If police have charged you with a crime, you need to be proactive to give yourself the best chances of a positive resolution to your case. Police officers will use a variety of tactics to obtain a confession or other evidence that harms your case. Appearing in court can be intimidating, and it can be easy to make mistakes without legal representation.

If you face charges of any kind, talk to an East Windsor criminal lawyer. At Ruane Attorneys, our dedicated legal team could work toward a fair plea deal that avoids jail time or argue for a full acquittal at trial. We are prepared to listen to your needs and formulate a defense that best fits the unique facts of your case.

Two Categories of Criminal Offenses

Every arrest that involves a criminal allegation is a serious matter. However, it is important to recognize that not every criminal case is the same. Each will fall into one of two categories, which determines the potential penalties that could result from a conviction.

Misdemeanor Offenses

Most criminal accusations are misdemeanors. This means that a guilty result can bring a jail sentence of up to one year, required fines, or both. Examples of misdemeanors include:

• First-offense DUI
• Drug possession cases
• Simple thefts
• Assaults without aggravating factors

Misdemeanor convictions will still result in the creation of a criminal record. This could limit a person’s employment and housing opportunities, so it is critical to fight criminal charges with help from an East Windsor lawyer.

Felony Cases

Felonies describe offenses where a conviction can result in a prison sentence of more than one year. These cases typically involve allegations that a person has committed an act of extreme violence or severe threat to public safety. Examples include drug distribution charges, assaults involving serious bodily harm, or most sex crimes.

It is important to realize that some felony convictions come with mandatory-minimum prison sentences. For instance, Connecticut General Statute § 53-202k says that the commission of any class A, B, or C felony while holding a firearm mandates a five-year prison term in addition to any punishment that the court imposes for the core offense. Those facing felony charges should reach out to an East Windsor criminal attorney to discuss their case and how to best defend against the allegations.

Legal Options for Defendants in East Windsor

Every criminal case is unique, and so are the people facing these allegations. Keeping this in mind, an attorney works to analyze the specific evidence in a case as well as assess the diverse needs and goals of clients.

Plea Deals and Reduced Charges

For many people, a beneficial legal option may be to seek out a plea deal and avoid jail time, or work toward a reduction in the severity of charges. For example, a person facing allegations of drug distribution may agree to a plea to reduce the charges to simple possession. This could help an individual avoid jail time.

Trial in Criminal Court

Others will want to have a full trial to contest their case. In these situations, a dedicated local attorney could make arguments in front of a jury and present pretrial motions that aim to dismiss key portions of the State’s evidence and weaken a prosecutor’s case. A well-practiced criminal lawyer could meet with an accused individual to discuss an effective strategy in their case.

Contact an East Windsor Criminal Attorney Immediately

Every accusation of wrongdoing is a serious matter that requires your full attention. From your first court appearance to the date of a final trial, it is important that you work with legal counsel to protect yourself and your rights.

At Ruane Attorneys, an East Windsor criminal lawyer is prepared to fight on your behalf. Our legal team can work to understand your point of view, evaluate the strengths of the prosecutor’s case, and develop a defense strategy that fits the situation. Reach out to us today for a consultation on your circumstances.