Criminal Defense
Criminal law involves government prosecution of an individual for an act that is classified as a crime. Criminal cases are tried through a state prosecutor who initiates the criminal law cases. Individuals who are convicted of a crime may be incarcerated, fined, or a combination of both.
A crime is defined as any act or omission (of an act) in violation of a public law forbidding or commanding it. Criminal law is primarily defined by local, state and federal governments. Criminal law crimes include both felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are more serious criminal offenses such as murder or rape. Misdemeanors are less serious criminal offenses such as petty theft or jaywalking. Felonies are punishable most of the time for a minimum of one year in prison. Misdemeanors are punishable for less than one year in prison.
Most criminal law crimes consist of two key elements; an act and a mental state. Criminal law prosecutors have to prove all elements of the criminal law crime to gain a conviction. In addition, the criminal law prosecutor must convince a jury or judge 'beyond a reasonable doubt' of all facts needed to validate the guilt of the crime charged.
The best hope in a criminal case is to have a criminal attorney give you legal help. They are the greatest way to protect your rights and secure the best possible deal for your case. Criminal defense lawyers will know what the best and worst case scenarios are and properly advise you of your legal rights based on the crime with which you have been charged. If you don't use a criminal defense attorney, you could be jeopardizing your future. Please contact our firm today.
