An arrest on criminal charges may be the most stressful and frightening experience of someone’s life. The fear of serving time in jail, high fines, and the prospect of a permanent criminal record may cause you to consider many questions about your next step. Contacting a Trussville criminal lawyer to answer your questions could be an effective first step to mount a strong defense.
A criminal defense attorney could review the circumstances that led to your arrest and evaluate the evidence that forms the basis for your criminal charges. You may discover defenses that are available in your case and determine the best strategy for defending your rights during criminal proceedings.
Safeguarding a Person’s Rights Throughout a Criminal TrialIndividuals have many rights under both local and federal law when they are accused of criminal behavior. Unfortunately, these rights may be violated throughout the criminal justice system. Part of a Trussville criminal lawyer’s role is to ensure the rights of the accused are protected at all stages of proceedings.
Law enforcement officers, for example, must conduct traffic stops in accordance with the law and generally may not search your vehicle or property without consent or a warrant. While there are some exceptions to these rules, the violation of someone’s rights could result in the exclusion of evidence in a criminal case. For this reason, having practiced legal representation throughout criminal proceedings may be essential to safeguarding the rights of individuals.
Different Tiers of Trussville Criminal OffensesThere are three levels of offenses under Alabama law: violations, misdemeanors, and felonies. Violations are the least severe and may result in up to 30 days in jail, pursuant to Code of Alabama § 13A-5-7.
MisdemeanorsThe next tier of offenses is misdemeanors. Class A misdemeanor offenses are the most serious, whereas Class C misdemeanor offenses are the least serious. Accordingly, the potential terms of incarceration for Class A misdemeanors are longer than for Class B or Class C misdemeanors. Misdemeanor offenses generally do not carry the potential for more than one year in county jail.
FeloniesThe most serious criminal offense are felonies, which are further subdivided into Classes A through D. Class A felonies may result in life in prison, while a Class D felony conviction could result in as little as one year and one day of imprisonment. Felony convictions often carry other consequences, however, that could affect the personal and professional lives of individuals.
Penalties for Criminal ConvictionsWhile most criminal convictions result in fines and incarceration, there are collateral penalties for specific offenses. For instance, a first-time DUI conviction could cause the suspension of driving privileges, require the installation of an ignition interlock device, and enforce the payment of reinstatement fees. These penalties often adversely affect your daily life, finances, and employment situation.
Similarly, felony convictions could automatically cause the forfeiture of certain civil rights. Convicted individuals may lose the right to vote, the right to serve on a jury, and the right to possess any firearms. With these rights at stake, individuals may need to get advice from an experienced criminal defense attorney in Trussville.
Fight Back Against Criminal Charges With the Help of a Trussville Criminal AttorneyIf you face serious felony charges, you may risk years in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, terms of probation, and even the forfeiture of your civil rights in some cases. Even misdemeanors can lead to serious penalties and long-term ramifications. If you are in this situation, having a Trussville criminal lawyer advocate on your behalf may be invaluable. Without legal knowledge, you may be ill-equipped to represent your own interests. Given the stakes in any criminal trial, you may find benefit from the legal guidance provided during an initial case review. Contact us today.