what type of lawyer do i need to fight a fellony charge that should have been a misterminor

by Dr. Eveline Sipes Jr. 5 min read

Do you need a lawyer for a felony charge?

Apr 23, 2019 · Battling a Felony Charge. A felony is a very serious criminal charge, and the resulting penalties can be severe. If you are convicted of a felony, you face very serious consequences including large fines, imprisonment, and social stigma that can last the rest of your life. To reduce your chances of facing these challenges, you should take the steps necessary to …

What to do if you are charged with a felony?

In Arizona, people with felony convictions face the following criminal penalties: Class 6 Felonies: As long as 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Class 5 Felonies: As long as 2.5 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Class 4 Felonies: As long as 3.75 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000.

What is a a felony charge?

Nov 12, 2020 · A criminal defense lawyer fights to keep the charge a misdemeanor based on the facts of the case and mitigating circumstances. If the charge does change to a felony, you already of an attorney involved in the case who understands the facts and is prepared to defend you against the charges. Protect Your Legal Rights and Navigate the Court System

What happens when a felony is dropped to a misdemeanor?

Sep 28, 2019 · STEP 1: Identify Your Felony Charges. New Jersey felony offenses are divided into four categories. They are: 1) 1st-degree. 2)2nd-degree. 3) 3rd-degree and. 4) 4th-degree. You will find the type & degree of crime you are charged with on your Criminal Complaint.

Can a felony be reduced to a misdemeanor in Florida?

With the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, however, you can have felony charges reduced to a misdemeanor, drastically lowering the maximum penalty for the crime.

How can I get my felony dropped to a misdemeanor in California?

If the judge agrees to reduce the felony conviction to a misdemeanor, the defendant could then file an expungement motion under California Penal Code Section 1203.4 PC. While felony convictions can be expunged, it is critical that the conviction first be reduced to a misdemeanor before the expungement.

Can a felony be reduced to a misdemeanor in New York?

If you have been charged with a felony, you may be able to get it reduced to a misdemeanor through plea bargaining. If you have already been convicted of a felony, you can get it reduced to a misdemeanor in certain situations by petitioning the court to modify the charge on your record.

How do you get a felony reduced to a misdemeanor in Idaho?

Under Idaho Code §19-2604, a felony conviction may be reduced to a misdemeanor upon petition to the court. If less than five years have passed since the defendant's discharge from probation, the prosecuting attorney must agree with the reduction.Sep 19, 2017

What is the lowest felony you can get?

Classes of offenses under United States federal lawTypeClassMaximum prison termFelonyDLess than 10 years but 5 or more yearsELess than 5 years but more than 1 yearMisdemeanorA1 year or less but more than 6 monthsB6 months or less but more than 30 days5 more rows

How long does a felony stay on your record in California?

indefinitelyIf you've been convicted of a felony in Los Angeles, that will remain on your criminal record indefinitely. That is, unless, you file a petition to have your conviction expunged. Certain felonies in California can be expunged – or removed – from your record.Jan 23, 2020

Can a felony be dismissed?

If they have insufficient evidence to support probable cause, the arrest may have been unlawful or the court can dismiss the case. By presenting enough evidence to show that there was not probable cause, a defendant can get their felony charges dropped.Jun 11, 2021

What sentence can a defendant receive for a felony in New York State?

Imprisonment. Imprisonment plus a Fine. Imprisonment (six months or less for a felony; 60 days or less for a misdemeanor), plus Probation. Imprisonment (for 60 days or less) plus Conditional Discharge.

How can charges be dropped before court date?

There are ways to have charges against an accused or defendant dropped even before the trial date. The typical action is to file a motion to dismiss. The defendant's lawyer can invoke various reasons for a motion to dismiss.Feb 2, 2022

Do misdemeanors go away in Idaho?

Dismissing a Misdemeanor or Felony Under Idaho Code 19-2604 Although there are exceptions, Idaho generally allows a defendant to apply to have their case retroactively dismissed if they show good cause for the dismissal and they successfully completed probation.Sep 6, 2019

Can felons get their gun rights back in Idaho?

Firearms rights are restored if a pardon is granted. Conviction of a misdemeanor does not cause a loss of firearms rights under Idaho law, however, conviction of certain misdemeanors may cause a loss of rights under Federal law and a pardon may have the effect of restoring Federal firearms rights in this circumstance.Mar 11, 2022

How do you get a felony off your record in Idaho?

The closest thing to expungement that Idaho offers is sealing the records of a case. Physical and electronic records may be temporarily or permanently sealed or redacted by order of the court on a case-by-case basis. The party must file a motion to seal and then the court must hold a hearing on the motion to seal.

How to get a judge to dismiss a felony charge?

The most obvious way to get a judge or prosecutor to dismiss felony charges is to prove that the defendant is innocent. People who wish to use this defense strategy typically need to provide a mountain of relevant evidence to the court.

When investigating and arresting someone on a felony charge, state prosecutors must not violate their constitutional rights.?

