Sarpy County Criminal Defense Lawyer

           

Being arrested in Sarpy County can be overwhelming and stressful. In addition to dealing with bail, maintaining your employment, and dealing with any fallout in your relationships, you also have the important decision of selecting an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Since even a relatively minor charge could result in significant jail time, it is best to retain legal representation from the skilled attorneys at Berry Law. By working with a determined Sarpy County criminal lawyer, you could dramatically increase your chances of obtaining a positive outcome in your case.

Types of Criminal Charges

There are two types of criminal charges under state law: misdemeanors and felonies. The primary difference between these types of charges is the severity of the corresponding penalties. Felony charges generally apply to serious crimes like murder or kidnapping. Consequently, they result in the steepest penalties.

Misdemeanors, on the other hand, carry less severe penalties. Regardless of how likely jail time is in any given misdemeanor case, it could have a dramatic impact on anyone’s life. Furthermore, there are varying levels of felonies and misdemeanors that also impact the penalties a person could face if convicted.

Penalties for Misdemeanors

Nebraska Revised Statutes §28-106 governs the classification of misdemeanors and their corresponding penalties. Under this law, there are seven categories of misdemeanor charges, each with varying consequences. For example, Class I misdemeanors carry the heaviest penalties and are one step below a felony. The maximum sentence for a Class I misdemeanor is a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Conversely, a Class V misdemeanor carries a small fine and no risk of jail time. Class W misdemeanors, on the other hand, pertain exclusively to charges of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and carry up to 60 days in jail and a fine of $500 for first-time offenders.

It is important to note that criminal law judges have the discretion to skip a jail sentence in any given case. While many misdemeanor charges do not result in jail time, there is no guarantee. A Sarpy County criminal defense attorney can work to protect the rights of anyone charged with a misdemeanor and fight to avoid a conviction on his or her behalf.

Consequences for Felonies

The consequences associated with a felony conviction are more severe than those handed down in misdemeanor cases. There are ten classes of felony under state law, with the lowest-tier convictions resulting in up to two years in prison and Class I felonies resulting in a life sentence or even the death penalty.

In addition to these statutory penalties, felony convictions also have collateral consequences. These consequences are not written into law but are nonetheless impactful. Examples of collateral consequences include:

• Difficulty maintaining employment
• Difficulty finding housing
• Loss of the right to vote
• Loss of the right to own firearms
• Revocation of professional licenses

A Sarpy County lawyer from Berry Law can help an accused individual fight their criminal charges in court and preserve his or her reputation.

Call a Sarpy County Criminal Attorney Right Away

Whether you are currently facing a misdemeanor or a felony charge, a conviction could negatively impact your life in a variety of ways. The potential for fines and even jail time exists in most criminal cases.

However, there is no certainty that your criminal case will result in a conviction. To fight against the charges you currently face, contact a Sarpy County criminal lawyer from our team today and schedule a confidential consultation.