Types of Cases that Defense Attorney Handles

by | Jan 3, 2013 | Law

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The function of a defense attorney in a case is to defend the person that is being accused of a specific crime. The constitution demands legal representation for anyone accused of a crime. Denial of legal representation is seen as an infringement of persons’ basic human rights. You can hire your own legal representation, or if you cannot afford one the state will hire one for you. A defense attorney gathers evidence to prove that the crimes labeled against their clients. It is important to note that crimes vary. As a result, there are several types of cases that a lawyer can defend their client from. The cases are categorized depending on the seriousness of the crime. It is important to note that the lawyer that you choose must be an expert in the area of law that your case falls within. There are two main types of cases that a defense attorney deals with when they get a case; misdemeanors and felonies. It is vital for one to understand what each term means when they have been accused of a crime.

1. Misdemeanors– There are many crimes that are labeled as misdemeanors. A misdemeanor crime is a minor crime. This basically means that the penalties of such charges are not serious. In most cases, the penalties for misdemeanor cases include fines and community service. Every defense attorney Bremerton hopes that their client gets a misdemeanor case because they are not grave. The state that you live in determines the classification of crimes. It is possible to find that some crimes are misdemeanor in one jurisdiction and a felony in another. Misdemeanors can become felonies in case the crime is repeated. For example, a crime like DUI is generally a misdemeanor, but when one is repeatedly charged of this crime it ceases becoming a misdemeanor and becomes a felony.

2. Felonies– These are major crimes that one can be charged with. The penalties in these types of crimes are longer jail terms or even a death sentence. The jurisdiction also plays a role in determining whether your case is a felony or not. A defense attorney Bremerton will strive to ensure that their client does not lose a felony case because of the penalties. Most violent cases fall under the category of felonies. Misdemeanors done repeatedly can also become felonies after the third charge.

It is important to note that the age of the defendant plays a huge role in cases. Children are charged as children and adults are tried as such. The penalties are also given with age as a consideration. Notably, misdemeanors are not included in your criminal record, only felonies are listed. Therefore, avoiding crimes that are labeled as felonies is important.

 

It is important to understand the type of crime that you are charged with. Your Defense attorney Bremerton assists you in getting this understanding. Learn more about the types of crimes from .

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