When investigating and arresting someone on a felony charge, state prosecutors must not violate their constitutional rights. If a defense lawyer can show that a violation occurred, they may be able to have a piece of key evidence suppressed – and substantially improve their client’s chances of securing a not guilty verdict.

How to convict a Phoenix resident of a felony?

To convict a Phoenix resident of any felony, prosecutors must prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. When a defense attorney can successfully argue that the prosecution has not put forward enough evidence to meet their burden, they can frequently get their client’s charges dropped.

Do felons get a permanent record in Arizona?

In addition to fines and prison time, convicted felons in Arizona also receive permanent criminal records. Their record can cause them to experience a variety of negative collateral consequences, like:

What is the best way to get a felony conviction?

So what’s the best way to get you the best result possible?#N#If you’ve read this far, then you learned that there are many factors to consider when discussing your felony charges.#N#Our best advice is that you seek the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you.#N#Just like us, many criminal lawyers offer free consultations.#N#Your criminal defense attorney will listen to your side of the story, guide you through the process, advocate on your behalf, and work tirelessly to get you the best result possible.

How to avoid jail?

Pretrial Intervention (PTI), Probation, and Drug Court are three different ways to avoid jail.#N#These alternatives offer a way out while avoiding trial.#N#Your choice of program will depend on many factors.#N#Below you will find basic information with links to more in-depth pages.

How long is a 4th degree felony in jail?

4th-degree felony charges carry up to 18 months in jail. But if you have a really good lawyer, he may be able to your case “remanded” to a lower court. In this way, you will be out of “felony” danger.

What is a felony in New Jersey?

New Jersey felony charges are termed “ Indictable Offenses ”.#N#These are the most serious charges that you can face.#N#If you plead guilty or are found guilty, the judge has no choice but to sentence you to prison.# N#We’ve put together everything you need to know regarding Felony (Indictable) offenses in New Jersey.

Is probation a felony in New Jersey?

Probation in New Jersey is another way to avoid seeing the inside of jail.# N#It works slightly differently than PTI because you would have to enter a “guilty plea” to either the felony charge or an amended felony charge.#N#Instead of incarceration, you will be sentenced to a period of probation.#N#Indeed, you will have to pay restitution, fines, & complete community service.

How Are Criminal Offenses Categorized in Nebraska?

Like most states, the State of Nebraska first divides criminal offenses into two broad categories – misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are the less serious offenses that carry a potential punishment of less than a year in jail if convicted.

Is a Felony Conviction Different than a Misdemeanor Conviction?

The potential term of imprisonment and/or fines you may be sentenced to is one of the most obvious differences between a misdemeanor and a felony conviction; however, there are other important differences as well.

How Can a Felony Attorney Help?

Ideally, you will have legal representation from the moment of initial contact with law enforcement whey. In the offense in question is a felony.

Contact Us

If you are suspect or an accused in a felony crime, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced Nebraska felony attorney right away. In Nebraska contact Petersen Criminal Defense Law 24 hours a day at 402-509-8070 to discuss your case with an experienced felony attorney.

How to defend yourself against a felony charge?

The single most crucial step in the process of defending yourself against a felony charge is to contact an attorney. Every moment you spend in custody without an attorney fighting for you hurts your case. It is extremely important for you to hire a criminal defense attorney the moment you are accused of a crime.

What is a felony charge?

A felony charge is a serious accusation with potentially life-changing consequences. If you or someone you care about has been charged with a felony, you will need an experienced and aggressive attorney to help you in your case.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

Generally, a misdemeanor is punished by time in county jail, a fine or both. A felony carries more severe potential penalties, including a prison or county jail sentence . In addition, you may have to pay restitution to the victim of the crime. You could also lose certain rights once you are released from prison if you are convicted of a felony.

What happens if you are convicted of a felony?

If you are convicted of a felony, you are likely facing prison time, fines, and penalties that will punish you well after you have served your time.

Why is it important to hire a criminal defense attorney?

It is extremely important for you to hire a criminal defense attorney the moment you are accused of a crime. The prosecutor will know all the technicalities of the law that you may not know, and most of all, they will know how to sell you on agreeing to a plea bargain that will seem like your best option.

How to avoid incriminating yourself?

The easiest way to avoid incriminating yourself is to remain silent. If you find yourself in custody, refuse to answer any questions and politely insist that you will not answer anything without a lawyer present. You do not need to act hostile toward the police in order to exercise your right to remain silent.

What rights do you lose when you get out of prison?

For instance, you might lose your right to vote and your right to own a firearm. You might be denied the chance to serve in the military or be denied a professional license.

Why do you need a lawyer for a contract?

Even in transactional civil matters, such as drafting a contract, a lawyer can be very helpful. A lawyer can make sure contracts are drafted correctly and avoid problems at a later date. A real estate purchase, business purchase, and/or creation of a trademark or copyright will most likely involve a lawyer.

