Criminal law is a broad area of practice that deals with punitive proceedings. Unlike civil law, which involves two parties trying to resolve a dispute, criminal sets out to punish those who commit transgressions. These penalties vary from case to case and ultimately depend on the severity of the charges and defendant’s criminal history; however, there is always a lot at stake. Even a misdemeanor conviction can affect your life in almost every way. For this reason, it’s wise to seek quality legal counsel from an aggressive defense attorney if you are facing criminal charges.

Potential Penalties

Criminal law varies from state to state, but the penalties for each offense are fairly similar across the board. For example, every state punishes drunk drivers with fines and a license suspension, and most punish subsequent offenders with jail time.

The minimum and maximum penalties that can result from a particular conviction are part of every state’s criminal code. There is also a federal criminal code, and, sometimes, these laws contradict those for the state. For example, although the sale of marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, many states have decriminalized its sale and possession.

Kinds of Crimes

Under criminal law, there are four kinds of crimes—strict liability, inchoate, misdemeanors, and felonies. Misdemeanors and felonies are the most common kinds of criminal offenses; they include everything from theft and assault for misdemeanors to murder and manslaughter for felonies.

Strict liability offenses, on the other hand, are those that are considered criminal regardless of if the defendant intended to commit a crime. For example, statutory rape would be viewed as a strict liability offense. Inchoate offenses precede the commission of another crime, like solicitation, conspiracy, or attempt.

If you are facing charges in High Point, NC, turn to Thomas W. Smothers, Attorney at Law. His legal team is well-versed in criminal law, and they are passionate about helping clients secure the most favorable outcomes possible. To learn more about his experience in criminal defense, visit the firm online, or call (336) 885-1240 to schedule an initial consultation with a criminal law attorney.