If you have been charged with a serious crime, you need the services of a competent, experienced criminal attorney to represent you. A serious crime can range from a misdemeanor to a felony and many degrees within. Many times a less serious felony charge can be reduced to a misdemeanor through community service or successful completion of court ordered treatment.

A criminal attorney can tell you that the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is quite large. A felony follows you throughout your life from housing to employment. A misdemeanor can be serious but you will not be required to list it on employment or housing applications making life a lot easier. In the United States you are innocent until proven guilty though it may not feel like it. Upon arrest the police officer will collect information and decide which charges to recommend. They do not have the final say on whether those charges hold up. The report and evidence collected is forwarded to the prosecutors office which holds government attorneys that will review the case and decide which charges can be proven according to the evidence. Once they have formally charged you, they are generally saying that they believe they have the proof to try you in court and convict you. They will decide if the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. If they believe that it is a felony charge they will take the proof to a grand jury and seek an indictment. Even preliminary charges can be altered due to a time crunch. Prosecutors are required by law to charge you within 72 hours of your arrest so the initial charges are not always the final say. In some cases the prosecutor may offer a plea deal for reduced charges or treatment options. In domestic violence cases the prosecutor may reduce the charges and/or prison time if the defendant takes an anger management class. Depending on the hot button issues of the day these politically motivated prosecutors may not be willing to negotiate at all. Upon your consultation with a criminal attorney you should have a better idea of what your situation means for you. Experienced criminal lawyers will be able to tell you if there is a good chance for a plea deal or how a particular prosecutor works. Having this experience on your side is priceless at this scary time. If you have passed the means test and you are within the low income requirements you will be assigned a public defender.

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