Misdemeanors and felonies are two types of crimes that you can be accused of committing. Although a misdemeanor is not as serious as a felony, they can both result in fines and jail time if you are convicted. The following charges are just a few that definitely require the services of an attorney, such as William Hanlon Criminal Lawyer in St Petersburg, to ensure you have the best outcome possible.
Drug crimes
Whether you are accused of possession or selling controlled substances, you are facing serious charges. Many people do not realize that different types of drug crimes have a mandatory minimum sentence. While you might think you will get off with a light sentence or a small fine, this is not necessarily true. With the guidance of a lawyer that is experienced in these matters, you will have a better chance of getting a lesser sentence.
Homicide crimes
Just as there are misdemeanors and felonies, there are different types of murder. A few include manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and first or second-degree murder. A criminal lawyer is essential if you are charged with murder. Depending on the charges, you could be facing the death penalty, if convicted.
First-degree murder is one such charge. This is when you are accused of the premeditated, malicious, and intentional killing of another person. An experienced lawyer may be able to provide evidence that the murder was unintentional. This would lower the charges to second-degree murder and could help you to get a lesser sentence.
Robbery
Robbery is another example of a crime that you would benefit from the services of a criminal lawyer. When you have been accused of using force to take something from a person, this is a felony. Robberies that are felonies can result in a sentence of life in prison. One example is robbery with a deadly weapon.
Even if you are convicted of robbery without a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony, you could spend fifteen years in jail. Hiring a criminal attorney can be beneficial, particularly if you are challenging the charges. An experienced lawyer can try to shorten your sentence and possibly negotiate where you will serve this time.
Aggravated battery
Aggravated Battery is another example of a crime that could result in imprisonment for several years as well as hefty fines in the thousands of dollars. When you are charged with this crime, the prosecutor must prove that you intended to seriously injury the victim or that you used a deadly weapon.
A criminal lawyer might argue that you were defending yourself or someone else. They may also say that the assault was a defense against the harming of property. Without the expertise of an experienced lawyer, you could be at the mercy of the court.
Criminal mischief
Being accused of criminal mischief may not sound as if it is a serious charge, but if there is damage over a certain amount, it can be a third-degree felony. Typically, this means intentionally damaging property and includes graffiti. The sentence can be several years of imprisonment and thousands in fines.
A criminal lawyer can be beneficial when you are accused of this type of crime. Whether you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, or it happened in a moment of anger, a lawyer may be able to help you to prove you were not at fault or receive a lesser sentence.
Regardless of the crime you are accused of committing, you should consult with a criminal attorney. Preparing the proper defense for any charge could mean the difference between a conviction or an acquittal.
