Being accused of criminal activity is a serious matter under any circumstance. This is especially true if you are facing felony charges. A conviction for these serious types of offenses can lead to life-altering consequences. You have the right to hire a seasoned defense attorney to help you fight back.
If you are deciding your next step following an arrest, you could benefit from a discussion with a Chesapeake felony lawyer. The right strategy could help you beat these charges and keep any marks off your permanent record.
What is a Felony?
A felony is the most serious type of criminal offense. Unlike the lesser charge of a misdemeanor, a person convicted of a felony offense could face far more than a single year behind bars. In total, there are six different classes of felonies, each with various maximum penalties. At the lowest level there is Class 6, which carries imprisonment for between one and five years on top of a maximum fine of $2,500.
At the highest end of the spectrum is Class 1. These are the most serious criminal charges available. Depending on the circumstances, a defendant could face up to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The maximum fine reaches up to $100,000.
There is also an additional category known as unclassified felonies. Instead of carrying a sentence based on the specific class, these charges have unique penalties associated with a conviction. Some of the offenses that fall into this category include rape and grand larceny. A lawyer in Chesapeake can help a person evaluate what type of felony charge they are facing.
Example Felony Offenses
Many different crimes are felonies, and each of them comes with serious consequences following a conviction. A Chesapeake attorney could provide a viable defense for any felony charge, including:
No one should have to face the risk of a conviction alone. Instead of pleading guilty, it is a good idea to first seek the guidance of seasoned legal counsel.
Possible Defense Strategies
One of the most important reasons to work with a Chesapeake felony lawyer is allowing them to develop the strongest defense strategy possible. Without the right approach, it can be difficult to secure a favorable outcome or avoid incarceration.
With the wide variety of offenses available, the potential defensive strategies also differ substantially. Some examples include:
Self-Defense
In cases involving violent crimes, self-defense is arguably the most common strategy. This approach is available when the accused faces the imminent threat of bodily harm. Even if the elements of a crime like assault are met, the accused is not guilty if they can establish they were acting in defense of themselves or others.
Consent
With many sex crimes, consent is the strongest possible defense. After all, most sexually based offenses involve nonconsensual contact. With evidence of consent, the prosecution’s case falls apart.
Lack of Evidence
Often, the simplest approach to these cases is to argue the state has failed to meet its burden of proof. Showing that a crime was committed beyond a reasonable doubt is a high bar that the prosecutors will not always meet.
Talk to a Felony Attorney in Chesapeake Today
You have the right to defend yourself against these serious allegations, and favorable outcomes are often possible. Reach out to a Chesapeake felony lawyer at Parks Zeigler, PLLC, as soon as possible to discuss your options.
