Criminal Law FAQ

 

Home
Up
Firm Profile
Attorney Profiles
Real Estate Closings
Practice Areas
Directions
Request Information
Staff
Resource Links
Contact Us
New Page 5
New Page 6

WORKERS' COMP

Text Box: CRIMINAL LAW FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: By:  Micah Dutro Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney? The importance of competent legal representation is so great that the Constitution guarantees every criminal defendant the right to an attorney. A criminal attorney is your best asset after being charged with a crime. This expert knows the laws and court customs relevant to your case, and can apply this knowledge to protect and maximize your legal interests. No matter what your legal situation, a criminal attorney will help you more than you could help yourself by going it alone. In fact, some judges won't even consider a plea bargain from a defendant without legal representation. What is the attorney-client privilege? The attorney-client privilege means that any legal information or matter that you discuss with your attorney cannot be discussed with anyone else. Aside from a few exceptions and unless you consent to release legal information pertaining to your case, s(he) is required, by law, to keep all of your information confidential. What are the stages of the criminal justice process if I have been charged with a felony? The following events typically occur when someone is charged with a felony:  Arrest before indictment, initial appearance, preliminary hearing, grand jury, indictment, arraignment, trial setting or plea, trial, potential appeal. What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony? Most crimes are divided into two categories, based on the severity of the crime: misdemeanor and felony. State law governs which crimes are considered more serious than others. Generally speaking, a misdemeanor crime is one where the maximum penalty is one year or less in state prison. A felony crime is a more serious crime that can result in jail or prison time for more than one year. Felony charges also bring a number of other legal repercussions if the defendant is convicted. Under certain circumstances, a crime can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the specifics of the case. A qualified attorney can maximize your chance that your crime is charged as a lesser offense.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Towers, Suite 1208, 125 South Congress Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39201          Ph: 601-983-2074    Fax:  601-983-2076

Phone:  601-983-COMP(2667)

Send e-mail to la1@dobbsdutro.com with questions or comments.
Copyright © 2008 Dobbs & Dutro, PLLC