Meriden Criminal Lawyer 

If you have been accused of or charged with a crime, knowing and safeguarding your rights should be your priority from the start. Even if you are charged with a seemingly minor offense, a conviction can have consequences that stay with you for life.

A Meriden criminal lawyer knows how the system works and can determine an effective strategy to protect your freedom. Let the legal team at Ruane Attorneys help construct a compelling defense and provide unwavering advocacy at every step of your case.

Commonly Charged Offenses in Meriden

There is a range of commonly charged crimes that a local attorney could help defend. These can range from non-violent offenses such as fraud, embezzlement, and bribery to charges including assault, gun offenses, drug crimes, DUIs, robbery, burglary, and more. The exact details of any criminal case will revolve around the alleged crime and evidence obtained by the investigators and prosecution. However, these matters typically follow a general process.

The Criminal Process

Before any offense can be charged, law enforcement must have probable cause to carry out the arrest. Following an arrest, anyone accused of a crime retains their Constitutional rights to remain silent, avoid self-incrimination, and talk with an attorney.

Arraignment

After the accused has been arrested and charged, the arraignment will be one of the key next phases in the criminal case process. At the arraignment, the judge will outline the charges against the accused and set bail, if applicable.

Plea Negotiations

What happens next will depend on the specifics of the case, such as whether the matter will proceed to plea negotiations or move toward a trial. The trial process can be lengthy and costly; not all cases will proceed to this phase. In some instances, it may be possible and more beneficial to enter plea bargain negotiations. In other circumstances, a Meridan criminal defense lawyer might be able to file a motion to dismiss the charge altogether.

Trial

Sometimes, the most beneficial course of action will be to go to trial. Our criminal attorneys in Meridan could deploy various defenses to defeat or mitigate the prosecution’s case. Legal counsel could offer guidance and unwavering support at each phase of a criminal case, whether inside or outside the courtroom.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor Penalties

The exact proceedings in a criminal case and the potential consequences of a conviction will revolve around the type of charge. There is a significant difference between felony and misdemeanor charges in Connecticut, particularly regarding the prospective penalties.

Misdemeanor offenses in Connecticut are typically punishable by no more than 12 months of incarceration and $2,000 in fines. Crimes like prostitution or possession of a controlled substance are examples of commonly charged misdemeanors in Meridan that may require the services of a defense attorney.

Examples of crimes that fall into the category of a felony include murder, drug trafficking, and certain assault offenses. The most serious felony offenses can carry a prison sentence ranging from decades to life, in addition to tens of thousands of dollars in fines.

Get in Touch with a Meriden Criminal Attorney Today

A Meriden criminal defense lawyer could evaluate the details and circumstances surrounding your charge to build the most effective defense possible. Ruane Attorneys can comb through the facts and evidence to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Now is the time to seek quality legal representation for your case. Call our firm immediately to discuss your situation and begin working toward a better future.