A criminal charge is a claim by the government indicating a person has committed a criminal act against society. One can be charged with a misdemeanor, felony, or a summary offense. Various crimes have components that define how they should be charged. When charged, it is essential to get a qualified lawyer to guide you through the services. Below is a highlight of four types of criminal charges you should get a lawyer for.
Personal Charges
Personal charges are crimes resulting in physical and mental harm to another party. Personal crimes are divided into homicides and violent crimes. Homicide crimes examples include voluntary manslaughter and first-degree murder, while violent crimes include domestic abuse, child abuse, assault, battery, kidnapping, and rape.
Statutory Charges
Statutory charges are crimes forbidden by the statute. Society discourages people from engaging in these crimes to make it a better environment, and that’s why the prohibition. Statutory crimes include financial, traffic, drugs, and alcohol-related crimes. Some of the charges include driving under the influence, public intoxication, and minor possession of alcohol. Drug trafficking, manufacturing, and possession fall under this category.
Property Charges
The type of charges found in property crimes includes robbery, shoplifting, auto theft, and burglary. Property crimes are criminal offenses that interfere with the property. Crime falls into two; destroyed and stolen property.
Inchoate Charges
Inchoate crimes are offenses that began but never completed. These crimes commission other crimes, and an individual caught in this offense must complete a substantial step to be found guilty. The crime includes attempts, aids, and conspiracy. In some cases, the crime is punishable in the same way the underlying crime would be punished. In others, it may be less severe.
When you find yourself with a criminal charge, seek a criminal defense lawyer to guide you on what to do on the different types of charges. A lawyer helps you determine whether the charge is a felony or a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor crime is punishable with 12 or fewer months, while a felony crime punishment is one year and above. The lawyers help individuals secure favorable deals and reduce the charges or evade the possible punishment. Find an experienced lawyer to make this process easier.
There are other criminal charges apart from the ones highlighted above. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with them to know what to do whenever caught with a criminal charge.
Author information: Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2.
