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Being accused of a crime can have a significant, dramatic impact on your life, jeopardizing your financial security, employment prospects, and liberty. In this serious situation, your future may depend on the skills of your criminal law attorney, who will protect your rights and walk you through the process. Below are a few things every defendant should understand about criminal law.

A Quick Guide to Criminal Law

Classification of Offenses

criminal law attorneyEach state recognizes that not all criminal offenses are equal, so charges are divided into different categories. In New York, defendants may be charged with a violation, a misdemeanor, or a felony, depending on the offense and its severity. Violations are among the least severe infractions and are generally not considered crimes. Those convicted of misdemeanors may be sentenced to fines of up to $1,000 and jail sentences of no more than a year, while felony convictions may result in prison terms up to lifetime incarceration.

How Prosecutors Determine the Severity of Charges

When deciding which charges to file, prosecutors consider both the defendant’s alleged actions, as well as their mindset and intentions at the time. Whether someone intended to hurt someone, for instance, can be the difference between criminal negligence and more serious charges.

How a Criminal Law Attorney Can Help

A criminal defense attorney will ensure your rights are respected throughout the process, explain the most likely outcomes, and identify your legal options. They may negotiate with prosecutors and argue your case in court if it goes to trial. If accepting a guilty plea seems like the best course of action, your criminal law attorney may negotiate a more favorable sentence.

 

As one of the Hudson Valley’s oldest and most established law firms, MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. in Middletown, NY, has been fighting for the rights of the accused for over 130 years. Whether you’ve been charged with a traffic infraction or a felony, you can rely on their criminal law attorneys to provide the aggressive representation and reliable results you deserve. Visit their website for information on their specialty areas or call (845) 343-3000 to schedule a consultation today.

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