Violent crimes reach the level and classes of felonies when there is significant bodily injury to a person or there is significant damaged done to property to bump the case from a misdemeanor to a felony. In addition in most cases when a weapon of any type is used in the commission of the crime the charges will be increased to the felony level. Within felony violent crimes there are also different degrees, with those crimes resulting in serious bodily injury or death the most significant.
Felony Violent Crimes Penalties
Since felony violent crimes charges can include a wide range of actual issues from simple assault, sexual assault through to murder, rape or robbery, there are a wide range of possible penalties that can be considered. Typically even with first offenses the penalties for these types of crimes will be significant because of the violent nature and severe consequences of the crimes.
Possible Penalties for a Violent Crime Felony
- Jail time
- Probation
- Parole
- Fines
- Restitution
- Registration as a sexual offender – sexual assault cases
- Mandatory court ordered classes
Felony Violent Crimes Sentencing
In most cases a first time charge with a Felony Violent Crime with no other charges on the individual's criminal record may be able to be reduced to a misdemeanor or an alternative sentence. This is typically done by an experienced legal representative that negotiates a plea and alternative sentencing prior to court. While this won't eliminate all the issues, it can help to keep a felony charge off your record.
Hiring an Attorney for a Felony Violent Crime
The significance of these types of felony charges cannot be stressed enough. Generally with this type of charge your career and job options will be severely limited, plus you will face lengthy jail time, fines and restitution to the victim. Getting an attorney involved early may provide the opportunity to have the charges decreased to a misdemeanor or working out an option to avoid jail time and a felony conviction.
