Criminal law is the legal field dealing with crimes and penalties. It is also known as criminal law to distinguish it from civil law, which deals with matters like contracts, real estate, and business dealings. However, both are equally important for a society that seeks to protect its citizens and lay down laws to govern them. If you have been accused or found guilty of breaking any laws in the country, the next thing you need to know about the different types of cases a criminal lawyer deals with criminal defense.
Criminal cases are a big deal. If you’re not careful, that could lead to a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. If you want to know about criminal defense, there are two main types of cases: misdemeanor and felony.
Misdemeanor
A misdemeanor is a smaller-scale crime, such as shoplifting or driving with a suspended license. Misdemeanors include assault, disorderly conduct, petty theft, and minor drug possession or drug use.
- Misdemeanor cases also include violation of probation, parole, and house arrest. Misdemeanor charges typically have fewer consequences than felony charges involving allegations of murder, burglary, or other crimes.
- In most states, a misdemeanor criminal case is less severe. It typically involves lesser crimes such as petty theft or vandalism. In many cases, misdemeanor criminal cases can get handled by municipal court judges in addition to state courts.
Felony
In a felony criminal case, a person gets accused of a crime, such as assault, robbery, and murder. In some cases, the person may get found guilty, while others may end in an acquittal. Facing felony criminal charges can be very stressful. It is why it is crucial to have legal representation from a criminal lawyer who understands the process and can work to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
Facing felony criminal charges can be very stressful. It is why it is crucial to have legal representation from a criminal lawyer who understands the process and can work to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
There are other types of cases that can come up as well. For example, if you get accused of a white-collar crime like embezzlement, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain that will result in less time in jail. In addition to the type of case you’re facing, different attorneys can help you with your criminal case. An attorney who specializes in personal injury law might handle accident cases, while an attorney can handle drug possession and homicide cases.
Conclusion
Depending on the case you’re facing, you may need to hire the best criminal defense attorney. For example, if you get charged with a sex crime like rape or child molestation, it is best to have more than one defense attorney. If you get accused of murder or other violent crimes, you can usually find an attorney willing to handle your case on a contingent-fee basis (at a rate that is typically one-twelfth each month).
