Hiring a Criminal Law Attorney: What Type of Offences Do They Defend?
If you have been charged with a crime, you might wonder if you need a criminal law attorney. A criminal defense attorney handles misdemeanor and felony offenses. If you have been charged with a crime, it is likely that a criminal lawyer can aid you in your case. Learn some of the most common offenses these attorneys defend.
Common cases handled by a criminal law attorney
Criminal defense attorneys represent clients charged with an assortment of crimes. Most often, the charges are related to drugs, sex offenses, violence, or property crimes. Some of the crimes are misdemeanors, while others are serious felonies. Both misdemeanors and felonies can come with serious consequences in Missouri.
Drug crimes
Drug crimes are among the most common cases handled by a Missouri criminal law attorney. Depending on the evidence, defendants can be charged with misdemeanors or felonies. Drug crime convictions can lead to jail sentences and fines, along with a criminal record. People accused of possession, distribution, or trafficking should contact a criminal defense attorney.
Sex crimes
Criminal lawyers also represent clients charged with sex crimes. Missouri classifies a variety of crimes as sexual offenses, ranging from harassment and stalking to incest and rape. While the punishment for some misdemeanors and infractions is a fine, other convictions include fines and imprisonment.
Also, offenders can be placed on the Missouri Sex Offender Registry. That includes those convicted of rape, sexual exploitation of a minor, and child molestation. Once on the registry, offenders must follow rules to stay in compliance. For example, registered sex offenders must stay a minimum of 500 feet from schools. An attorney might be able to help the accused avoid getting on the registry and other penalties associated with sex crimes.
Violent crimes
A criminal law attorney also takes on clients who are accused of committing violent crimes. Violent crimes include aggravated assault and robbery, non-negligent manslaughter, and homicide. Violent crimes carry stiff penalties if convicted. An attorney might be able to reduce the charges before trial. However, if the case must go to trial, the attorney will build a case to counter the prosecutor’s evidence.
Property crimes
Property crimes can be serious in Missouri. These crimes include burglary, arson, and theft. Most property crimes fall under the category of “theft.” Missouri classifies different types of theft, with Class A theft being the least serious and Class D theft being the most serious. Anything over Class A is charged as a felony and can include fines and jail time. While property crimes may be serious, a strong criminal defense can often create reasonable doubt.
Protect your rights with a criminal law attorney
Being charged with a crime is terrifying. You might feel helpless, but a criminal law attorney can help you navigate this difficult time. These attorneys represent defendants charged with drug, sex, property, and violent crimes, as well as other offenses. Speak with an attorney to go over the evidence and create your defense.
