What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
A criminal defense lawyer in Marietta works to protect the rights of their clients. They conduct research, analyze cases, and develop effective strategies for defending their clients in court.
Criminal charges can have a devastating impact on your freedom, finances, and your future. A conviction could lead to a lengthy prison sentence, hefty fines, and lost employment opportunities.
Felonies
Felonies are the most serious crimes and carry the highest penalties. They are punishable by a long term in a prison (also called a penitentiary). Examples of felonies include murder, rape, burglary, and drug offenses.
The punishment for felonies will vary depending on the severity of the crime. Some felonies can result in life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Misdemeanors are less serious and carry a maximum jail time of one year. Some common misdemeanors are petty theft, traffic violations, and trespassing.
A criminal record can have a lifelong effect on your career, education, and family. It can also affect your ability to own a firearm and vote.
If you are facing felony charges, it is crucial to speak with a Marietta criminal defense attorney straight away. The sooner you contact us, the more time we have to build a comprehensive legal defense for your case.
Misdemeanors
In many states, crimes that don’t involve a lot of physical violence are classified as misdemeanors. These can include vandalism, certain types of drug possession, simple assault, and disorderly conduct among other offenses.
Typically, penalties for misdemeanors are much less severe than those for felonies and may include community service, fines, rehabilitation and/or probation. Felonies, on the other hand, often come with substantial jail time and serious consequences.
If you are charged with a misdemeanor, it is crucial that you hire an experienced Marietta criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and build a strong defense for you. Even a misdemeanor conviction can have life-changing consequences, including ruined future job prospects and reduced chances for educational success.
In addition, a misdemeanor can be eligible for record restriction or expungement if it is handled correctly by your Marietta criminal defense attorney. This type of record restriction or expungement is easier to obtain than a felony conviction and can help you to keep your record clean.
Juvenile Crimes
If your child is facing a juvenile crime charge, it is crucial that you hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer Marietta. If your child is convicted, the consequences could be devastating.
A Marietta juvenile crime attorney will work closely with the prosecutor to present a case that is best for your child’s well-being and future. These cases are often handled differently than adult cases, with a greater focus on rehabilitation and reformation.
Juvenile offenses may be based on age alone or may also be a result of other factors like poverty, drug use, and neglect. In any case, your child’s rights must be protected and the law must be enforced accordingly.
Having an attorney with knowledge of your local juvenile court system will help you avoid unnecessary delays or other obstacles. Additionally, it is important to choose an attorney with honesty and integrity.
Record Restriction
If you’ve been arrested and convicted of a crime, it can have a lasting impact on your life. You may lose employment opportunities, your housing situation, and even your ability to apply for college or get a license.
Record restriction, sometimes referred to as expungement, helps keep criminal records from public view. However, it is important to note that even after your request for record restriction has been approved by the court, law enforcement for criminal justice purposes can still access these records if needed.
For misdemeanor convictions, an individual can petition the court to restrict their record for four years after completing their full sentence (incarceration/probation/parole). They must have no other pending charges and no other convictions since the original date of arrest.
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