Criminal law is the body of law that deals with offenses against society and the codes of conduct meant to protect members of that society from harm. It differs from civil law in that the results of a trial can include confinement in a jail or prison, depending on the severity of the transgression. Sentences can also include monetary fines, community service, imposed psychological treatment, and time in rehabilitation institutions. The findings of the court can often be appealed; however, some miscarriage of the law must be identified and proven for a sentence to be overturned.
There are two basic types of crimes tried by the criminal courts: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are the lesser of the two offenses and, as such, carry less severe potential sentences. Someone convicted of a misdemeanor may spend up to a year in jail; however, very minor offenses, particularly if they are first offenses, will more likely result in probation, suspended sentences, community service, and/or monetary fines. The purpose of a sentence in a misdemeanor case is, through punishment, to discourage such behavior in the future.
Felonies are considered the more severe of the two offenses and include such acts as armed robbery, rape, murder, attempted murder, and drug trafficking. Someone convicted of a felony most likely faces prison time, which, depending on the severity of the crime, could range from a year to life. Some prisoners may be eligible for parole (a shortening of the prison term due to good behavior); for these prisoners, prison time is generally viewed as both a punitive and rehabilitative measure. For those convicted of particularly heinous crimes, especially if they were premeditated, there may be no chance of parole. In certain states, death is a possible sentence, particularly in cases involving murder. People sentenced to death or life without chance of parole are viewed by the court systems as being beyond rehabilitation and unfit to re-enter society.
In any case, the criminally accused would be well advised to hire an experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorney from a reputable law firm.
If you are facing complex legal issues, the advice of criminal attorneys is critical. An experienced lawyer can evaluate your case and help defend your legal rights in charges ranging from white collar crimes to sexual abuse and assualt.
There are two basic types of crimes tried by the criminal courts: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are the lesser of the two offenses and, as such, carry less severe potential sentences. Someone convicted of a misdemeanor may spend up to a year in jail; however, very minor offenses, particularly if they are first offenses, will more likely result in probation, suspended sentences, community service, and/or monetary fines. The purpose of a sentence in a misdemeanor case is, through punishment, to discourage such behavior in the future.
Felonies are considered the more severe of the two offenses and include such acts as armed robbery, rape, murder, attempted murder, and drug trafficking. Someone convicted of a felony most likely faces prison time, which, depending on the severity of the crime, could range from a year to life. Some prisoners may be eligible for parole (a shortening of the prison term due to good behavior); for these prisoners, prison time is generally viewed as both a punitive and rehabilitative measure. For those convicted of particularly heinous crimes, especially if they were premeditated, there may be no chance of parole. In certain states, death is a possible sentence, particularly in cases involving murder. People sentenced to death or life without chance of parole are viewed by the court systems as being beyond rehabilitation and unfit to re-enter society.
In any case, the criminally accused would be well advised to hire an experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorney from a reputable law firm.
If you are facing complex legal issues, the advice of criminal attorneys is critical. An experienced lawyer can evaluate your case and help defend your legal rights in charges ranging from white collar crimes to sexual abuse and assualt.
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