Law can be divided into two broad categories: civil and criminal. Criminal law always deals with alleged offenses against the State. While there may be individuals alleging a crime against a Defendant, it is the Government that actually pursues criminal matters against them. Civil matters usually involve fines and rights issues, whereas criminal matters tend to have a larger impact on your life. Punishments for criminal charges can include fines, probation, and prison sentences.
If you were charged with an alleged crime, you could benefit from speaking with a Greenacres Criminal Lawyer about your rights. At the Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert, our team of dedicated Criminal Attorneys can help you develop an aggressive defense plan to get the best possible outcome under the circumstances. En Español.
Common Criminal Offenses
There are many types of criminal allegations that can be filed against an individual. All of these acts involve various types of punishment and require different defense strategies. Offenses can either be Misdemeanors, which the law classifies as less serious offenses, or Felonies, which often result in more than one year of jailing and could permanently stay on your criminal record, if convicted. An experienced Greenacres Criminal Defense Attorney may be able to help you with:
- DUIs or DWIs
- Drug-related offenses
- Sex-related offenses
- Acts of violence
- Theft
- Juvenile crimes
- Federal crimes
- Weapon crimes
These criminal cases could fall within State Law or Federal Law, meaning the arena where a Trial is handled can vary. Essentially, Federal Law issues are dealt with by the Federal Government and Trials take place in Federal Court, rather than State Court. No matter the venue, a Greenacres Criminal Attorney could help to build a strong case in your defense.
What to Expect from the Criminal Process in Greenacres
Typically, any criminal matter begins with an investigation, unless the Police are a witness to an alleged criminal act, in which case the process will be different. Once the Police decide to make an arrest, they may request a warrant to take the alleged offender into custody. After an arrest, there will be an emergency Bond Hearing. If you were arrested for criminal allegations, this is where you could request to have representation.
After this, the Prosecutor must decide whether to formally file charges. If they decide to move forward, the Court will schedule an Arraignment. Here, you would have the chance plead guilty, not-guilty, or no contest. The Prosecutor will then file formal charges.
Before a Trial occurs, there would be an opportunity for you and your legal representative to conduct discovery, request a Jury Trial, and file motions to potentially exclude the Prosecutor’s evidence. The Prosecutor may also offer the Defendant a plea bargain during this process, which means you could accept a sentencing offer in exchange for pleading guilty or no contest.
Finally, a Trial would be held. A Judge may act as the decider of factual issues, or you could request a Jury Trial where 12 members of the local community would consider the facts and make a determination. Depending on the outcome of the Trial, there would be an opportunity to file an appeal. A tenacious Greenacres criminal Attorney could help to advise you regarding the entire legal process and how to best navigate it, given your unique circumstance.
Consult with a Greenacres Criminal Defense Attorney Today
While you may be well-aware that you must follow the law, it can be difficult to know what exactly the law requires in any given situation. If you find yourself facing criminal allegations, the knowledge and help of a diligent Greenacres Criminal Lawyer could make all the difference.
The legal system can be difficult to understand alone, especially if you are dealing with the stress and confusion of a criminal charge. An aggressive Attorney at Leifert & Leifert could aid you in building a strong defense to drastically improve your outcome.
