Common Crimes that Require a Criminal Defense Attorney

Thurston Lopes • July 20, 2016

In the United States, crimes are classified as felonies, misdemeanors, or infractions based upon the severity of the crime. While not all crimes require legal representation, those with serious penalties and consequences do. If you have been charged with a serious crime, Attorney Lopes can help protect your rights and your future. Read our following guide to learn when to call the Lopes Law Firm.


MURDER AND MANSLAUGHTER

Murder is the intentional killing of another person and one of the most serious crimes that can be committed. Manslaughter is the unintentional killing of another person. There are several degrees or classifications of each type of homicide, but all comes with severe penalties.


ASSAULT

Criminal assault is the threat, attempt, or actual harming of another person. There are several different types of assault, including felonious, simple, physical, aggravated, sexual, and verbal assault. Consequences of assault charges can range anywhere from probation to jail time depending upon the severity of the crime.


DUI

DUI, also referred to as DWI or OVI, is an acronym for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This crime can be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony depending upon the circumstances and number of prior convictions the individual has. Penalties for DUI convictions include hefty fines, license suspension, probation, mandatory substance abuse treatment programs, and jail time.


DRUG CRIMES

A drug crime is a legal term used to describe violations involving controlled or illegal substances. There are several different types of drug crime charges, including distributing, possession, manufacturing, or trafficking of a controlled or illegal substance.


WHITE-COLLAR CRIMES

A white-collar crime refers to a nonviolent, financially motivated crime committed by business or government professional. Some of the most common types of white collar crimes include bank fraud, blackmail, bribery, counterfeiting, embezzlement, extortion, forgery, insurance fraud, investment schemes, money laundering, and tax evasion. These crimes can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies depending upon the severity of the violation.


THEFT CRIMES

Theft Crimes which encompasses burglary, robbery, theft by taking, receiving, conversion, fraud and simply shoplifting. These crimes and offenses can be characterized as felonies and misdemeanors offenses depending upon the value of the item that is stolen and the method by which it is obtained. 


Request a consultation or call us at The Lopes Law Firm - (404) 589-9000 , so you can better understand your rights and options.

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