Everything You Need To Know About Criminal Charges
In the United States, criminal offenses are broken into three predominant categories:
- Infractions
- Misdemeanors
- Felonies
These categories are designated according to how serious the offense is and what the convicted individual's future consequences will be. Our Lake of the Ozarks criminal defense attorneys are here to help you gain a better understanding of these different types of criminal charges.
Infractions
Infractions are the most minor forms of criminal charges. These charges are not usually punishable by jail time. Instead, infractions are punishable by fines that can almost always be handled without even going to court.
Infractions are generally local laws designed to inhibit annoying or potentially dangerous behavior. Examples include traffic laws, anti-noise ordinances, and no parking zones.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are crimes punishable by fines and/or jail time, but they are not as serious as felonies. The line between misdemeanors and felonies can be hard to distinguish, because sometimes the only thing differentiating them is the severity of the crime.
Generally speaking, however, misdemeanors include offenses such as shoplifting, minor assault, vandalism, reckless driving, or trespassing. Although there are some exceptions, the maximum amount of jail time you can receive for a misdemeanor is one year.
Felonies
Felonies are the most serious type of crimes and are punishable by more than a year in prison - in some cases, felons may be subject to lifetime imprisonment without parole or even execution. It is important to note that the person who actually committed the crime is not the only guilty party; people who assisted in the crime (such as driving the getaway vehicle) are also punishable by law.
Felonies include armed robbery, kidnapping, rape and sexual assault, and homicide. While a felony sentence may result in just a few years of imprisonment, it may also cause permanent loss of the right to vote or own a firearm.
Criminal Defense Attorney Lake of the Ozarks
If you are faced with criminal charges in mid-Missouri, we encourage you to visit with one of our criminal defense attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks. We have experience representing clients facing several different types of criminal charges, including:
- Traffic Offenses
- Robbery
- Assault
- Sexual Misconduct
- Possession, Manufacturing, and Sale of Drugs
- Driving or Boating While Intoxicated
- Driving While License is Suspended or Revoked
If you are facing any of these charges, it is important to act quickly. Contact the Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C. to get the representation you need.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.
Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
85 Court Circle N.W., P.O. Box 559
Camdenton, MO 65020 GET A MAP
(573) 346-7231 - Telephone
(888) 236-2485 - Toll Free
(573) 346-4411 - Fax
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