There is no overstating the gravity that a criminal charge and subsequent conviction can have on your life, liberty, and ability to exist as a functioning member of society. While some crimes and associated penalties carry minimal jail time and moderate fines, the blot of any criminal conviction can stay with you for a lifetime.
When you face a criminal charge, you should not attempt to handle this situation alone. Instead, you should reach out to a Hays criminal lawyer as soon as possible. A diligent attorney could fight to protect your rights throughout each phase of the legal process and work tirelessly on your behalf toward the most optimal outcome possible.
There are many potential crimes that someone could be charged with in Hays that would necessitate them reaching out to a seasoned defense attorney for representation. These range from simple infractions and misdemeanors to the highest class of criminal charges—felonies.
Some common examples of crimes lawyers in Hays frequently handle include:
The penalties for these types of crimes can vary widely based on various factors, including the accused’s criminal history if any exists, and the situation surrounding the alleged crime.
For example, theft is an offense that could be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony. This determination, as well as the class of the offense, depends upon the value of the property involved. Likewise, in the case of drug possession, whether or not the offense is categorized as a misdemeanor or a felony comes down to the type of substance involved. Penalties can include but are not limited to:
There are several core differences between misdemeanor and felony offenses. Still, one of the most integral ways these diverge is the length of jail time the court orders upon conviction. While misdemeanor offenses fall into four separate classes under Kansas law, the longest incarceration period that the court may order in the event of a conviction is 12 months in addition to or in place of fines.
Most felony offenses fall into two main brackets, drug-related and non-drug-related charges, which are further broken down into classifications based on the nature and magnitude of the alleged crime involved. The period of incarceration the court may impose in the event of a felony conviction ranges from 12 months to decades or even a lifetime of imprisonment.
Kansas courts meet any criminal accusation or charge with the full force of the law. Thus, attempting to navigate a criminal charge in Hays without a dedicated defense lawyer’s guidance could greatly diminish the accused’s chances of a favorable case outcome, not to mention leave them vulnerable to having their rights violated by the prosecution. A committed attorney could handle all aspects of an accused person’s case, including:
Facing a criminal charge is a terrifying situation that you should not handle alone. A Hays criminal defense lawyer could provide the step-by-step guidance and advocacy you require.
A proactive attorney at Addair Law could uncover any weaknesses or deficiencies in the prosecution’s case against you while identifying the most appropriate and sharpest strategies to build your defense. Call now to learn more about your possible legal options and discuss obtaining representation for your case.
