There’s no doubt that a criminal case can be highly demanding and stressful. Without proper legal guidance, you can lose an otherwise excellent case. That is why knowing your rights and options during a criminal issue is crucial.
When you have a criminal case, you must not allow your emotions to control you. If you are confused, carefully wait and ask for the support of professionals. A knowledgeable criminal law attorney will help you interpret the complex criminal law. Someone like criminal law attorney Omeed Berenjian of BK Law Group is sure to help you out during this time.
This piece discusses the types of criminal charges in the United States and your options when you are faced with criminal charges.
Types of Charges
Criminal charges in the U.S. generally fall into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Understanding the nature of your criminal charge is crucial to know how best to react to it. You cannot build a solid defense without a clear understanding of your case.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are less severe crimes. Their typical punishments include probation, fines, or imprisonment not exceeding a year.
Examples of misdemeanors include indecent exposure, vandalism, illegal possession of drugs, trespassing, and shoplifting. Authorities may charge you with a misdemeanor when you commit any offenses. If you cannot prove your innocence, you may face the legal consequences of your actions.
Felonies
Felonies are severe offenses with significant consequences. When the court convicts you of a felony, you must be ready for a long-term jail sentence or steep fines. A felony conviction may also appear on your criminal record, which can significantly hinder future employment opportunities.
Examples of felonies are drug trafficking, rape, burglary, murder, arson, and unwilling manslaughter. When you commit any of these serious offenses, the authorities will frown at you, and without any convincing defense, you may serve a prison sentence.
Your Legal Options in a Criminal Case
You have multiple options when facing a criminal charge. However, the nature of your case will determine the option you will activate.
If you obviously committed the offense and have no strong defense, your attorney can suggest a plea bargain. Under this arrangement, you bargain with the prosecution to reduce your punishment.
This arrangement is quick and cost-effective. It is better to plead guilty if you know you cannot mount a solid defense. You can easily work things out with the prosecution counsel when you come out clean.
Jury Trial
You should not give up if you know you have a strong defense. Once your attorney evaluates the case and evidence, they may advise that the case should proceed to trial. You will have the chance to argue your case in court.
It is not advisable to take this route if you have no compelling evidence to establish your innocence. The jury will deliver its verdict after listening to both sides.
Pre-Trial Diversion
You can explore the pre-trial diversion program if you are an eligible first-time offender. Many consider it an ideal alternative to conventional prosecution.
You can sometimes avoid formal conviction by undergoing counselling or community service. If you are a first-time offender, you can avoid the emotional and mental stress of going through a trial.
How Criminal Law Attorneys Can Help You
As noted above, handling a criminal case without legal representation will be too risky. You must involve an attorney if you want your case to go smoothly and enjoy a fair hearing.
Once you contact an attorney, they will analyze your case to determine its merits. Specifically, they will consider the police reports, witness testimonies, and proof. This analysis will help determine the validity of your case.
Legal Guidance
They will advise you on the next line of action based on the outcome of the evaluation. It is essential to follow their guidance because they have handled several similar cases in the past. If you ignore their insights, you may eventually hit a rock.
Courtroom Representation
The legal landscape is complex, and as a non-legal person, it will be difficult to unravel within a short time. That is why you should allow a professional to advocate for your interests in court. They can help you challenge the prosecution's claims and defend your rights
Your response to a criminal charge determines the outcome. You must remain calm, confident, and composed during any criminal charge. Speak with a Minnesota criminal defense attorney before writing any statement to the police.
For the best outcome, you must rely on the knowledge of your legal representative. Liaising with your legal team increases your chances of a positive outcome.
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