Facing Felony Charges A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

A felony is often defined as a serious crime that can be either violent or non-violent in nature. Felonious crimes include everything from armed robbery, kidnapping, and armed assault to drug trafficking, rape, and murder. The laws in each state vary in terms of the punishment doled out for felony offenders. Depending on the crime, individuals convicted of a felony could face a sentence that ranges from more than a year in prison to capital punishment.

State laws governing felonies and sentencing guidelines are often complex and sometimes confusing. For example, steal something worth less than a specific dollar amount and you face a misdemeanor charge. However, if the item exceeds that set dollar amount, the offense is considered felony grand theft. While some states define a felony by the amount of sentencing recommended (i.e., more than one year), others may describe it in terms of where the sentence is served. Therefore, if sentencing requires incarceration in a state of federal penitentiary, it is considered a felony. If in a local our county jail, it is a misdemeanor.

Because so much is riding on proving ones innocence, it is highly recommended that someone charged with a felony seek the advice of an attorney as soon as possible. If a defendant is unable to afford one, the court is required to appoint an attorney to represent them throughout the proceedings.

Convicted felons lose many of their rights. Most states will not allow those convicted of a felony to practice in certain professions, which require a license or permit, such as law, real estate, or medicine. Felons may also be restricted from owning a gun, serving on a jury or in the military, becoming a foster parent, and exercising their right to vote in an election. Restoring these rights once lost is difficult, and in some cases impossible.

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