A crime is defined as any act or omission of an act that goes against a public law that forbids or commands it. All crimes feature four particular elements, namely, mental state (mens rea), conduct (actus reus), concurrence (mens rea and actus reus, occurring at the same time), and causation (occurrence of actual harm).
Two categories of crimes
Crimes are generally classified into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are considered lesser crimes, and offenders may only be required to pay a fine or endure a few days in prison, examples of which are drug possession and traffic violations. A felony, on the other hand, is considered a serious crime and is liable to be punished by imprisonment of no less than one year. Examples of felonies are theft, assault, battery, rape, and murder.
About criminal lawyers
A criminal lawyer, also known as a defense attorney, is a legal professional who defend individuals and companies charged with criminal activity. Legal representation during criminal proceedings is crucial for those charged with a crime in court. If you are looking for the right criminal lawyer to represent you in your case, choose an attorney with a successful track record of cases similar to yours.
Criminal lawyers vs. civil lawyers
Unlike civil lawyers who mainly deal with private lawsuits, a criminal attorney represents clients being charged by the state or federal government for a crime. In civil law, the suit is initiated by the victim; in a criminal law, the suit is brought by the state or federal government through a prosecutor. Lawyers in a civil lawsuit only need to prove that a defendant is more than 50 percent guilty for the damages, while prosecuting attorneys in a criminal case will need to prove beyond reasonable doubt that a defendant is guilty of a crime.
Are you charged with a crime in Auburn?
A criminal charge can compel an individual to fight for his fundamental rights to freedom. If you’re being charged with a crime, consulting a criminal lawyer as soon as possible increases your chances at a favorable outcome for your case. Don’t take a wait-and-see approach—seek answers to questions about your legal rights by contacting a trusted Auburn criminal defense lawyer such as from the Law Offices of Kim E Hunter, PLLC today.
Sources:
Misdemeanor vs. Felony, Diffen
Civil Law vs. Criminal Law, Diffen
