Felony Law Firm in Brandon, Mississippi
If you have been charged with a felony in Brandon, Mississippi, you could be facing significant jail time and other consequences. Felony charges are the most serious criminal charges a person can face and generally result in jail time exceeding one year. Felony charges can involve serious crimes like murder, burglary, rape, or kidnapping. However, there are some crimes where the charges could either be a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the seriousness of the crime. For example some DUIs might be misdemeanors, while others could be felonies. Drug possession charges can be prosecuted as a felony if you had a large quantity of drugs in your possession or if police believe you had intent to distribute. And theft charges can be considered felonies if the amount of money or property you stole exceeded a certain value. If you are facing any kind of felony charge, it is important to have competent legal counsel. With proper assistance, a felony lawyer may be able to have your felony charges dropped or reduced. However, every case is unique. The Law Office of Andrew Sorrentino is a felony law firm in Brandon, Mississippi who may be able to help you.
Drug Possession, DUIs, and Theft: Differentiating Felonies from Misdemeanors
Some criminal charges will always be felonies regardless of the circumstances of the crime. Murder, rape, burglary, kidnapping, and other serious charges that result in physical harm to another person or loss of life will always be felony charges. However, if you are facing a DUI, theft, battery or drug possession charge, you could be facing either felony charges or misdemeanor charges. How does the law differentiate between the two? Here are some things to consider:
- DUI Felony vs. Misdemeanor. First-Offense DUIs generally are considered misdemeanors. But, if you were involved in a crash that resulted in another person’s death or injury, you could face a DUI felony charge.
- Drug Felony vs. Misdemeanor Charges. Whether you’ll face misdemeanor versus felony charges will depend on the type of substance found in your possession, how much of the substance was found in your possession, and whether police believe you had the intent to sell. Drugs are divided into Schedule I, II, III, IV, and V, substances. Depending on the type of drug you are found to have in your possession, the law will determine whether the amount you had was a personal amount meant for use or an amount significant enough to charge you for sale or intent to distribute. Schedule one substances for example include marijuana, LSD, heroin, ecstasy, and other drugs that are believed to pose a high risk for abuse. While marijuana has been legalized in many parts of the country, some individuals may experience confusion if they find themselves facing felony or misdemeanor charges for marijuana possession. The Law Office of Andrew Sorrentino, and its Brandon Mississippi felony lawyers can help you understand the charges you might be facing and help you fight your charges.
- Theft charges can either be considered misdemeanor or felonies depending on the value of the goods you stole. If you stole a high-ticket item from a store, you could potentially face felony charges for shoplifting. If you stole a vehicle, for example, you could also face felony charges. Generally, theft involving a deadly weapon or the threat of physical violence will often be classified as a felony.
When it comes to charges that can either be classified as a felony or misdemeanor, having a felony attorney on your side in Brandon, Mississippi can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. For example, sometimes individuals can take a plea deal, participate in a diversion program, or fight their charges in court. For example, if this is your first DUI and a person was minorly injured in the crash, you may be able to seek a reduced sentence if you agree to attend alcohol and drug treatment programs. Or, if you are facing felony drug possession charges, you may be able to take a plea deal in certain circumstances. If you are facing felony charges, the consequences of a conviction can be immense. Protect your rights and reputation. Contact the Brandon Mississippi felony attorneys at The Law Office of Andrew Sorrentino today.
Facing Felony Charges? Protect Yourself
A felony conviction can carry with it significant jail time (often more than a year in jail or prison), can carry significant fines, and can impact you for life. Having a felony on your record can come with significant collateral consequences. For example, you could face issues getting certain jobs, could have trouble traveling to another country if you have a felony on your record, or could even lose the right to vote, lose certain types of professional licenses, and lose access to certain government programs and benefits.
With so much at stake, it is important to protect your rights. You are innocent until proven guilty and many felony charges can be fought in court. If you are under arrest in Brandon, Mississippi, tell police that you wish to remain silent and then ask to speak to The Law Office of Andrew Sorrentino , a felony law firm in Brandon, Mississippi.