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Criminal Felony
A criminal felony is a serious offense that carries severe consequences for individuals. This category of crimes represents the most significant violations of the law, and it encompasses a wide range of offenses, including but not limited to murder, robbery, theft, drug trafficking and other drug related offenses.
Due to their gravity, criminal felonies are distinguished from misdemeanors by the sheer severity of their punishment.
The specific consequences for a criminal felony can vary greatly depending on factors such as the nature of the offense committed and the defendant's criminal history. Typically, penalties for these offenses include substantial fines, probation, possible prison sentences, parole, or a combination thereof.
Traffic Offenses
Traffic violations are infractions of the law that occur on public roads and highways. They encompass a wide range of offenses, from minor infractions such as speeding or running a red light to more serious offenses like driving under the influence or reckless driving. There are moving and non-moving violations.
Traffic violations can have various consequences, depending on the severity of the offense and the jurisdiction's laws. Potential consequences include fines, points, license suspension/revocation, traffic school, insurance premium increases and criminal penalties. The criminal penalties could include probation, community service and even imprisonment.
Criminal Misdemeanor
A criminal misdemeanor is a term frequently encountered in the realm of criminal law. It refers to a lesser offense that does not carry the same severity as a felony charge. While less serious than felonies, criminal misdemeanors should not be taken lightly, as they can still have significant legal implications.
These offenses encompass a broad range of crimes, such as petty theft, simple assault, drug possession (in certain circumstances), public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and trespassing. Common penalties include fines, probation, community service, restitution, mandatory counseling, and, in some cases, a short-term jail sentence of up to one year.
It is essential to recognize that the penalties associated with misdemeanors can have long-lasting effects.
Expungement
Expungement is a legal process that allows eligible individuals to erase or seal their criminal records. Once expunged, these records will no longer be visible to the public or accessible by potential employers, landlords, and others who may conduct background checks. Expungement offers individuals a fresh start, giving them the chance to move forward without the stigma of past mistakes.
While eligibility requirements for expungement vary from state to state. Typically, eligibility is contingent upon factors such as the type of offense committed, the time that has elapsed since the conviction, and whether any subsequent offenses have occurred.
At Wentz Law, we understand that your past should not define your future. If you have a criminal record that is hindering your opportunities and limiting your potential, our expungement legal service is here to help.
DUI Defense
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that carries significant legal consequences. The exact legal consequences of a DUI offense vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case. However, some common penalties associated with a DUI conviction include License Suspension, Fines, Probation, Community Service, Alcohol or Drug Counseling and Jail Time in some circumstances.
Post-Conviction/Probation & Parole Violations
In the realm of criminal law, post-conviction law plays a crucial role in ensuring that justice is served and that individuals have the opportunity to seek redress after a conviction. Individuals may file post-conviction motions as well as file for expungement of prior convictions.
Probation and parole are two distinct but closely related concepts in the criminal justice system. Both involve mechanisms that allow individuals to serve all or part of their sentence outside of prison while under supervision. There are instances when individuals fail to comply with the terms and conditions of their probation or parole, resulting in probation or parole violations. These violations can have significant implications for the individuals involved and lead to potentially severe consequences.
The violator may face a hearing where evidence of their non-compliance will be presented. This may involve testimonies from law enforcement, probation or parole officers, witnesses, or even the verified results of drug tests. Based on the severity and nature of the violation, the judge or parole board will decide whether to revoke probation or parole and send the individual back to jail or prison.