What is Criminal Law?
Violent crimes increased by over 30% in 2020 when compared to 2019. This increase is the most significant jump in recorded history. While most criminals are arrested and justly charged for their crimes, some suffer wrongful arrest. Every year, law enforcement wrongfully arrests men and women for crimes they did not commit.
When issues like this occur, you must have a team of lawyers on your side who can defend you and secure your innocence. It would help if you had experts in criminal law, like Hickey & Hull Law Partners.
What Is the Definition of Criminal Law?
Criminal law is the trial of an individual whom the government takes to court. During a criminal trial, the defendant is innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, it is the defense’s job to maintain their client’s innocence and sustain the truth that the defendant is not a criminal. A criminal is someone who did something that directly violates a law condemning such an action.
Types of Crimes
In the world of criminal law, there are four main types of crime: felony, misdemeanor, target crime or inchoate offense, and strict liability.
- Felonies are crimes punishable by law, with punishments ranging from a minimum of one year of imprisonment to life imprisonment.
- Misdemeanors are crimes punishable by law, but punishment does not exceed 12-months imprisonment.
- Target Crimes are those where the individual intended on committing a criminal act but was stopped.
- Strict liability means that regardless of an individual’s mental state or situation, they are responsible for their actions.
Once you know your charge, you can determine the best lawyer to hire. Make sure you understand how your lawyer will help you throughout the process.
What Does Your Lawyer Do to Help You?
When you hire a lawyer for your criminal case, you must talk with the team and provide as much information as possible. From the very beginning, your team of lawyers will work with you through the judicial process.
Your lawyers will help with proof. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution as they are trying to find the defendant guilty. However, the defense should still work to find evidence of innocence and instill reasonable doubt.
Next is the pretrial. The pretrial is where the judge first hears the case and initial pieces of evidence. During the pretrial, you and your lawyer will make your plea.
If a trial is inevitable, you and your lawyer will prepare to go to court. Going to trial does not mean you are guilty, but there is work ahead to ensure your innocence.
Conclusion
Criminal law can have severe consequences if not correctly handled with the right team. Whether charged with a felony, misdemeanor, target crime, or strict liability, you need a team of lawyers on your side who can help you win your case and keep your freedom.
Hickey & Hull Law Partners want to help you maintain your independence. If you need help, contact us today for a free consultation.