Milford Criminal Lawyer

Being a defendant in the Connecticut criminal justice system can be terrifying and confusing, no matter what allegations you face. Even a single conviction for a comparatively minor “misdemeanor” offense could have long-lasting negative effects on your professional prospects and your personal reputation. Convictions for more serious felonies can lead to years of imprisonment and the permanent loss of certain civil privileges.

Any criminal charge is worth discussing with legal counsel. Guidance from a Milford criminal lawyer could make the difference between a favorable case result and life-altering penalties. Do not hesitate to contact Ruane Attorneys for guidance when facing allegations of criminal offenses.

Understanding How State Law Classifies Criminal Offenses

Like most other states, Connecticut categorizes most criminal offenses as either “misdemeanors” or “felonies” based on their perceived severity. These offenses are subcategorized by “classes” to further differentiate between tiers of severity. Each class of criminal offense carries different maximum sanctions upon conviction; in general, misdemeanors are punishable by less than one year of incarceration in a local or county jail, while felonies are punishable by more than one year in state prison.

More specifically, the maximum penalties attached to each level of criminal offense are as follows:

• Class D misdemeanor – 30 days in jail and a $250 fine
• Class C misdemeanor – three months in jail and a $500 fine
• Class B misdemeanor – six months in jail and a $1,000 fine
• Class A misdemeanor – one year in jail and a $2,000 fine
• Class E felony – three years in prison and a $3,500 fine
• Class D felony – five years in prison and a $5,000 fine
• Class C felony – between one and ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine
• Class B felony – between one and 20 years in prison and a $15,000 fine
• Class A felony – between 10 and 25 years in prison and a $20,000 fine

Certain felony offenses, such as aggravated sexual assault of a minor, have unique minimum and maximum prison terms attached to them, as a Milford defense attorney could further explain.

What to Do After Being Charged with a Crime in Milford

After being accused of any criminal wrongdoing in Connecticut, the most important thing is to contact a local attorney. Law enforcement authorities are skilled at getting people to accidentally incriminate themselves through ill-advised statements and poorly phrased answers to leading questions. It is best to consult a Milford criminal lawyer to avoid harming one’s case.

The legal system is complex and often unforgiving of even minor mistakes. A defendant can avoid these errors by preparing for the legal proceedings with an attorney at our firm and allowing legal counsel to take the lead in interactions with law enforcement. Ruane Attorneys is prepared to tailor a defense strategy to the specific charges and circumstances to protect a defendant’s best interests.

Speak with a Milford Criminal Attorney About Your Case

Whether you have a history of prior convictions or have never been inside a courtroom, facing a criminal allegation of any kind can be an immensely stressful and scary experience. Having an ally on your side who understands the law and knows how courts operate in these situations can be crucial to a successful case outcome.

The help you need is available from a Milford criminal lawyer at Ruane Attorneys. Call our firm today to schedule a meeting and get started on your defense.