Felonies are the most serious criminal charges you can face. A felony charge can potentially lead to years or decades in prison. You may face an extended probation period even after serving your time. Additionally, having these charges on your criminal record can impact your future housing, employment, and education opportunities.

Contacting a Shelton felony lawyer is the first step in pursuing a positive outcome in your case. The legal team at Ruane Attorneys will explore all possible avenues for resolving the charge and devise a defense strategy to protect your rights and freedom.

Types of Felony Crimes

Most crimes against children and violent crimes are felonies. Property crimes, like theft, are sometimes felonies depending on the property’s value. A person with a criminal history might face a felony charge even if the crime is typically prosecuted as a misdemeanor. Felonies always carry a potential prison term of at least one year, so it is critical to contact a Shelton lawyer as soon as possible to defend the case.

Many felony crimes have mandatory minimum prison sentences that a judge cannot suspend or reduce. For example, a conviction for possessing between 20 and 50 images of child pornography requires an offender to serve at least two years in prison. The Connecticut Penal Code at Connecticut General Statutes §53a-35a and §53a-41 divides felonies into several categories.

Class D

Class D felonies include third-degree burglary and second-degree assault with a motor vehicle. Sentences for Class D felonies range from one to five years in state prison, as well as a $5000 fine.

Class C

Promoting prostitution and criminal possession of a weapon are Class C felonies. The potential sentence upon conviction is one to ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Class B

Examples of Class B felonies include first-degree manslaughter, human trafficking, second-degree arson, and first-degree identity theft. A convicted offender could receive a sentence of between one and 40 years in prison and face a $15,000 fine.

Class A

Felony murder and sexual assault of a child under 16 are Class A felonies. They usually carry mandatory minimum prison sentences, and could lead to life in prison. Fines for Class A felonies could be up to $20,000.

Capital Felonies

These are the most serious crimes under state law. Connecticut no longer has the death penalty, but a person convicted of a capital crime like murder with special circumstances—murder while committing a kidnapping or rape—could receive a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Working with a Felony Attorney

Our felony attorneys in Shelton could begin representing a defendant from the time of their arrest. We could be present during the police interrogation to preserve the accused’s rights and ensure the officers do not overstep their bounds. Our lawyers could investigate the circumstances leading up to the arrest to determine whether law enforcement violated the defendant’s rights or used improper police procedures when collecting evidence.

Ruane Attorneys can also represent an accused at the arraignment and attempt to eliminate or minimize bail. A felony lawyer at our Shelton office could develop a tailored defense strategy based on the prosecutor’s evidence. We can bring motions seeking dismissal of charges for lack of evidence or suppression of evidence the police wrongfully obtained. Our legal team would pursue all means of resolving the charges, including pretrial diversion programs and favorable plea agreements.

Trust Your Felony Defense to a Shelton Attorney

Felony charges could put you in prison for years or even decades if you are convicted. Securing legal counsel is essential to avoid these life-changing penalties and preserve your future.

A Shelton felony lawyer can work to protect your best interests throughout the legal process. Call Ruane Attorneys as soon as you are arrested to discuss your situation and get the representation you need.