Omaha Felony Lawyer

Felonies are considered more severe crimes than misdemeanors, and they are typically punishable by over a year of imprisonment. But the consequences of a felony conviction extend further than just potential jail time, and they can often derail your professional career Individuals convicted of a felony lose their right to vote, their right to possess a firearm, and may be inhibited in their pursuit of secondary education. On top of that, having a felony on your record can jeopardize your ability to find gainful employment, eligibility for government services, and more.

There is a lot at stake with a felony charge, so it is crucial that you seek an experienced Omaha felony lawyer to help you. At Berry Law, we have been defending clients facing criminal charges since 1965, and we have defended thousands of clients facing felony charges. If you are facing a felony charge, contact our legal team to schedule a confidential consultation.

Fighting Felony Charges in Omaha

The felony attorneys at Berry Law have earned a reputation as aggressive, hard-hitting trial attorneys. We have an impressive track record that includes favorable plea deals, dismissals, acquittals, and not-guilty verdicts in a wide variety of felony cases. Felony charges that we have successfully defended clients from include:

• Arson
• Federal crimes
• DUI manslaughter
• Robbery
• Felony assault (aggravated assault, first-degree assault)
• Sex offenses
• Drug crimes
• White-collar crimes
• Murder/manslaughter/homicide

It is important that you understand your rights at all times. This includes the right to a preliminary hearing and the right to depose witnesses before a trial. How you approach each step of the criminal justice system is critical because it can make a difference between a good case result and a bad one. An experienced attorney can inform you of your options, the pros and cons of each, and provide an effective defense strategy to employ during trial.

Is it Possible to Plead a Felony Charge Down to a Misdemeanor?

State prosecutors have leeway when it comes to the charges they bring. The prosecution has the power to dismiss a case entirely or reduce the severity of a criminal charge from a felony to a misdemeanor in exchange for a guilty plea.

Agreeing to this type of arrangement can help you avoid a felony conviction on your record as well as the collateral consequences that it would bring. However, if the case against you is weak, you may have more success fighting the felony charges with the help of a determined lawyer.

Can I Represent Myself in a Felony Trial?

All criminal defendants have the right to represent themselves, although the court might require a licensed attorney to assist you. Even though it is permitted, representing yourself in a criminal case is rarely advised.

There are several aspects of a criminal trial that can be difficult to understand without specialized knowledge of the law. For example, you may have trouble introducing evidence or making constitutional challenges. To avoid unintentionally harming your case, it is best to work with an attorney who is familiar with felony trials.

Penalties for Felony Convictions in Omaha

The penalties for felony convictions are typically severe, and this is the case in Omaha as well. That is why it is important to contact a felony lawyer in Omaha as soon as you hear about your charges. In Nebraska, felony convictions are broken down into 10 different categories, with the severity of the charge increasing as you move from Class IV felony (least severe) to a Class I felony (most severe). The penalties are as follows:

• Class I Felony – Punishable by death.
• Class IA Felony – Punishable by life in prison.
• Class IB Felony – Punishable by up to life in prison with a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 20 years.
• Class IC Felony – Punishable by up to 50 years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 5 years.
• Class ID Felony – Punishable by up to 50 years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 3 years.
• Class II Felony – Punishable by up to 50 years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 1 year.
• Class III Felony – Punishable by up to four years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $25,000.
• Class IIIA Felony – Punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.
• Class IV Felony – Punishable by up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.

What are the Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction?

A collateral consequence is one that does not come directly from a criminal statute. Unlike jail time or fines, these consequences are not a formal part of a criminal sentence. Nonetheless, they have the potential to impact your life significantly.

After a felony conviction, you can lose constitutional rights, including the right to vote or own firearms. You might also lose a professional license or have trouble finding jobs in the future. A felony conviction can follow you for the rest of your life, so you should seek help from a well-versed defense attorney when faced with criminal charges.

Contact an Omaha Felony Attorney Today

Felonies are serious criminal charges that can have a detrimental impact on nearly every facet of your life if you are convicted. Fighting a felony charge may be the most important battle of your life, and our team of Omaha felony lawyers is committed to protecting your rights in these cases and safeguarding your future. If you have been charged with a felony in Omaha, please contact Berry Law today to schedule a confidential consultation.