusations and allegations, and criminal defense attorneys strive to provide them with competent, effective, and compassionate representation. Lawyers are committed to protecting your rights. If you have been injured or charged with a criminal offense, be it a misdemeanor or felony, an attorney can dedicate his or her craft to getting you the most favorable result. With integrity, honesty, dedication, aggressiveness, and professionalism, your legal representative should be prepared to do what it takes to bring your case to a successful resolution.
Criminal Offense Punishments
When you are charged with a criminal offense, it is usually categorized as a misdemeanor, a misdemeanor traffic offense, or a felony. Felony offenses are more serious charges than misdemeanor offenses. Consequently, a felony conviction usually involves more severe penalties and incarceration. A misdemeanor is a less severe offense, but both misdemeanor and felony convictions might appear on your criminal record and limit your opportunities and your future.
Indeed, different crimes carry different punishments. If convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, the maximum incarceration penalties can be frighteningly steep. When your freedom is on the line, time is of the essence. A criminal defense lawyer can step in and take the reins, advocating for you and guiding you through to a timely resolution of your case.
Felonies
Felonies are some of the most harsh and heinous crimes an individual can commit within the legal system. Felony crimes range from punishment by more than one year in prison to crimes punishable by a life sentence or even the death penalty. If convicted of a felony, you face substantial restrictions on your civil rights. In most places, you will lose your right to vote or practice specific professions. Furthermore, you will be prohibited from owning, purchasing, or possessing firearms.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are offenses that are considered less severe than felony offenses. They typically do not involve significant bodily harm to another individual, and only include thefts of less than a few hundred dollars. Probation, less than a year of jail time, community service, restitution, counseling, and monetary fines are typical punishments for misdemeanor convictions. If you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor offense, you are well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. These attorneys can review your case and inform you of your options. Then, your lawyer will craft a defense strategy designed to prevent a conviction or minimize any punishment.