Lancaster County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal charges can carry the potential for harsh sanctions, including fines, probation, and incarceration. They can impact a person’s personal and professional life significantly. A Lancaster County criminal lawyer can be vital in preventing or minimizing the impact criminal charges can have on your life.

These penalties may continue long after you served your sentence. You also may lose some of your civil rights if you are convicted of a felony offense and may have difficulties finding employment or housing. By seeking the advice of a determined criminal defense attorney from Berry Law, you may be in a better position to fight back against the charges you are facing.

Facing Charges in Lancaster County

Criminal charges can vary significantly in their severity and consequences. Some low-level misdemeanors may result only in a fine, whereas high-level felonies can result in years or decades in prison. In some cases, a person may be able to complete diversion programs to avoid harsh results or criminal convictions, but these resolutions are not available for many. Therefore, regardless of the level of charges, it is important to work with an attorney.

A criminal conviction also can have collateral and often unanticipated ramifications. For instance, many traffic-related criminal offenses and DUIs are likely to result in the suspension of driver’s licenses. A person may face these repercussions long after he or she finished the requirements of any jail sentence or term of probation.

In some cases, certain factors may heighten the penalties for a criminal conviction. Some of these factors may include the presence of minors and firearms during the commission of a crime. A criminal lawyer in Lancaster County may be able to introduce mitigating factors that reduce the potential range of penalties in specific cases.

Misdemeanor and Felony Offenses

Like most states, Nebraska law classifies most criminal offenses as either misdemeanors or felonies. Generally, misdemeanors are less serious crimes that have a maximum jail sentence of one year. A misdemeanor conviction in some cases may not even require any incarceration, instead resulting only in a fine and a term of probation.

On the other hand, a felony offense is a more severe crime that can result in lengthy terms of incarceration and high fines. Felony offenses typically include those that cause significant harm to others or involve violence. Other felony offenses may consist of crimes that involve weapons or minors.

Both misdemeanor and felony offenses are divided further into classes according to their severity. Punishment generally is based on the class of the crime charged. For example, a Class IV felony conviction carries the potential for a maximum two-year prison sentence, whereas a Class I felony conviction can result in a life sentence.

General Types of Criminal Offenses

Many crimes fall within broad categories. Drug crimes include various types of criminal offenses, including drug possession, drug distribution, and drug manufacturing. Likewise, the law provides for multiple theft offenses, ranging from shoplifting to robbery and burglary.

Violent offenses may include murder, assault, and rape. A variety of sexual crimes exist as well, including distribution of child pornography, solicitation of minors, prostitution, and sexual assault.

Other crimes do not fall within these broad categories. Miscellaneous crimes can include trespassing, disturbing the peace, and criminal mischief. A criminal attorney in Lancaster County can be instrumental in fighting any allegations a person faces.

Contact a Lancaster County Criminal Attorney

Criminal cases can move swiftly through the justice system. As a result, you may be able to most effectively protect yourself and your rights by contacting a Lancaster County criminal lawyer at the outset of your case. By getting legal representation early in the process, you may be able to build a stronger defense against the charges that you are facing. Call Berry Law today to schedule a confidential consultation and get started on your case.