Criminal Law
Criminal law, also known as penal law, involves the prosecution of persons accused of committing crimes. Criminal laws identify what types of behaviors are considered crimes, what the legal rights of the accused are, what procedures must be followed to protect those legal rights, and what the government (police, judges, lawyers, etc.) can and cannot do throughout the arrest and court processes. Some criminal laws will vary from state to state but some are constitutional, meaning that the law is the same in every city of every state.
If you have been arrested or are accused of a crime, you should immediately contact a criminal lawyer. A criminal lawyer can ensure the protection of your legal rights and make sure you have the best chance at winning your case.
Role of Your Defense Lawyer

When you have been arrested or accused of a crime, your defense lawyer is your friend in the legal system. He or she will protect you from improper questioning and evidence collection, ensure the government follows the proper procedures, and help you present your case in the best possible way. A criminal court case can be complicated, and there are many paths to choose from, but a criminal defense lawyer can be your guide and help you navigate the process.
Your Legal Rights
Many laws are designed solely to protect people accused of crimes, creating legal rights for the accused that cannot be violated. Some are well-known, like the right to remain silent and other Miranda rights. Others, however, are less known and more difficult to apply, occurring at various stages of the criminal arrest and court processes. Any deviation from these procedures on the part of any member of the legal system may violate the defendant's rights and may impact the charges against the defendant or illegally taint the jury. Your legal rights are one of the most important things to protect, and it is the primary task of an experienced criminal lawyer to do so.
The Definition of a Crime
A crime is an act or a failure to act that the government has declared illegal and made punishable by law. There are numerous general groups of crimes such as murder, theft, and fraud. Based on their severity, these groups are divided into categories, as explained below.
Categories of Crime
The government divides crimes into three categories: felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. The most serious of these crimes are felonies, with misdemeanors next in severity and infractions being the least serious. With the exception of cases in which the accused is mentally ill, all defendants have the right to defend themselves in court. Most defendants, however, choose to have a criminal defense attorney represent them.
Felonies. The most serious of crimes, such as murder and rape, are classified as felonies. Felonies are divided into various sub-categories that address factors such as repeat offenses and the manner in which the crime is committed. Felonies typically carry a jail sentence of at least one year. Almost all defendants accused of a felony hire a criminal defense attorney.
Misdemeanors. Crimes classified as misdemeanors are not as serious as felonies. Punishment for a misdemeanor may include a fine, jail time of less than a year, or both. In many jurisdictions, misdemeanors are divided into three sub-categories: high (or "gross"), ordinary and petty. Although misdemeanors are not as serious as felonies, many people who are accused of misdemeanors choose to hire a criminal lawyer to defend them.
Infractions. Crimes classified as infractions involve minor offenses such as traffic law violations. In most states, infractions are not punishable by jail time. Even in those states where jail time is a possibility, this rarely occurs in practice. People accused of infractions seldom hire a criminal defense attorney.
Types of Crime
Within these categories, there are many different types of crimes, each with its own nuances and variations. In the United States, crimes are established at the local, state and federal levels. State and local laws are unique to the jurisdictions in which they are created. As a result, laws differ significantly from state to state. Some criminal defense attorneys specialize in handling certain crimes, so it is imperative that you find an attorney with experience handling the crime you are accused of. To learn more about your crime and how it should affect your choice of attorney, click here.
The Criminal Arrest and Court Process
The criminal arrest process can involve many participants (the accused, the police, the prosecutor, bail bondsmen, criminal defense lawyers, the judge and others) and typically consists of the following steps:
- Arrest
- Booking
- Bail
- Arraignment – if the accused pleads guilty, this is the final stage
If the accused does not plead guilty, the arrest leads to a criminal court case. Although there are many reasons for a court case to end early (plea bargaining, mistrial, etc.), a complete court case has multiple steps:
- Preliminary Hearing(s)
- Formal Arraignment
- Pre-trial motions
- Trial
- Sentencing
- Appeals
For more information on the criminal arrest and court process, click here.
Punishment for Crimes
In determining the punishment for a crime, the judge uses sentencing guidelines established by law makers and considers factors such as the defendant's prior criminal record, character witnesses, and the situation in which the crime was committed. In addition, the judge considers whether any aggravating circumstances exist; examples of aggravating circumstances include:
- Cruelty
- Malice
- Intent
- Reckless disregard for well-being of another
- Acts committed against members of a protected class (minority, senior citizen, minor, handicapped, etc.)
Types of Punishment
Punishment in a criminal court case generally consists of community service and/or jail time. In extreme cases, the death penalty may be used.
Laws differ significantly from state to state, and attorneys must pass exams and be licensed in a state in order to practice there.
Although FBI figures show that the rate of violent crime increased 1.3 percent from 2004 to 2005 (latest figures available), the latest National Crime Victimization Survey shows that both violent crime and property crime have dropped significantly since 1994.