Facing an arrest and criminal prosecution can be intimidating. You may be confused about your legal rights and unsure what the prosecution must prove in court.

No matter the exact charges you are facing, it is crucial that you retain legal counsel. A Shelton criminal lawyer could help understand the charges you are facing and the possible consequences of a conviction.

Founding Partner Jim Ruane and his team of attorneys are here to listen to your side of the story, obtain evidence to support your defense, and represent you in court. Do not hesitate to consult a legal professional from Ruane Attorneys about your case.

Dealing With Misdemeanor Cases in Shelton

Most cases that go before criminal courts in the Shelton area are misdemeanors. Under Connecticut General Statute § 53a-36, the potential penalty for a conviction is no more than one year in jail and a fine of at most $2,000.

Still, most people will want to contest these allegations to avoid receiving a criminal record. In other situations, receiving a conviction could impact their employment or ability to receive government benefits.

There are many types of misdemeanor charges one can face. Some of the most common include:

• Assault
• Theft
• Drug possession
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Reckless driving

A local defense attorney could help a defendant fight back against these charges. This may include negotiating a fair plea deal that avoids jail time or preparing to bring a case to trial.

Defending the Rights of People Facing Felony Charges

Felonies are the more serious class of criminal charges. According to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-35a, these are offenses where a court can impose at least one year in prison as a penalty. The most serious cases carry mandatory-minimum prison sentences and could result in a person spending a significant portion of their future in custody.

Because of these severe penalties, felony charges only result from especially egregious allegations. These typically involve offenses of extreme violence or behavior that threatens the security of the community as a whole. Examples of felony cases include:

• Aggravated assault
• Sex offenses
• Drug distribution or manufacturing
• Severe DUIs
• Homicide

It is essential to approach every felony accusation with confidence and a strong defense strategy. A lawyer familiar with criminal cases could explain what the prosecutor must prove to obtain a conviction and find evidence to fight back against the charges at hand.

In felony cases, attorneys often work on challenging the police methods that led to the arrest or the relevance of the charges to the facts of the case. If the case gets to trial, an attorney could prepare a case that raises reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors. In short, retaining a lawyer is a significant benefit in any type of case.

Reach Out to a Shelton Criminal Attorney Today

Every allegation of criminal activity is a serious matter. Even a misdemeanor-level charge can lead to a criminal record or jail time. Felony accusations are even more severe and could result in a mandatory minimum prison term.

It is crucial that you act quickly to protect your future. A Shelton criminal lawyer from Ruane Attorneys could shield you from police questioning while in custody, investigate the alleged incident, explain your legal rights, and represent your best interests in the courtroom.

Whether you are looking to enter into a fair plea deal or want to take the case to trial, our law firm is ready to fight for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more.