Criminal law is a
category of law that broadly refers to state and federal laws that make certain
crimes punishable by imprisonment and fines. Criminal cases deal with violation
of criminal statutes as provided for in the law in Oakland County. Each state
has a penal code that outlines crimes, charges against those crimes and
penalties. Criminal cases are essentially felonies and face at least a jail
time of more than one year. Oakland County criminal defense attorney represent persons charged with crimes in court.
Common Criminal Charges in Oakland County and Their
Penalties
Criminal charges are
either treated as felonies or capital crimes. Capital crimes are punishable by
death while felonies by more than a year of imprisonment. Besides imprisonment,
convicts can face more penalties. These include: restitution and fines.
Notably, criminal
charges in Oakland County are not eligible for parole, probation or community
service. Convicts have to face jail time
and other penalties.
Criminal charges are
filed by the government against the perpetrator. The prosecution has to prove
beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty and consequently convict
the defendant. Once convicted, the defendant is subject to either custodial or
non custodial punishment or both. Criminal charges are tried by superior court
in a jury trial.
Criminal law stipulates
timelines for charging a criminal suspect. It also abolished the death penalty
as a punishment to any criminal charges in Oakland. A defendant may appeal a
court verdict resulting to retrial of the case.
Penalties for criminal
charges are served on the basis of the degree of crime as follows;
·
First degree
crimes: The accused are served the direst penalties. Imprisonment for at least 10
years and up to a lifetime imprisonment. Hefty fines up to $200,000.
·
Second degree
crimes: 5 – 10 years of jail time and
fines up to $150,000
·
Third degree
crimes: 3-5 years of imprisonment and fines up to $15,000
·
Fourth degree
crimes: Up to 18 months of imprisonment and fines up to $10,000
Penalties are more
severe for offenders with past criminal records.
Oakland County Criminal Defense Attorney
Once charged with a
criminal offense, the accused is faced with a challenging responsibility to
prove their innocence. Criminal attorneys provide legal advice to the accused.
They also prepare a defense case for the accused, collecting evidence and
presenting witnesses and arguing against the prosecutor to prove the innocence
of the defendant. They represent defendants in the court trial and appeal for a
retrial if the court sentence is unsatisfactory.
An Oakland County
criminal defense attorney fully understands both the state and federal laws.
They have the best chance of creating a solid defense plan for the accused that
can lead to dismissal of charges or lead to less serious trials. A criminal
defense attorney works hard to protect the rights of the accused.
The best defense
attorneys are experienced in practicing criminal law. They are comfortable in
the courtroom and articulate their arguments on the court floor effectively. An
excellent defense attorney can mean the difference between hefty fines and
penalties or none at all for individuals faced with criminal charges.
Criminal convictions have long-term ramifications
on the reputation of a convict. The criminal records show up on background
checks, making it difficult for them to find jobs even after serving jail time.
People faced with criminal charges hire criminal defense attorneys to represent
them in court and offer solid legal advice.
Theft is considered a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of the stolen goods or property. Theft of goods whose value is below $200 is considered petty theft, a misdemeanor punishable by not more than $500 fines or repaying the value of the stolen goods three fold or imprisonment for up to 93 days.
Oakland allows medical consumption of marijuana. It is considered an offense to drive under the influence of marijuana whether for medical purposes or otherwise. Non medical possession or use of marijuana attracts up to $2000 fines or up to one year jail term. Possession of marijuana paraphernalia can lead up to 90 days imprisonment. 