If you have been charged with a felony in St. Louis, it would be to your advantage to hire an attorney. An attorney knows the laws of the state and he can advise you on the legalities and your best course of action. There are different classes of felonies and the punishment for a felony depends on the seriousness of the crime. If convicted, felons can expect to be fined and possibly go to prison. For any class of Felonies St. Louis attorneys can defend you and possibly reduce your jail time or clear you of the charges completely.
Class A felonies are the most consequential crimes that can be committed and these offenses include murder, kidnapping and robbery. If you are convicted of a Class A felony in a court of law, the least amount of time that you will probably spend in prison will be 10 years. These types of crimes can also lead to a life sentence and in some instances, the death penalty may be recommended.
If you are charged and proven at fault of a Class B felony, you may be staying in prison for up to 15 years. These criminal actions include voluntary manslaughter, first degree burglary or having an illegal substance in your possession.
Examples of Class C felonies are thievery, assault or driving a vehicle with alcohol in your system. If found guilty by a jury, you can expect to spend up to the next 7 years in prison and pay a $5,000 fine.
Class D felonies are the least severe crimes, but you will still be breaking the law and face punishment if found liable. These crimes include handing out bad checks, fraud or resisting arrest by a police officer. You can be sentenced for at least 4 years in prison and be required to pay a $5,000 fine.
For any type of Felonies St. Louis attorneys can take your case and defend you in court. Your lawyer will provide you a fair trial and give you the best defense possible. Your attorney will also be able to give you solid advice based on the law concerning a plea bargain. If both parties concur to this agreement, the defendant pleads guilty, often with a lower sentence and there won’t be a trial.
