Fairfield Criminal Lawyer

Choosing a criminal defense attorney to protect your interests is a critical decision. A top Fairfield criminal lawyer at Mark Sherman Law could start taking steps right away to protect your rights, preserve vital evidence, and advocate skillfully on your behalf to help reach a positive outcome in your case.

What Qualities Should I Look for in a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

When searching for the right criminal lawyer in Fairfield, it is wise to look for a legal practice that treats each client as an individual. Sometimes, the ideal outcome for one individual may not be beneficial for another. The right criminal defense lawyer will avoid a one-size-fits-all approach to focus on the specific needs and goals of the client.

Of course, it is also a wise idea to work with an experienced team with a thorough understanding of criminal laws and how they are prosecuted in Fairfield County. Knowledge of the defense strategies that worked in past situations often provides a solid foundation to craft the defense right for the current situation.

What is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?

Connecticut law classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the severity of the offense. Very minor offenses are labeled infractions, and they are not considered crimes, although they often require the payment of a fine.

Both felonies and misdemeanors are divided into lettered classes, with crimes classified as “A” offenses being the most serious. There are also “unclassified” misdemeanors and felonies which do not have a letter proscribed to them.

From a punishment standpoint, the basic difference between a felony and a misdemeanor are the penalties. A misdemeanor carries with it at most 1-year in jail. A felony carries the potential for much longer jail time, much higher fines, and much longer periods of probation.

Common Criminal Offenses in Fairfield

The most common crimes are committed against property, like theft, robbery, or embezzlement; against another person, like assault, burglary, or homicide. Crimes can also involve drugs, like possession, intent to sell, and operating a drug factory.

Some other crimes commonly defended by experienced Fairfield criminal attorneys include but are not limited to:

Talk to a Dedicated Fairfield Criminal Defense Attorney

To secure a conviction in a criminal case, the prosecution must demonstrate that necessary elements of the offense are present. Often, a skilled criminal defense attorney will investigate to produce and preserve evidence to support a different theory of events or to refute evidence produced by the prosecution.

A Fairfield criminal lawyer may also seek to take advantage of any procedural mistakes or shortcomings in a case. If all else fails, it may be possible to negotiate to have charges of a serious crime dropped to a less serious offense or to seek alternative penalties. If you’ve been charged with a crime, begin working to protect your future by calling Mark Sherman Law today for a consultation.