Papillion Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing criminal charges, it is important that you retain qualified legal representation for your case. A conviction can have severe consequences and may result in the loss of your freedom, liberties, and certain legal rights, such as the ability to vote or own a firearm.

A Papillion criminal defense lawyer at Berry Law can fight to protect your rights throughout the legal process. By working with a talented criminal defense attorney, you can increase your chances of obtaining a more favorable outcome or having your charges dismissed.

Common Criminal Offenses in Papillion 

Criminal charges in Papillion can range from misdemeanors to felonies. A misdemeanor conviction usually carries little to no jail time and small fines, while a felony conviction will typically have long prison sentences and steep fines. For serious crimes, such as murder, a conviction can ultimately lead to the death penalty.

Common misdemeanor crimes that a Papillion attorney from Berry Law can fight include drug possession, DUIs, disturbing the peace, and  third-degree assault. Felony crimes include kidnapping, assault, sexual assault, certain drug charges, forgery, and murder.

Misdemeanor Versus Felony Penalties

The penalties you will face if you are convicted of a crime depend on a variety of different circumstances, like whether the crime is categorized as a misdemeanor or felony. Nebraska Revised Statutes §28-106 divides misdemeanor and felony crimes into distinct categories.

Misdemeanors

A Class I misdemeanor conviction carries up to 12 months in jail and a fine, either in lieu of or in addition to the prison sentence. Class II misdemeanors are punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 and/or six month’s incarceration. A Class III misdemeanor is punishable by fines up to $500 and a jail sentence of up to three months.

A Class IIIA misdemeanor can result in a $500 fine and one week in jail. Class IV and V misdemeanors do not carry a prison sentence but are punishable by maximum fines of $500 and $100 respectively.

Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol can result in a Class W misdemeanor, which carries a potential prison term of up to 60 days with a minimum of one week in jail for the first offense. A fine of $500 may also apply. The penalties increase with each subsequent conviction.

Felonies

A felony conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences. For example, someone convicted of a Class III felony could be incarcerated for up to four years and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.

Class I, Class IA, and Class IB felonies carry the most severe penalties. A person can face a life sentence for either a Class IA or Class IB felony conviction. For a Class I felony, such as first-degree murder, the penalty could be a death sentence. A felony conviction can completely derail your career and future, so you should contact a skilled attorney immediately if you are facing a felony charge.

Get Help from a Papillion Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a crime, a Papillion criminal defense lawyer can help. Our team will help you understand your rights under the law and advise you on your options to fight the charges. Book a confidential consultation with a criminal defense lawyer at Berry Law today.