No matter what circumstances lead to your arrest or what specific charge you face, being accused of a felony is a life-altering experience. Even first-time offenders may be sentenced to several years of imprisonment after a conviction. You may also face numerous other sanctions, including steep fines, lengthy probation terms, and the permanent loss of certain civil rights.

When dealing with allegations this severe, retaining a defense attorney to build and execute a tailored strategy can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Contacting a Norwich felony lawyer should be a top priority when you are charged, arrested, or investigated for these offenses. Ruane Attorneys is prepared to provide the legal counsel you need to understand and protect your rights.

Classifications and Penalty Ranges for Felony Charges

Connecticut General Statutes §53a-25 defines a felony as any criminal offense punishable by a prison term longer than one year. The Connecticut Penal Code divides felony offenses into five classes, each with a different range of penalties. C.G.S. §53a-35a and 53a-41 define maximum prison terms and fines that may be assessed to someone convicted of a felony. The penalty ranges for each class of felony in Connecticut are as follows:

• Class E felony – maximum three years of imprisonment and maximum $3,500 fine
• Class D felony – maximum five years of imprisonment and maximum $5,000 fine
• Class C felony – minimum one year up to a maximum of ten years of imprisonment and maximum $10,000 fine
• Class B felony, except for first-degree manslaughter with a firearm – minimum one year up to a maximum 20 years of imprisonment and maximum $15,000 fine
• Class A felony, except for murder and aggravated sexual assault of a minor – minimum ten years up to a maximum 25 years of imprisonment and maximum $20,000 fine

The sentencing range for class B felony first-degree manslaughter with a firearm is five to 40 years, and for aggravated sexual assault of a child is 25 to 50 years. Murder is a unique class A felony in Connecticut in that it is the only offense punishable by a minimum 25-year prison term up to a maximum life sentence. “Unclassified” felony offenses may have unique sentencing ranges defined by individual state statutes, as a Norwich attorney could further explain.

What Happens After a Felony Conviction in Norwich?

In addition to the penalties listed above, convicted felons in Connecticut are also generally prohibited from possessing or purchasing firearms and may lose their right to vote (unless they are eligible to apply for rights restoration). Additionally, individuals convicted of certain sex crimes categorized as felonies must register as sex offenders for ten years after getting out of prison or for life.

“Persistent” felony offenders convicted multiple times of certain types of offenses may face enhanced penalties upon subsequent convictions. Guidance from a felony lawyer in Norwich is vital to preventing these severe repercussions and securing a favorable case result.

Call a Norwich Felony Attorney for Legal Representation

Any felony charge can change your life in an instant. Even if you are acquitted or the charges against you are dropped, the allegation alone may significantly impact your personal and professional prospects. A conviction will have resounding consequences that may last for decades to come.

Fighting this type of charge is not something you should try to do alone. A Norwich felony lawyer at Ruane Attorneys can evaluate your situation and help build a tailored defense to the charges. Call our firm today to get started.