THINGS WE CONSIDER IN EVERY CRIMINAL CASE

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Felony charges are defined as those crimes which can be punished by more than one year of incarceration. Some examples of felony charges are: 

• Aggravated Battery
• Burglary
• Armed Robbery
• Dealing in Stolen Property
• Grand Theft
• Manslaughter
• Murder/Homicide
• Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer
• Driving Under the Influence and causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident involving Injury or Death
• Tampering with Evidence
• Arson
• Aggravated Assault
• Possession, Sale, or Trafficking of Controlled Substances
• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
• Fraud
• Forgery
• Carrying a Concealed Firearm
• Lewd and Lascivious Conduct or Molestation
• Sexual Battery
• Human Trafficking
• Possession of Child Pornography
• Kidnapping
• Resisting an Officer with Violence

Misdemeanors are defined as crimes which can be punished by less than one year in jail. Although not as serious as felonies, their impact can still be severe. Some traffic offenses are criminal and technically considered misdemeanors. You can be denied jobs, credit, apartments, and student loans if convictions for misdemeanors appear on your record. Some examples of misdemeanors are: 

• Driving Under the Influence
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident
• Assault
• Battery
• Domestic Violence
• Violation of a Restraining Order
• Trespass
• Indecent Exposure
• Driving on a Suspended License with Knowledge
• Petit Theft
• Shoplifting
• Failure to Register Vehicle
• Criminal Mischief
• Solicitation of Prostitution and Prostitution
• Obstruction of Justice
• Resisting an Officer without Violence
• Reckless Driving
• Racing

The Federal Government has an extensive code defining criminal acts. These violations can range from Possession of Marine Material (illegally sourced coral and fish) to Human Trafficking. Many sex crimes are heard in Federal Court because the simple use of a computer to download something from the internet or to contact a minor can be sufficient to trigger federal jurisdiction over the case. The sentencing in federal cases is vastly different than in state cases. Hiring an attorney experienced in handling federal criminal cases is one of the most important things you can do to help your case.