If you are charged with a crime, your whole life will turn upside down in a the blink of an eye. While you can overcome the devastating effects and stigma of criminal charges, you need an experienced criminal lawyer to walk you through the legal maze in your jurisdiction. Some people think they can avoid the expense of a criminal attorney and represent themselves legally before the judge. However, attempting to navigate the criminal justice system without competent legal representation is akin to trying to perform surgery on yourself! While you might hesitate to spend the money to hire an attorney, many valid reasons outweigh the expense of hiring a criminal lawyer.

Civil law addresses legal matters between individuals or businesses. Criminal law addresses a wide variety of crimes, which can range from traffic offenses all the way up to serial murders. Most jurisdictions classify crimes in two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. The courts generally punish misdemeanors, lesser offenses, with a maximum of one year in custody, usually jail. Felonies can receive much harsher penalties, including prison time, or time in custody longer than one year. Misdemeanors include crimes like speeding, possession of marijuana and shoplifting. Felonies include crimes like drinking and driving, sexual assault, auto theft and homicide. The courts can charge some crimes, such as drinking and driving, drug crimes or shoplifting, as either felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the severity of the crime and on if the defendant has committed prior similar crimes. A criminal lawyer will petition the court for the least serious charges possible.

Even if your criminal charges are eventually dismissed, the long-term repercussions of these charges can mark your life permanently. These charges can impact your ability to find gainful employment if employers research your criminal history. They can affect your credit report, including how much you pay for insurance and if you qualify for housing.

Law enforcement personnel can immediately arrest you when you commit an offense, depending on the severity of the crime. You can be held in custody for months or even years while you are awaiting trial. Your lawyer will ensure that you are released as soon as possible. The courts will determine the amount of bail based on a number of factors, such as your stability in the community, your work history, your previous criminal history, the type of crime you committed and the input of victims. The county or district attorney wants bail set at the maximum amount. Your lawyer will ask for the lowest possible bail and give the court a list of reasons why you deserve immediate release from custody.

A long and complicated procedure through the criminal legal process can confuse even highly educated people. A professional attorney knows how to navigate plea agreements, different hearings, bonds and fees, testimony preparation, expert investigators, handling victims and assessing your case. Your criminal attorney will seek to have any unjust or unproven charges dismissed.

A competent criminal attorney can save you thousands of dollars in lost wages and prevent untold emotional pain. The benefits of hiring one far outweigh the initial money you spend.

Are you seeking the service of a criminal lawyer Toronto? Lorne Gross, a criminal lawyer in Toronto provides reliable advice in areas such as assault, property theft, regulation offences and more! Visit our website for a free consultation.

Are you seeking the service of a Criminal Lawyer Toronto? Lorne Gross, a Criminal Lawyer in Toronto provides reliable advice in areas such as assault, property theft, regulation offences and more! Visit our website for a free consultation. http://www.criminallawtoronto.net/

Author Bio: Are you seeking the service of a criminal lawyer Toronto? Lorne Gross, a criminal lawyer in Toronto provides reliable advice in areas such as assault, property theft, regulation offences and more! Visit our website for a free consultation.

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