There is no question that an arrest and conviction for a crime can have a profound impact on your life moving forward. In addition to the risk of steep fines and incarceration, there are other consequences you should be aware of. The good news is that a skilled defense attorney could help you beat these charges and avoid a conviction.

Before you accept a plea offer from the state, discuss your options with a Weld County criminal defense lawyer. A strong defense strategy could give you the best chance for a positive outcome.

Penalties Following a Guilty Verdict

Whether it is due to a plea bargain or a jury verdict, there are an array of consequences that come with being found guilty of a crime. Each offense is different, with some resulting in little more than a fine and others potentially resulting in a lifetime behind bars. By working with a Weld County criminal defense attorney, it may be possible to avoid the following penalties.

Statutory Penalties

For most people, the primary concern with being found guilty of a crime is the potential jail sentence. Any length of incarceration can be life-altering, but some cases could lead to decades behind bars. The good news is that an attorney may be able to negotiate a plea that avoids any incarceration at all. Additionally, criminal statutes usually assign a maximum monetary fine that applies in each case.

Collateral Consequences

Not all penalties come directly from state statutes. There are also collateral consequences to consider. These are the negative effects of being found guilty that are not a direct result of state law. For example, pleading guilty to a felony could cost a person their job or professional license. Other crimes might impact someone’s child custody rights or immigration status. What’s difficult about these consequences is that there is no way to address them as part of a plea bargain.

Types of Criminal Offenses

In Colorado, criminal charges generally fall into one of three categories: felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses.

Felonies

Felonies are the most serious of the three, but the severity of these offenses varies dramatically. Some cases could result in a prison term of 18 months, while other convictions will lead to life behind bars. Some of the most notable felonies include rape, murder, and kidnapping. A criminal defense lawyer in Weld County could fight back against any of these allegations.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanor convictions do have the same penalties as felonies, but they should not be taken lightly. A conviction might result in as much as 18 months in jail, which is a serious matter. Some of the most common examples of misdemeanors include resisting arrest, criminal mischief, and DUI.

Petty Offenses

Finally, petty offenses are at the bottom of the tier. They still qualify as crimes, but the maximum jail term for these charges cannot exceed six months. These cases usually involve minor property crimes like trespass or littering. They do not include offenses involving violence or the theft of valuable property.

Talk to a Criminal Defense Attorney in Weld County Today

You are entitled to a vigorous defense following an arrest, and having the right attorney by your side is your best chance to beat these charges. Instead of putting yourself at risk by handling the case alone, reach out to a Weld County criminal defense lawyer. Give our firm a call and schedule a consultation today.