A crime is a crime and always attracts punishments. However, there are details involved which are important to note which can come handy, especially if faced with criminal charges. It is very important to comprehend what you have been charged with and what consequences you may face if convicted. Accordingly you can look for an attorney who can help you with your defense and safeguard your freedom.
Understanding the charges
When faces with criminal proceedings, it is the first and foremost thing to understand the charges against you.In Orange County as well as the State of California, a crime is categorized as(i) an infraction, (ii) a misdemeanor or (iii) a felony. A good defense attorney or a former prosecutor will tell you that Infractions are very trivial offenses like ignoring a red light at the traffic signal, speeding and such other traffic related matters or violating the codes of the local municipality. These offences are trivial and a punished usually with a fine, not jail. Other serious offenses like marijuana possession, small theft or DUI are misdemeanors, which, if convicted could land you a sentence for up to a year in county. These can also penalized by probation or fine. Most serious offences sexual assault, grand theft larceny, homicide, embezzlement of funds, are usually considered felonies and carry a punishment of quite a few years in state prison, and death penalty in case of homicide. A good felony defense attorney in Orange County can get grave felonies abridged to misdemeanors without any prison time.
A thin line between felony and misdemeanor
Irrespective of the significant differences, there lies a thin line between felony and misdemeanor; inviting a lot of ambiguity. The law gives substantial authority to the prosecutor regarding the classification of a crime, and prosecutors who usually face pressure from the families of the victims or the media to 'set an example' frequently make the line even more blurred. It is therefore very vital to appreciate that a professional felony defense attorney in Orange County can work to lessen a charge from felony to misdemeanor and in the process give you several options. If your defense lawyer is a former prosecutor it is even better, as he may still have friends on the other side, thereby increasing the chances of things working out in your favor.
The advantages of reducing the charges
It is always advantageous if you can lessen a charge from felony to misdemeanor because many organizations perform background checks on potential employees, and while they may overlook the misdemeanor offenses, felony convictions will definitely be frowned upon. If you don't choose the right criminal defense attorney in Orange County, you put your rights, freedom and your future in nothing but grave danger.
Gurwitz Law Groups offers the best criminal defense attorney in Orange County . It also provides the best services of former prosecutor and district attorney. For details you can contact us at 714-880-8800 or visit the website. gurwitzlaw.com