If you have been charged for committing any type of crime, you have the right to legal representation. It is important to seek the assistance of a criminal law attorney as soon as possible to make sure you have seasoned legal representation. Criminal law attorneys have a full understanding of criminal law, criminal procedures and criminal punishments, and can help you prepare your defense.
In the United States of America crimes against society are defined in criminal law statutes. Criminal offenses are established by the state, federal and local governments who are responsible for prosecuting criminals. Criminal cases are brought by the state or federal government against individuals. This differs from civil cases which are disputes between individuals or businesses who are resolving legal disagreements through civil proceedings.
Criminal laws define the punishment for the accused if they are convicted of a committing a criminal offense. Criminal punishments will vary based on the jurisdiction and the type of crime committed. Criminal punishments can include imprisonment, government supervision, fines or execution. Punishments for crimes usually have the objectives of restitution, retribution, deterrence, incapacitation or rehabilitation.
Crimes are categorized as felonies or misdemeanors and will have varying punishments. In general, crimes committed will be one of the following types:
- Crimes against person: murder, rape, assault, battery
- Crimes against property: trespassing, burglary and arson
- Crimes in progress and not completed: solicitation, conspiracy and attempted murder
- Crimes against justice: bribery and perjury
If you are convicted of a misdemeanor sentencing will generally be less then a year of imprisonment, a fine or both. A felony conviction punishment will range from one year to life in prison or death.