What kind of services do lawyers provide?

Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases. Some lawyers specialize in one or two types, such as family and divorce law.

What is family law?

Family law is law that involves family matters. These matters can include marriage, divorce, adoption, child support, custody and establishing parentage. In most cases, marriages do not require a lawyer but a prenuptial agreement should be reviewed by a lawyer.

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is an individual who is licensed to practice law in a state. Lawyers are also known as attorneys or an attorney at law. Some lawyers are licensed in multiple states. Some lawyers are admitted to practice at the Federal level as well.

Why is it important to have a family lawyer?

It is important in divorce cases for an individual to have a family lawyer representing them to ensure their rights are protected.

What is personal injury?

In a personal injury suit, an individual is injured, mentally and/or physically, because of an accident, defective product, or an act or failure to act by another. A court may award a plaintiff in a personal injury suit monetary damages for their injury. Civil law cases can be complex.

What is civil matter?

Civil matters include contract disputes between businesses, real estate, and personal transactions. Unlike criminal cases, there is no determination of guilt or innocence. Usually, the parties may only recover monetary damages, including punitive damages in some cases.

Who is the most important witness in an assault case?

For a prosecutor, the most important witness to in an assault case is the victim, the person who was allegedly assaulted, because that person will be their star witness. Most times in an assault on civilians the victim is really the entirety of the case. If there were any witnesses present, then those people will also be important.

What is the second type of aggravated assault?

The second type of aggravated assault is when someone uses a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument, like a gun, a knife, a bat, a bottle or anything that is dangerous or deadly. The third type of aggravated assault is when a person commits the assault using any force that could cause a temporary but substantial disfigurement, ...

What is a class 1 assault in Arizona?

Under that, there is an assault where a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes a physical injury to another person.

What are the different types of assaults in Arizona?

There are numerous types of different assaults In Arizona. Under the statute, there are misdemeanor assaults and then there are felony assaults. There are misdemeanor domestic violence assaults and felony domestic violence assaults as well. There is a class 1 misdemeanor assault, a class 2 misdemeanor assault, and a class 3 misdemeanor assault.

What is the third type of assault?

The third type of assault is when someone knowingly touches another person and their intention is to injure them, insult them or maybe even provoke them. It is a class 1 misdemeanor assault when someone intentionally, knowingly and recklessly causes a physical injury to someone.

Why are police officers less important?

The police officers are less important because they usually show up after the fact and don’t actually witness anything. The police officer is usually a secondary witness unless the defendant might have submitted to an interview and made some admissions that might hurt him.

Is a felony a felony?

It is a felony if someone is retrained, bound or held down by something and someone hits, kicks or punches them. The fifth type is when a person commits the assault after entering a private home with the intent to commit assault, which is an aggravated assault or felony.

What is a felony in jail?

A state jail felony is the default charge for crimes identified as felonies but without specific designations. If an individual is charged with a state jail felony, it can be punished as a third degree felony if a previous felony conviction exists or if a deadly weapon was used during the commission of the crime.

How long can you go to jail for a repeat felony?

For example, a previous conviction for a second degree felony will result in penalties for a first degree felony. A judge can enforce a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison for a repeat first degree felony.

What is the statute of limitations for a murder charge?

What is that length? It varies depending on the offense, but normally felony crimes have longer statutes of limitations than misdemeanor offenses. There is no statute of limitations for a murder charge.

Can a felony affect your credit?

You may have difficulty finding work or obtaining professional licenses. A felony conviction can also have a negative impact on your credit and your ability to secure loans. Since the consequences are serious, you need a skilled Texas criminal defense attorney to help you fight your charges.

Can a juvenile get a life sentence for a capital felony in Texas?

All capital felony cases automatically appeal to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Juveniles convicted of capital felonies may serve life sentences if the prosecutor does not seek the death penalty.

How to get rid of a crime?

try to talk to the victim about the case or have any contact with the victim. talk to law enforcement or other investigators without an attorney present, or. give any evidence to law enforcement without consulting with a lawyer first—even if you believe the evidence will show you are not guilty of the alleged crime.

What do you need to know about stalking charges?

An experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will be aware of the possible defenses to a stalking charge and the issues that need to be explored. An attorney can give you information about the criminal law process and legal advice, investigate the case, and represent you in court if you have been formally charged.

What is stalking crime?

the crime is a second or subsequent offense. the stalking is committed when the offender already has been ordered to stay away from the victim under a court order for no contact, a restraining order, or an order of protection. the stalking involves specific threats to harm the victim or those close to the victim, or.

What are some examples of stalking?

Examples of stalking behavior include: following someone. showing up or driving by a person's home, workplace, or school. monitoring a person's computer, cell phone, or social networking activity. secretly placing a GPS device on someone's vehicle in order to track the person. sending unwanted letters, gifts, or email.

Is stalking a felony?

Stalking is a serious crime that can be a felony or misdemeanor. All 50 states have criminal laws against stalking.