Criminal lawsuits are a more serious issue than civil lawsuits, because if convicted, the accused faces very stiff punishment including being incarcerated for many years and at times, even worse. If criminal charges have been filed against you, you will need to look for the services of very competent criminal defense lawyers in Hartford, WI. Here are some reasons you should hire criminal defense lawyers.
Reduce the severity of punishment
As stated, felonies attract very heavy punishments. The average sentences for common felonies are as follows:
First-degree felonies
: If you are charged and convicted with a first-degree felony, you are likely to get a life sentence in prison. Alternatively, you may be sentenced to a sentence of not less than five years or more than 99 years. Also, you may be fined an amount of not more than $10,000.
Second-degree felonies
: If you have been charged with a second-degree felony, you are liable to imprisonment of not less than 2 years and not more than 20 years. Also, you may have to pay a fine of not more than $10,000.
Third-degree felony
: This attracts a jail term of not less than 2 years and not more than 10 years. The convict may also have to pay a fine of not more than $10,000.
As you can see, in case you are convicted of a felony, it is very likely that you will do some time in jail. Hiring a lawyer helps reduce the punishment. For instance, the defense attorney will try and push the DA or the prosecution to reduce the charge to something that attracts a less severe punishment so that if the case isn’t ruled in your favor, you will face a lesser punishment.
Gathering exonerating evidence
In case you are innocent, and just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, the lawyer will help reopen the investigation. This could lead the discovery of new evidence supporting your plea of innocence.
These are just a few of the reasons you shouldn’t face criminal charges without criminal defence lawyers in Hartford, WI.
