All arrests and criminal charges are serious matters. Whether you are accused of a misdemeanor or felony, you face a potential jail sentence and heavy fines. Additionally, a conviction will lead to a criminal record that can continue to impact you for years. It is crucial to give yourself the best chance of avoiding these outcomes.

Hire a Hartford criminal defense lawyer to help protect your rights and future. At Ruane Attorneys, our team works to ensure that you understand the law and what a prosecutor must prove to obtain a conviction in court. We could also help to obtain new evidence, fight back against these accusations, and work to protect your rights under the Constitution. Reach out to our firm today for the support you need.

Levels of Criminal Charges in Hartford

Criminal charges fall into one of three categories.

Violations and Infractions

The least severe are violations and infractions. Many examples involve motor vehicles, such as speeding under Connecticut General Statute § 14-219. Cases that are mere violations cannot result in a court issuing a sentence involving jail time. However, especially in traffic cases, a guilty finding will put points on a driver’s license and may result in a mandatory suspension.

Misdemeanors

Mid-level cases are misdemeanors. Examples of common misdemeanor cases in Hartford include assaults, DUI, and drug possession charges. A misdemeanor conviction can result in a jail sentence of up to one year and other potential consequences upon conviction.

Felonies

The harshest examples of criminal accusations are those that fall under the umbrella of felonies. Here, a conviction can result in at least one year in prison, with the most extreme examples bringing a life sentence. Sexual assaults, acts of violence that result in death, and drug distribution charges are typical examples of felonies. A local criminal defense attorney could further explain the potential penalties for a specific charge and work to build effective defenses against these allegations.

The Role of a Criminal Attorney

Most people believe that the role of a Hartford criminal defense lawyer is to argue cases at a trial. While this is certainly one aspect of an attorney’s job, legal counsel could provide essential help at other stages of the proceedings.

After an Arrest

If a person contacts an attorney immediately after an arrest, they could help control police questioning while the individual is still in custody. This could lower the chances of an interrogation session bringing damaging evidence to light.

During Arraignment

A Hartford defense lawyer could also help argue for fair bail terms during an arraignment. This could allow a person to await the end of their case from the comfort of their home. Other pretrial court sessions are opportunities to challenge evidence’s admissibility or work towards a fair plea deal.

Going to Trial

Of course, a criminal attorney also provides essential assistance if a case goes to trial in Hartford. They can present evidence on behalf of defendants and cross-examine the State’s witnesses to call their truthfulness into question. A Hartford criminal defense attorney provides help every step of the way to protect a defendant’s rights.

Contact a Hartford Criminal Defense Attorney Now

All allegations of criminal activity demand your full attention. Even cases that are mere violations under state law can force you to pay heavy fines or lose your driver’s license. Other misdemeanors and felonies can create a criminal record or force you to spend time in jail or prison. It is essential that you give yourself every possible advantage.

A Hartford criminal defense lawyer could provide the help you need to secure a favorable outcome in your case. At Ruane Attorneys, we are ready to protect your rights while in police custody, represent your interests during all pretrial court hearings, and levy an effective defense at trial. Call our firm today to learn more.