Criminal Law
Criminal law encompasses issues arising from a criminal offense. Criminal offenses are defined by federal, state, or local laws and can range from serious crimes like murder to minor infractions like speeding.
Criminal punishments, also established by statutory law, vary by the severity of the crime. Minor offenses may only be punishable by a fine or a short term of probation. Violent felonies could result in years in prison, life sentences, or even the death penalty, depending on the circumstances and the jurisdiction.
The Law guarantees all criminal defendants the right to be represented by an attorney. In cases where a defendant may face prison or jail time, the law requires the state to provide the defendant with legal representation if they cannot afford it. In lesser cases, such as traffic tickets, defendants have the right to an attorney but must pay for one themselves.
Criminal proceedings can be extremely complex, especially when involving multiple charges and multiple defendants. Anytime you are charged with a crime, especially a felony, legal representation is a wise choice.
If you are facing criminal charges, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible to protect your rights, understand the possible outcomes, and build your best defense. Our attorneys have years of experience in criminal court and can help you better understand your criminal case.
Terms to Know
- Charge: A formal allegation of criminal wrongdoing
- Indictment: A formal charge authorized by a grand jury
- Arraignment: A pretrial proceeding in which a person accused of committing a crime is brought to court, informed of the charges, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty
- Felony: A serious crime punishable by more than a year in prison
- Misdemeanor: A crime with a punishment less severe than a felony; usually punishable by less than a year in jail
- Infraction: A minor offense or administrative violation usually punishable only by a fine
- Reasonable doubt: A defendant can only be convicted if the jury believes the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; the highest burden of proof in our legal system
- Plea bargain: The process by which a defendant and prosecutor negotiate a compromise; the defendant typically pleads guilty to one or more offenses in exchange for a lighter sentence or dismissal of other pending charges
- Miranda rights: The rights that an arresting officer must advise a suspect of before the suspect is questioned by police; Miranda rights consist of the right to remain silent, to have an attorney present during any police questioning, and to have an attorney provided by the state at no expense if the suspect can't afford one
