What is a Criminal Offense? Criminal Law Defined
If you have been charged with a criminal offense, it is important to understand the kind of charge you are being faced with and decide whether you need a criminal lawyer. There are three major categories of charges: felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions.
Criminal Law: Infractions
Infractions are the least serious and are also known as petty crimes. Being charged with one of these is no possibility of jail time, just a fine. If you have ever received a speeding ticket, that was an infraction. In most cases, people simply pay the fine without contacting a lawyer or even going to court.
Misdemeanors are more serious, and being found guilty of a misdemeanor can result in jail time, but not more than twelve months. That is still a long time to be in jail, so you will almost certainly want to contact a San Antonio criminal lawyer to defend you in court if you have been charged with a misdemeanor.
Misdemeanors include crimes like battery, drug possession, or driving under the influence of alcohol. The line between misdemeanors and felonies can be fuzzy. If you cause significant harm to another person, such as by killing someone while driving drunk, a crime that would have otherwise been a misdemeanor can rise to the level of a felony. If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor, you should first reach out to a criminal lawyer in San Antonio.
Felonies are the most serious crimes you can commit. This category includes things like murder, rape, kidnapping, and treason. If you have been charged with a felony, immediately contact a San Antonio criminal lawyer. If you are found guilty, you could receive life in prison or even the death penalty.
Contact Zarka Law Firm for Criminal Defense
Although all criminal offenses are serious, some are more serious than others. If you need representation in San Antonio, give Zarka Law Firm a call.
