Criminal Defense Lawyer in Long Island
If you have been arrested and charged, or are being investigated for a criminal offense, the worry and uncertainty can be overwhelming for both you and your family. Whether you are facing charges for a felony or misdemeanor, you will be facing an aggressive prosecution. It is absolutely critical that you contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as you possibly can to aggressively protect your rights. The police and prosecution have access to extensive resources and will do everything they can to strengthen their case against you. The following are some of the areas our Long Island criminal attorney can help:
DWI
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is an illegal offense in any state, though the repercussions can vary. Being found with a blood alcohol level (BAC) above the legal limit of .08% can lead to an arrest, as well as displaying any signs of an inability to operate a vehicle. This can result in fines, jail time, probation and more and will be dependent on the extent of the crime, as well as if you have a past record of other DWI offenses.
Drug Crimes
The illegal possession, distribution, trafficking or possession of sale of a drug can lead to high charges that may end in a prison sentence, extremely expensive fines, probation and other legal penalties. Charges are dependent on the amount of the drug found, the location, such as close to a school, the type of drug and the illegal activity that occurred. Even being found with drug paraphernalia can lead to charges.
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes cover a number of more specific crimes that can vary in their degree of seriousness. One of the most serious forms is rape and this involves actual penetration of the victim. Other actions that are sexual in nature but may not necessarily go to this extent can lead to serious consequences as well.
Theft Crimes
Taking or preventing someone from possessing their personal property is known as theft. It can include taking a woman's purse, committing fraud, shoplifting or other forms that deprive the owner. The monetary value of the item stolen and the criminal record of a suspect will be two of the main factors that are considered during a conviction.
Appeals
After a verdict is given in a criminal case, there is still the chance to appeal the decisions. A petition can be made to the appellate court and they will review the details of the trial that took place to determine if they believe charges need to be reduced or dropped.
Assault
This crime involves the threatening or causing a victim to fear that they are in harm of physical danger. It must include legitimate reasoning, such as an individual that is physically capable of committing the harm and appears in an aggressive nature. Charges will be further increased when a gun is combined in the attack.
Battery
While this term is often used interchangeably or alongside assault, it actually has an important difference. Battery, like assault cases the victim to fear for their physical safety, but the crime must actually involve some form of physical contact, even if it does not cause an injury.
Domestic Violence
Violence in the home amongst those in an intimate relationship including those related, married or dating, is known as domestic violence. This is not a random act but is done to someone that the accused knows. It can be through physical, sexual or emotional abuse and in some cases may only involve threatening.
Felony Crimes
Felony charges are far more serious and these crimes will be penalized at a higher level. Those found guilty can face repercussions for the remainder of their life, whether it involves a long term prison sentence, probation, expensive court fines and even deal with the effects of a criminal record that can be open to the public.
Harassment
Harassment of any kind may lead to a conviction under the law, whether it includes sexual harassment, stalking or repetitively hounding an individual that has expressed their desire for the behavior to discontinue. When more aggressive action is taken, it may be charged as aggravated harassment.
Internet Crimes
There is a wide resource of possibilities on the internet; including greater potential for crimes. Looking to stop perpetrators, law enforcement has become greatly involved in handling affairs online. Many suspects can be tracked and even enticed into committing or admitting to a crime, and since much of the activity online is recorded, there may be strong evident that poorly portrays a defendant.
Juvenile Crimes
A crime committed by an individual under the age of 18 can be handled in one of two ways. They may be tried as an adult in certain circumstances or their case will be handled by the juvenile court system. This may mean that the penalties will not be as harsh as what an adult would face, but is does not meant that they will not be detrimental to the life and future of a young individual.
Manslaughter
Manlsaughter is the crimes of causing the death of another person without the intention or forethought that occurs in a murder case. It is charged as a felony and can vary in the degrees of the felony depending on specific factors involved in the case.
Misdemeanor Crimes
A misdemeanor is another way that a crime can be charged, and though it is below the level of a felony, it can still carry with it many harmful effects. Those tried and convicted for a misdemeanor may deal with penalties of probation, fines and up to a year in jail, as well as other outcomes that a judge may determine.
Murder
This crime is considered to be one of the most serious ones that a person can face and it carries with it some of the highest penalties available for the court to order. Murder is the killing of another victim, but in addition to that it involves some form of forethought and intention. If it is the result of a genuine mistake then murder will not fit the crime. Prosecution will need to be able to prove that the party in question did in fact plan the action.
Parole Violation
Parole may be given once a person is released from jail. It places restrictions on the individual that can inhibit them in a number of ways. This can involve limits on where they can travel, a requirement to meet with an officer, counseling and further limitations. Violating the specific terms set by the court can lead to higher penalties, only prolonging the sentencing of the individual.
Probation Violation
Probation is a great option for many individuals that are convicted of a crime. It can be an alternative to other penalties, allowing a convicted person to possible going to jail in exchange for adhering to various guidelines. If these standards are not met than consequences will ensue and may cause the individual to have to endure the penalties they had previously avoided.
Suspended License
License suspension is a common penalty for a number of crimes, including DWI, drug crimes and more. Without your license you can be greatly hindered, losing your ability to driver even for a number of years.
Traffic Tickets
There are many restrictions that drivers must be aware of and follow when operating a motor vehicle. It can be easy to violate a traffic law without being aware of it or to be wrongfully accused of violating one. A traffic ticket may be issued for an offense that can result in a number of consequences, costing both time and money.
White Collar Crimes
These crimes are not often the typical crimes that many people may think of. They may be done in a more professional setting by an individual at the corporate level. Fraud, money laundering, forgery and embezzlement are all common examples of a white collar crime. They may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.