When it comes to criminal charges, felonies have the potential for the highest penalties under state law. The range of potential penalties is broad, with sentences varying between probation and life behind bars.
If you are facing felony charges in Junction City, you could benefit from a discussion with a dedicated defense attorney. Your legal counsel could help you weigh the evidence against you and evaluate your options moving forward. A Junction City felony lawyer could assist you with selecting the right defense strategy to fit your case.
The two types of criminal charges established by Kansas state law are felonies and misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are reserved for lesser offenses, including first-time DWI offenders or minor property damage.
The penalties associated with misdemeanors are significant, but they often pale in comparison to those that come with a felony conviction. Felony charges carry the possibility of more than a year in prison. They represent the most serious offenses under state law, including kidnapping and murder.
It is important to note that most offenses have a sentencing range that can vary substantially. Just because a criminal offense carries a maximum prison term of over one year does not mean the judge will sentence a person to the maximum. With the help of a Junction City felony attorney, it could be possible to get a sentence reduced or even avoid a criminal conviction entirely.
There are numerous potential penalties that can occur as the result of a felony conviction. Some of these penalties are spelled out in state statutes, while others occur due to the nature of federal law. There are also collateral consequences that come with a felony conviction that are unrelated to the law. A felony lawyer in Junction City could help the accused avoid these penalties or reduce the consequences of a conviction.
The statutory penalties are the penalties written directly into state law. When a person is convicted of a specific felony offense, the statute for that crime will spell out the possible repercussions.
The major risk of a conviction in a felony case is the possibility of prison time. In addition to incarceration, monetary fines are another primary example of statutory penalties.
Collateral consequences include all of the ramifications that a felony can bring outside of statutory penalties. Although the consequences are not found in a criminal statute, the impact they can have on a person’s life is significant.
Certain collateral consequences can apply for any type of criminal conviction. For instance, many people convicted of a crime find it difficult to find employment or housing due to their criminal record.
There are also collateral consequences that are unique to felony convictions. Anyone convicted of a felony is prohibited from owning firearms or voting in federal elections. The best way to avoid these repercussions is to avoid a felony conviction altogether.
You should never assume that an arrest for a felony offense will guarantee your conviction. Many felony cases are defensible, so it is important to speak to an experienced attorney right away.
A Junction City felony lawyer could review the state’s case against you and help you develop a defense strategy. Call today to get started.
