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Criminal Defense Law FirmServing Fredericksburg, Petersburg, and Richmond, Virginia Criminal law involves prosecution by the government of a person for an act
that has been classified as a crime. In a criminal case the state, through a
prosecutor, initiates the warrant for arrest in most felony cases and some
misdemeanor cases. Misdemeanor warrants can be initiated by a person making
a sworn statement before a Magistrate that a crime has occurred. Persons
convicted of a crime may be incarcerated, fined, or both.
A "crime" is any act or omission (of an act) in violation of a public law forbidding or commanding it. Though there are some common law crimes, most crimes in the United States are established by local, state, and federal governments. Criminal laws vary significantly from state to state. There is, however, a Model Penal Code (MPC) which serves as a good starting place to gain an understanding of the basic structure of criminal liability. Crimes include both felonies (more serious like murder or rape) and misdemeanors (less serious offenses like petty theft or simple assault). Felonies are usually crimes punishable by imprisonment of a year or more and/or a fine. Misdemeanors are crimes punishable by less than a year and/or a fine. All statutes describing criminal behavior can be broken down into their various elements. Most crimes consist of two elements: an intentional act or a mental state. Prosecutors have to prove each and every element of the crime to yield a conviction. Furthermore, the prosecutor must persuade the jury or judge "beyond a reasonable doubt" of every fact necessary to constitute the crime charged. The effects of convictions of criminal offenses can vary from case to case. For instance, the conviction of a felony will result in the loss of civil rights such as the right to vote, the right to own a firearm and the right to travel abroad. Whereas in a misdemeanor conviction, generally you maintain all of your civil rights, however some employers may discover your criminal record and employment may be frustrated as a result. In addition, in either misdemeanor or felony cases, not only may a jail sentence be imposed, but you may be subjected to supervised or unsupervised probation. Juvenile Crimes Nearly a million juveniles a year are processed through the justice system, and admitted to public or private facilities after their convictions. Many of the offenses for which children and young adults under the age of 18 are charged are similar to adult crimes, ranging in seriousness from a misdemeanor for public misbehavior to a felony for felonious assault or attempted murder. Unfortunately, when it comes to violent juvenile crimes, quite often today's prosecutors attempt to try juveniles as adults. This could result in the youth receiving adult punishment, with heavy sentences that could include life imprisonment and possibly the death penalty. Why Choose the Criminal Defense Law Firm of Page & Associates?
In many adult and juvenile cases the criminal defense law firm of Page & Associates can make
the difference between an acquittal and a conviction. By applying the rules
of evidence, making appropriate pre-trial motions, and being an effective
advocate for our clients, we can substantial change a perceived outcome of a
case.
Free Criminal Defense Law Firm Consultation
 Page-Smith Building / 2913 Park Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23221-1707 Telephone (804) 353-6166 Toll free 1-866-507-6166 / Facsimile (804) 353-3041 Home / Personal Injury / Automotive / Pedestrian / Large Truck / Common Carrier / Premises Liability
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