Clinton Criminal Defense Attorney

Defend Criminal Charges With Our Clinton, Tennessee Lawyer

Being accused or charged with a crime can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Whether you are facing misdemeanor charges or more serious felony charges, navigating the criminal justice system on your own can be extremely challenging. That is why it is crucial to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. The team at Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney provides dedicated legal help to people who are facing criminal charges in Clinton, Tennessee.

Defense Against Misdemeanors and Felonies

Criminal charges can vary in severity depending on whether they are classified as misdemeanors or felonies. Our team can provide a skilled defense against multiple types of offenses, including:

• Misdemeanors: These are considered to be less serious offenses, but they may still result in penalties that can significantly affect a person's life. They include crimes such as petty theft, simple assault, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and certain types of drug possession offenses that involve small amounts for personal use. While misdemeanors carry shorter jail sentences than felonies, they should not be taken lightly, since they can still result in hefty fines and other consequences, such as probation or community service.
• Felonies: These are more serious crimes that often involve violence or significant harm to individuals or society as a whole. Examples of felonies include murder, sexual assault, robbery, arson, drug trafficking, or repeat offenses for certain types of crimes. Felony convictions typically lead to substantial prison sentences ranging from one year up to life imprisonment without parole depending on the nature of an offense and the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime.

Key Differences in Handling Misdemeanor and Felony Cases

When it comes to handling misdemeanor and felony cases, there are several key differences that defendants should be aware of:

• The severity of punishment: The most obvious difference between misdemeanors and felonies is the seriousness of the penalties that will apply if a person is convicted. Misdemeanors generally carry less severe punishments when compared to felonies. They carry shorter jail sentences, smaller fines, and less significant long-term consequences. However, it is important to remember that even if a misdemeanor may seem to be a minor offense, a conviction can have lasting effects on your personal life and future employment prospects.
• Legal proceedings: Misdemeanor cases typically follow a simplified legal process when compared to felony cases. In some instances involving minor offenses or first-time offenders who have been accused of non-violent misdemeanors, there may be options available that allow defendants to avoid a conviction. Alternatives like pretrial diversion programs can be beneficial, and they often involve completing certain requirements, such as probation or community service. By successfully fulfilling these obligations, people can learn from their mistakes while avoiding permanent criminal records.
• Evidence: In both misdemeanor and felony cases, the burden of proof rests upon the prosecution. To be convicted, a person must be proven guilty beyond all reasonable doubt. This is a high standard to meet, and defendants can work with an attorney to determine their options for defending against accusations and challenging the evidence against them.

Investigation and Case Preparation

Given the serious nature of felony offenses, law enforcement agencies tend to dedicate more resources to investigating these types of cases before handing off relevant findings to prosecutors. Large caseloads and limited budgets can lead to investigators committing errors during investigations, ultimately weakening the prosecution's position in court proceedings. To build a successful defense strategy, an attorney will need to closely review all evidence, and they can also perform investigations to determine the steps that can be taken to prove a person's innocence or address any mitigating factors that may be involved in a case.

Contact Our Clinton Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges in Clinton, Tennessee, it is crucial to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we will provide you with personalized attention and help you develop a strong defense strategy that will allow you to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. To schedule a complimentary consultation and discuss your situation, contact us at 865-281-1000. Do not delay - protect yourself by hiring an attorney who will vigorously advocate on your behalf.