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With offices in Seward, Lincoln, and Omaha, Berry Law is well-equipped to defend individuals accused of crimes in the Grand Island area.
A criminal conviction can have many negative consequences on your life, even if the offense is only a misdemeanor. If you are facing criminal charges, it is crucial that you consult an experienced Grand Island criminal lawyer immediately. An experienced GI criminal attorney can develop a strong defense on your behalf and fight your charges.
Defending clients since 1965, our award-winning defense lawyers at Berry Law have experience fighting for the well-being of our clients. Our team has been honored as the 2019 criminal defense law firm of the year in Nebraska by Global Law Experts. Our dedicated lawyers understand the importance of protecting our clients’ rights when they are facing criminal charges, and we will fight to pursue the best possible outcome for you in your case.
Criminal Charges in Nebraska
In Nebraska, criminal charges can vary based on the circumstances of the alleged crime. Criminal charges are broken into two distinct categories:
- Misdemeanor Crimes
- Felony Crimes
Typically considered less severe offenses, misdemeanors can still lead to possible jail time and hefty fines if you are convicted. Felonies, on the other hand, are always punishable by potential jail time and are typically accompanied by significant fines. Felonies and misdemeanors are also broken down further based on the severity of the alleged crime. A criminal lawyer in Grand Island can explain the extent of your charges.
Possible Penalties for a Felony Conviction
Felony convictions often lead to severe penalties. A dedicated Grand Island criminal lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected in these cases. In Grand Island, as they are throughout the rest of Nebraska, felonies are broken into ten different classes ranging from a Class I felony to Class IV felony. Class I felonies are the most severe, with punishment including the death penalty. Class IV felonies are the least severe of the felony offenses, but a conviction of a Class IV felony is still punishable by up to two years imprisonment and or a fine of up to $10,000. The penalties for other felony convictions can be found in Nebraska Revised Statute 28-105. If you are facing a felony charge in Grand Island, it is important that you consult a dedicated GI criminal lawyer as soon as possible so they can begin building a defense on your behalf.
Possible Penalties for a Misdemeanor Conviction
As previously mentioned, misdemeanors are often less severe crimes than felonies. However, a conviction can still be detrimental to your livelihood, removing some of your basic rights and negatively impacting your career goals. Some unknown consequences of a misdemeanor conviction include:
- Loss of professional license
- Loss of your second amendment right
- Deportation
- Reduced earning potential
- Restriction/loss of driver’s license
Unlike felony crimes, misdemeanor offenses are broken down into only seven different classes ranging from a Class I misdemeanor to a Class V misdemeanor, with a Class I misdemeanor being the most severe misdemeanor offense. A class I misdemeanor is punishable by up to one-year imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000, while a Class V misdemeanor is punishable only by a small fine. If you are facing a misdemeanor charge for driving under the influence of alcohol, you will be facing a Class W misdemeanor. Class W misdemeanors are punishable by up to 60 days imprisonment and a fine of $500 for the first offense. The penalties for other misdemeanor crimes can be found in Nebraska Revised Statute 28-106. While these offenses may look insignificant on the surface, a misdemeanor conviction can have lasting effects on your life. A Grand Island criminal attorney can help ensure that your rights and future are protected when fighting your misdemeanor charge.
How a Grand Island Criminal Attorney Can Help
Although you are facing criminal charges, you are still entitled to rights. Our team is committed to protecting your rights in a criminal proceeding, and we look at all the details in your case so we can safeguard your future. We look at how law enforcement gained the evidence, and whether they did it in a lawful manner. If law enforcement went outside of the law to obtain incriminating evidence, we can fight to have the evidence suppressed. Our criminal lawyers in Grand Island know what to look for when building a strong defense, and our team is committed to fighting for our clients during every step of the criminal proceeding.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Lawyer Today
The negative consequences of a criminal conviction are obvious: potential jail time and large fines. Do not let one small mistake define you. At Berry Law, our dedicated Grand Island criminal lawyers have experience defending clients accused of a wide variety of criminal offenses, including both misdemeanors and felonies. If you have been charged with a crime in Grand Island, please contact our team today to schedule a confidential consultation.
