You need to have the knowledge to know what your rights are when facing criminal charges or dealing with law enforcement. In today’s society, people are quick to judge others and, in many cases, place a stigma on them for committing minor offenses. The type of offense committed will determine whether or not it is a misdemeanor or felony.
Here is a list of some of the most common types that can be dealt with in different ways.
Petty Theft
Petty theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. One common minor law offense is petty theft. This is defined as taking something worth $950 or less without the owner’s consent. If you are convicted of petty theft, you could face jail time, fines, and restitution.
There are several ways to deal with petty theft charges. You may choose to plead guilty and take punishment, attempt to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor or go to trial. Each option has its risks and benefits. It is essential to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney to learn more about your specific case and how best to proceed.
Simple Assault and Abuse
Another minor offense that can be dealt with is simple assault and abuse. This offense occurs when a person uses force or violence to injure another, either intentionally or through criminal negligence.
This crime doesn’t always result in injury, but it does if the victim suffers temporary disfigurement, such as cuts, bruises, and broken bones. It could also include aggravated battery which means that one willfully causes bodily harm to someone by using a deadly weapon. No injuries were sustained, but severe emotional distress was caused instead.
For example, you can find a nursing home abuse attorney if the staff has abused your parents.
Public Intoxication
Public intoxication refers to the situation where a person is found to be drunk or intoxicated in public. In some states, people are not allowed to drink as it is considered illegal. However, there are those cases when the police have been involved, and they will need the proper evidence before being able to file charges on them
If you have been charged with public intoxication, you should first speak with a criminal lawyer to get more information on the specific charge filed against you and better understand your rights. Some defenses can be raised in these cases, so it is vital to have an experienced lawyer fighting for you.
Conclusion
The list above only includes a few of the most common minor law offenses. Many more can be categorized under misdemeanors and infractions depending on the severity. Still, there is no exact way to determine what will come in place until an actual trial takes place, if it does at all. If you have been accused of any misdemeanor or felony offense, it is best to seek legal help as soon as possible.
The penalties for breaking the law can be severe, and even a seemingly harmless offense could result in jail time, fines, or other consequences. However, with the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, many minor law offenses can be resolved without too much trouble or long-term damage.