|
A criminal defense attorney can be hired to defend an individual who has been accused of a criminal act. Although in some cases the accused cannot afford to hire a defense attorney, he can choose for a public defense attorney to be assigned to his case. This right to an attorney is guaranteed by the 6th Ammendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees that "in all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right...to have the assistance of counsel for his defense." On the other hand, parties involved in civil cases usually have to pay for their own lawyers.
|
Criminal Defense Attorneys
There are two major groups into which crimes other than minor infractions are categorized. Felonies are "very serious" crimes, usually including aggravated assault, arson, burglary, murder, and rape. Misdemeanors are "lesser" criminal acts which are generally punished less severely than felonies; but more so than infractions. Depending on the jurisdiction, examples of misdemeanors may include: petty theft, prostitution, simple assault, trespass, vandalism, driving under the influence, and the like. In general, misdemeanors are crimes with a maximum punishment of less than one year imprisonment.
|
