ORLANDO CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS

About Criminal Offenses

Criminal offenses are those that violate public law. Federal and state laws classify criminal offenses into two different categories depending on their severity: misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies are much more serious crimes than misdemeanors, and hence have much harsher sentences.

Misdemeanors

A minor crime usually punished by less than one year of imprisonment. Resisting arrest is considered a misdemeanor. Interfering with an officer while he is engaged in official duties is also considered a misdemeanor.

Felonies

A serious crime that is generally punishable by more than one year of imprisonment of up to death by execution. You have the right to a jury trial if charged with a felony crime. Felonies include murder, assault, rape, robbery, burglary, manslaughter, kidnapping, arson, battery, child abuse, domestic violence, and hit and run.

Drug Crimes

The unlawful use, manufacture, distribution, transportation, or trafficking of drugs.

Driving While Intoxicated

A serious offense committed when driving a motor vehicle after alcohol or drugs consumption. The limit to be considered "intoxicated" varies from state to state.

White Collar Offenses

Usually a non-violent offense committed in a business or professional setting to get financial gain. White collar offenses include fraud, money laundering, perjury, forgery, credit card fraud, extortion, computer hacking, and bankruptcy fraud.

Juvenile Crimes

Crimes that are committed by children who are under 18 years old.