Fairfield Criminal Lawyer 

It can be overwhelming to face a criminal charge. The uncertainty of what could happen and how it might affect your life can lead to untold stress. Fortunately, you do not have to face a criminal proceeding alone.

If you are charged with any type of crime in Fairfield, contact a Fairfield criminal lawyer right away. Knowing that there is a skilled criminal defense attorney that could commit to fighting for a positive outcome for you.  Call today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.

Misdemeanor Criminal Charges

The lowest criminal offense a person can be charged within Fairfield is a Class D misdemeanor. This crime is punishable by up a maximum of 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $250. The next level of crime in Fairfield is a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a sentence of up to three months in jail and a fine of up to $500.

A Class B misdemeanor, meanwhile, is punishable by up to 6 months of incarceration and a $1,000 fine. Finally, the most severe group of misdemeanors is Class A, each of which is punishable by up to a full year of imprisonment and a fine of up to $2000.

Felony Criminal Charges

Any crime which is punishable by a sentence greater than one year in prison is a felony. Like misdemeanors, felonies are similarly classified by letter according to severity.

The least serious of felonies—that is, the first level of crimes punishable by more than a year in jail—is a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. The third most serious felony is a Class C felony, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years of incarceration and a $5,000 fine.

Class B felony convictions carry a sentence of up to 40 years. The fine for a Class B felony can be as high as $20,000. Class A felonies are punishable by as much as 50 years in prison and fine of up to $20,000.

A handful of very severe crimes are classified as capital felonies, which could lead to a defendant being sentenced to death or life without the possibility of parole. A Fairfield criminal lawyer could attempt to migitage the penalties that an individual may face.

Unclassified Crimes

Occasionally, a crime is codified in Fairfield law which is not assigned one of the above classifications. If this is the case, the punishment for the offense will be listed within the statute defining the crime.

Statute of Limitations

In Fairfield criminal law, a statute of limitations essentially serves as an expiration date for the court’s ability to prosecute a crime. If a person is not charged with a particular offense within a certain period of time after they allegedly committed it, they can no longer be prosecuted for that crime.

For most misdemeanors, this time limit is one year. For many felonies, however, the period enumerated in the statute of limitations lasts for five years. Furthermore, certain serious crimes such as murder or rape have no statute of limitations, meaning the state could prosecute a defendant at any time after the commission of a crime.

How a Fairfield Criminal Attorney Could Help

You do not have to face the court alone if you are charged with a crime in Fairfield. A criminal attorney could fight for your right to have a fair trial or work to negotiate a favorable plea agreement which minimizes the potential consequences of a conviction.

If you are charged with a crime in Fairfield, contact a Fairfield criminal lawyer to begin working on your case. Call today to learn more and take charge of your criminal charges.