Whether you are caught up in unexpected circumstances or made an error in judgment, being on the wrong end of the criminal justice system can be stressful. You may be wondering how you and your family will get through this challenging time and how your criminal charges will affect your life, both at home and at work. No matter your situation, consulting a Hanahan criminal lawyer could be a step in the right direction.
Too many people end up with overly harsh sentences that impact their lives for years. Had they stopped and gotten the advice that they needed from a knowledgeable criminal attorney they could have reached a better resolution in their cases. Instead of trying to handle criminal charges on your own, it could be beneficial to consult legal counsel in the area first.
What Should You Do if You Are Being Arrested on Criminal Charges?
Many people automatically believe that cooperating and answering questions by police officers is the best thing to do when being arrested or accused of committing a crime. Or, if they are innocent of the accusations against them, they should tell the truth and exonerate themselves. Unfortunately, these widespread myths often cause individuals to incriminate themselves further and end up with a harsh sentence in their cases.
Individuals who are facing criminal charges should generally observe the following guidelines:
- Be polite and cooperative, but do not answer questions from police as it could incriminate them further
- If arrested, refrain from arguing or resisting in any way
- Contact an attorney as soon as possible, either directly or by calling a trusted friend or family member
- Pay close attention to the criminal charges that form the basis for the arrest and the procedures that police follow during the arrest
Many people make the mistake of waiting to call a local criminal representative until they have already spoken to the police. By contacting legal counsel promptly following an arrest, individuals could have a better chance of success in defending themselves.
What are Common Types of Crimes in Hanahan?
Criminal offenses under state law range from less serious misdemeanor offenses to more severe felony crimes. The state legislature has categorized crimes not only as misdemeanors or felonies but also has further classified them based on severity. Sentencing and penalties exist for each level of a criminal offense and are adjusted by any mitigating or aggravating factors present in the commission of the crime.
More generally, crimes fall into a few major categories. These categories include:
- Crimes against property, such as fraud, theft, arson, and vandalism
- Crimes of violence, such as assault, robbery, and murder
- Sexual crimes, including rape and child molestation
- Offenses involving alcohol and drugs
Misdemeanor or Felony Charges
Most categories of crimes contain both misdemeanor and felony offenses, decided by the amount of money involved in property crime and the severity of the harm caused to others by a crime of violence. Other relevant factors include whether the offense involved minor children, the amount of drugs involved, and the overall level of harm caused by the crime. A criminal representative in Hanahan can be instrumental in evaluating the charges against a person and determining whether the evidence supports the validity of the offense.
Criminal Convictions and Penalties
The penalties that individuals face for a conviction depend on the level of the crime charged and other relevant factors that the court considers. For a misdemeanor conviction, individuals may serve only a few days of jail time or up to three years of incarceration, plus fines. Felony convictions can lead to more significant periods of imprisonment, with the maximum sanctions being sentenced to life or even the death penalty in capital murder cases.
Other potential penalties in criminal cases vary according to the type of offense. For instance, a DUI or other driving-related criminal conviction typically results in a license suspension. Likewise, some criminal convictions may result in terms of probation, mandatory drug treatment, and other forms of counseling.
Look to a Hanahan Criminal Attorney for Advice
When you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, getting the help of a Hanahan criminal lawyer could be advantageous to you. You could have a better chance of resolving your charges with minimal impact on your life.
Educating yourself and getting your questions answered can be vital to making informed decisions about your case. You could reach a better solution to the criminal charges that you are facing with a strong legal advocate on your side. Call today to learn more about the charges against you.
