Felony Law vs. Misdemeanor Law
If you've been arrested and charged with a criminal offense, the differences in regards to felony law vs. misdemeanor law could have enormous consequences on the ultimate result of your defense against these charges. Below are some basic differences between these two degrees of legal severity, but for a full explanation, you need to contact a Tampa Bay criminal defense attorney from Fluke, Palma & Seiden immediately.
Felony Law vs. Misdemeanor Law - Consequential Differences
There are two central differences between a felony and a misdemeanor, and they both relate to the ultimate consequences you face if you are convicted of these charges. The first main difference regards the penalties or sanctions you face if you're convicted. Almost all felonies carry much more severe penalties than misdemeanors, and these penalties include more substantial fines, longer sentences and more severe repercussions after your ultimate release.
The second important difference relates to your ability to reintegrate into society after you have served your prison term or paid your fine. If you are convicted of a felony, that conviction will remain on your permanent record, and you will lose your right to vote as well as be forced to explain your felony conviction to any potential employer. Generally speaking, misdemeanors do not carry the same long-term consequences.
Felony Law vs. Misdemeanor Law - How an Attorney Can Help
Depending on which crime you're charged with, a Tampa Bay criminal defense attorney from Fluke, Palma & Seiden can help in two specific ways that could help you limit your long-term consequences. The first manner in which an attorney can help is obvious. He or she can help you defend your charges and to seek an acquittal if the evidence against you is not sufficient to obtain a conviction. If this is what happens, you will generally walk away from this process without having to face any additional exposure.
The second manner in which a criminal defense attorney can help is by working with prosecutors to "plead down" your charges as they relate to certain crimes. For instance, if you are charged with a felony battery, it may be possible for your attorney to work out a plea agreement with the State Attorney's office that allows you to plead guilty or no contest to a misdemeanor charge, meaning that you will not face the same long-term consequences that you would with a felony conviction.
Of course, every specific situation is different, which is why the best thing you can do if you've been charged with a crime is to contact a Tampa Bay criminal defense attorney from Fluke, Palma & Seiden as soon as possible.
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