Criminal charges cover a wide range of activities under state law, ranging from a misdemeanor DUI and reckless driving to assault and battery. While some crimes are less serious misdemeanor offenses, others are felonies that result in even more severe ramifications. A Ladson criminal lawyer knows that a criminal conviction can create a permanent record that can be highly damaging to your future professional prospects.
Not only may you face fines, probation, and incarceration if convicted of a criminal offense, but you may also face collateral consequences, as well. It could be more challenging finding employment, obtaining professional licenses, and pursuing some careers. A criminal attorney could assist you in avoiding or minimizing the charges and penalties in your case.
What are the Types of Criminal Charges in Ladson?
Although all types of crimes exist under state law, they generally fall into some broader categories based on their nature and their severity. For instance, many crimes stem from alcohol and drug use and possession, such as DUI and drug trafficking. Other crimes solely involve property, such as theft, arson, and burglary.
White-collar crimes are those that often occur in the context of a workplace or business, such as fraud and embezzlement. Crimes involving physical harm to people include offenses such as assault and battery, domestic violence offenses, and manslaughter. Various sexual crimes exist as well, such as sexual assault, child molestation, and rape. Local legal advisors are knowledgeable about all types of criminal charges and how to best defend against them.
Penalties for Ladson Criminal Convictions
Criminal penalties vary on the type of crime and the severity of the crime. All criminal offenses fall into two broad categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Further subdivisions also exist within these two classifications, based on the severity of the circumstances surrounding the crime.
Misdemeanor Crimes
For instance, some misdemeanors carry the potential for less than one year in jail, but a Class A misdemeanor conviction could result in up to three years in prison. Other potential penalties for all crimes can include payment of fines and restitution, completion of community service hours or treatment programs, and suspension of driving privileges. A local criminal legal advocate can advise clients of the full range of potential consequences for a specific offense, which can differ from one case to another based on various factors.
Felony Offenses
Crimes categorized as felonies generally are more severe in nature and often involve substantial amounts of valuable property, physical harm to others, or offenses involving minors. State law establishes six distinct classes of felony offenses, ranging from Class A felonies, which are the most serious, to Class F felonies, which are the less severe. Convictions on felony offenses can result in prison sentences ranging from five to 30 years, as well as other penalties.
What are the Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction?
All crimes have the potential for collateral consequences that extend beyond incarceration and fines. Many people do not expect to suffer these ramifications, so these consequences can be a surprise. For example, a DUI or similar offense is likely to require a license suspension, which can impact the ability to work, as well as a significant increase in motor vehicle insurance rates.
Similarly, a conviction for a gun charge can result in the revocation of a carry license, and a lifetime ban on possessing firearms in the case of a felony. A felony conviction can result in the loss of other civil rights, perhaps permanently, and also may become ineligible for some jobs, careers, and professional licenses due to their backgrounds.
A criminal representative in the area could assist an individual in fighting back against their charges. By mounting a strong defense, the defendant could be more likely to reach a favorable resolution in their cases.
Call a Ladson Criminal Attorney for Advice
Working with a Ladson criminal lawyer can be the first step toward clearing your name and avoiding some of the more severe penalties that are possible in your case. You could resolve the charges in your favor and avoid the many potential collateral consequences of a criminal conviction. Legal counsel may be able to ease your concerns and help you through what is likely to be a challenging time in your life. Call today to learn more.
