After an arrest, the accused will be charged with a crime or crimes. The specific charge will depend on the evidence against them, but that may not be the final charge they’re convicted of if they are found guilty. Instead, they might be able to work with a Criminal Lawyer Fargo ND to have the charges reduced so they face less-serious penalties if they are convicted.
Misdemeanor Versus Felony
Criminal charges can be misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanor charges are considered less serious and may not have as much of an impact on someone’s future. They’re typically crimes punishable by up to 364 days in jail. Felonies, on the other hand, tend to be far more serious and can lead to potentially lengthy jail sentences for the accused. The accused should make sure they understand whether they’re charged with a felony or a misdemeanor.
Looking at the Evidence
The evidence may dictate whether someone will be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on how the criminal law is written in their location. A lawyer can review the evidence to see if there is sufficient evidence for a higher charge. If so, they might look into suppressing some of the evidence so it’s more likely their client can have the charge reduced and face lesser penalties. This all depends on the type of evidence, the amount of evidence, and whether the evidence was legally obtained.
Asking for Reduced Charges
If the accused wants to see if they can have the charges reduced, they’ll need to ask the judge. The judge has the final say in what charges the accused will face, and they have the ability to reduce the charges if they see a valid reason. The accused can work with their lawyer on this request to have a better chance of it being approved.
If you’ve been arrested, make sure you speak with a Criminal Lawyer Fargo ND today and ask about the potential for the charges to be reduced. Depending on the charges, the evidence, and more, this might be a good option to minimize potential penalties and, in some cases, avoid a felony conviction. Browse website for Aaland Law Firm now to learn more about the help available.
