Category: Criminal Law
Misdemeanors– Finding the Representation You Need
September 18, 2014 | Adriel B. VillarrealMisdemeanors are not to be taken lightly. Charges of this kind can result in incarceration and serious fines. With the representation of a criminal defense lawyer, you may be able to reduce incarceration time and/or fines, or if you are not guilty, have the charges against you dropped altogether. Understanding the law and the charges against you are the first steps to ensuring that you find the right lawyer for your case. What is a Misdemeanor A misdemeanor, as classified under the law, is a crime in which the sentence is up to 90 days in jail. Misdemeanors are often something small like theft or DUI/DWI. Types of Misdemeanors There are two types of misdemeanors that every person should know: gross and regular. Gross Misdemeanor: A misdemeanor that is more serious in nature. These charges may come with fines up to $3,000 and incarceration up to the maximum of 12 months. Regular Misdemeanor: A regular misdemeanor is a lesser crime. Most crimes classified as regular misdemeanors only come with a fine and/or community service. Incarceration may also be included with a regular misdemeanor, but cannot exceed 90 days in jail or $1000 in fines. Finding a Lawyer if You Were Charged With a Misdemeanor in Minnesota Finding a lawyer to fight your misdemeanor…
Read MoreFelonies – Finding a Lawyer for a Serious Crime
September 12, 2014 | Adriel B. VillarrealFelonies carry a very serious penalty. When a crime is committed, the crime will be classified as a felony or a misdemeanor. In essence, these are two different levels of crimes where the classification determines the penalties a crime warrants. What is a Felony? A felony is a crime which warrants a jail sentence that exceeds 12 months. The type of felony that a person commits will have a much greater impact on the time of incarceration that a person is given. Types of Felonies Felonies and misdemeanors often occur for the same type of crime. This, for instance, would be the circumstances and extent of a crime. Even similar crimes, such as assault or theft, can be a felony if the circumstances meet specific requirements. Theft: A prime example of a crime that can easily be a felony or misdemeanor. The amount or value of the goods or money taken without the consent of the owner will determine whether a theft is a theft or a larceny, which is a felony. Some states consider any property stolen that exceeds $500 – $1,000 a felony. Finding a Felony Defense Lawyer Experience and location are two essential elements to consider when evaluating felony defense lawyers. The criminal lawyer you ultimately select will need to be:…
Read MoreIs It Ever Best to Choose a Jury Trial?
June 24, 2014 | Adriel B. VillarrealIf you are deciding to bring a case to trial, it can be difficult to make the choice between a judge or jury trial. There are many reasons why one may be better than the other, but in some cases, a jury trial may be the best option for you to get the outcome you want. What is a Jury Trial? A jury trial is a trial that is brought before a jury of “the peers of the accused” in a criminal case, who have no prior knowledge of the case or anyone involved in the case. The jury makes the decision on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty and the judge is only in charge of making sure the law is upheld. Note: the jury only determines guilt, the judge is still responsible for deciding on the penalty. Choosing a Jury Trial The reason that many people choose a jury trial over a judge trial is because they feel like they can make a better case with sympathy than with evidence. A jury is much more likely to be swayed by emotions than a judge would be. Choosing a jury trial would beneficial in cases such as sexual harassment, emotional abuse, or other cases of being victimized by another person….
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