If you or someone you love has been arrested, or you even think an arrest is possible, get the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney may be able to work with the police and District Attorney’s Office to have charges reduced or dropped. Then, he or she will fight for your rights through every stage of the process, including:
- Challenging evidence;
- Negotiating a plea deal, when appropriate;
- Arguing for bail ;
- Investigating your case;
- Arguing your case.
Understanding Felonies
Whether a crime is categorized as a felony or a misdemeanor depends on the seriousness of the charge and the maximum punishment for the crime. Felony charges are reserved for society’s most serious crimes, including but not limited to:
- Aggravated Assault;
- DWI (third offense);
- Burglary;
- Arson;
- Drug trafficking;
- Grand Theft.
The consequences for being convicted of a felony are very serious. You may have to pay a steep fine and serve significant time in state or federal prison. When you get out, you may have trouble finding a job and a place to live and may lose some citizenship rights, such as the right to vote and own a gun.
Misdemeanor
A misdemeanor charge is one that, in general, carries a maximum jail sentence of less than one year. A misdemeanor conviction may also result in fines and penalties, as well as the risk of losing professional licensure or difficultly obtaining employment in the future. As part of your misdemeanor defense, your criminal defense attorney may advocate for alternative sentencing measures, including probation or community service. Your attorney will also fight to keep the conviction off of your official criminal history; this is particularly important if you need a clean record to maintain or obtain employment in your particular field.
Misdemeanor crimes are less serious in nature than felonies and generally do not involve extreme violence or extensive property damage. First or second DWI charges, simple assault, petty theft (i.e., shoplifting) or disorderly conduct are all examples of misdemeanor crimes. However, multiple and repeated charges for the same misdemeanor crime could eventually result in a felony charge and possible lengthy jail time or hefty fines. For example, a third or fourth DUI conviction may result in a felony charge. A theft crime may be classified as a felony if the value of the stolen item is in excess of a certain dollar amount.
A criminal defense attorney cannot guarantee any particular outcome for your misdemeanor case, but certain factors may make it more likely that you will obtain a favorable result. For instance, if this is your first brush with the law or it has been a number of years since your last conviction, this factor could gain you favor with the judge. Also, in cases involving drugs or alcohol, successful completion of an education course or treatment program could result in a dismissal or expungement of your arrest or conviction record.
If you were recently arrested or charged with a misdemeanor, contact our firm as soon as possible so that we can formulate an effective defense strategy to protect your rights and livelihood.
Traffic violations
Penalties for traffic violations can often be harsh, especially considering the effect they can have on insurance premiums. In fact, depending on the type of offense and your prior motor vehicle history, automobile insurance companies may raise premiums even after a first offense.
It is crucial to have an attorney represent you from the initial stage of the case. Our firm can help those charged with a traffic violation avoid the expensive, time consuming and frustrating ordeal involving Court appearances, fines, and forms that could have a devastating effect on your finances and driving privileges.
Contact us for a consultation today. We will review your case and explain the possible consequences of the various violations. We can then proceed to represent you throughout the resolution of the matter, taking the mystery out of the process and helping you avoid conviction.
Our firm offers aggressive defense to clients who have been issued traffic citations involving:
- Speeding;
- Running a Red Light;
- Failing to Stop at a Stop Sign;
- Driving Without a Valid Driver's License;
- Driving Without Valid Vehicle Registration;
- Driving Without Valid Insurance;
- Driving Under the Influence;
- Driving While Intoxicated;
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Hit and Run);
- Reckless Driving;
- Improper Cell Phone Use