Suppose you are a defendant in a criminal offense; it’s essential to understand your charge. The top criminal defense firms in Tampa will tell you that criminal charges can vary significantly in severity and the associated penalties. For this reason, seeking proper legal representation from an experienced defense attorney familiar with the different types of criminal charges is essential. Below, we’ll discuss eight common types of criminal charges that a defense attorney handles and how they differ.
Assault & Battery Charges
Assault and battery are two separate but related crimes. Assault occurs when someone threatens or attempts to cause harm to another person. Battery occurs when someone physically touches someone else without their consent in a way that causes injury or pain. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the assault and battery, these charges can range anywhere from misdemeanors to felonies.
Drug Possession Charges
Drug possession charges typically involve possession of illegal drugs or controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, etc. Drug possession can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the number of drugs in your control and other factors, such as your prior criminal record.
Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic violence is defined as any physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or threats between family members or people who have had an intimate relationship with each other. Domestic violence can include spousal abuse, child abuse, or elder abuse, among other forms of violence within a domestic setting. Domestic violence charges can be either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the offense and other factors, such as prior convictions for similar crimes.
Manslaughter Charges
Manslaughter is unlawful killing without malice aforethought, meaning there was no intent to kill another person. Still, recklessness or negligence resulted in death due to gross negligence or extreme recklessness (voluntary manslaughter) or unintentional death due to criminal negligence (involuntary manslaughter). Manslaughter may also be charged if an intentional act resulted in death but not premeditated (second-degree murder). Depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident, manslaughter can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on state laws and local statutes.
Robbery & Burglary Charges
Robbery involves taking something belonging to another person by force. In contrast, burglary consists of breaking into another person’s home without permission with the intent to commit theft or another crime inside their home. Depending on state laws and local statutes, these crimes may be considered misdemeanors (petty theft) or felonies (grand larceny).
Driving Under The Influence (DUI) Charges
A DUI charge involves operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Alcohol and drugs impair your ability to drive safely, which could lead to property damage, injury, harm, and even death. Depending on state laws and local statutes, these crimes may be considered misdemeanors (first-time DUI) or felonies (third-time DUI).
White Collar Crime Charges
White-collar crimes are financially-motivated offenses such as fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and insider trading. These crimes often involve intricate deception schemes, which can be challenging to prove in court. Depending on the severity of the offense and other factors, such as prior convictions for similar offenses, white-collar crimes can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies.
Weapons Charges
Weapons charges involve the possession, use, or sale of firearms or other weapons in a manner that is illegal. Depending on the severity of the offense and other factors, such as prior convictions for similar crimes, weapons charges can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies.
Final Thoughts
No matter what type of criminal charge you are facing, it is essential that you understand what type of charge you are up against. Doing so will help you adequately prepare yourself for trial with proper legal representation. Additionally, working with top criminal defense firms in Tampa who understand all eight types of criminal charges discussed above in-depth –assault & battery charges; drug possession; domestic violence; manslaughter; robbery & burglary; DUI–and more can best represent your interests during a court hearing. Should it become necessary down the line after all options have been exhausted through proper legal channels beforehand, yielding successful results, if possible outside court proceedings altogether whenever feasible!
