What Are Criminal Charges?

If you are facing a criminal charge, it can help to understand exactly what you are facing. Essentially, a criminal charge refers to a formal accusation that has been made against you or a given individual, and made by a governmental authority. It essentially asserts that someone has committed a certain crime. Criminal charges usually take form in a document. There are several types of criminal charges and documents, which can include:

• A complaint: this refers to any formal and legal documents which set out the facts as well as the legal reasons as to why a party believes they can put a criminal charge to you or an individual. The complaint essentially supports a claim and charge.
• An information: this refers to a formal and criminal charge which has been made by a prosecutor. The key to understanding an information is that a grand indictment is not necessary.
• An indictment: this can simply refer to a document whereby someone has been accused of a crime.
• A traffic ticket: this refers to a notice which has been issued to a motorist or other road user by an official as they are accused of a violation of traffic laws.

How Can a Criminal Lawyer Help Me?

Facing a criminal charge can be very distressing and cause you to have a difficult time. As the future is uncertain and you deal with facing the law and courts, it can help protect your rights and help you get through this turbulent period by consulting with a criminal lawyer. Particularly, criminal lawyers can defend you in court, can help you and the prosecutor to agree on a “plea bargain”. This can help to potentially reduce your sentence, or rid of some of the charges made against you.

Specifically, a criminal lawyer can also help you to:

• Find and figure out an appropriate sentencing program for your particular situation.
• Help you navigate and cope with the emotions that criminal trials can cause.
• Understand the reality of your situation and help you to make objective decisions.
• Impart relevant and complex knowledge of the criminal system in a way that is understandable and relevant, and that can help you in your case.
• Navigate your specific case through your state’s legal system, to help you be empowered during your case.
• Help you make objective decisions about your plea by explaining “hidden costs” and the general overview of each argument.
• Be represented and put your best foot forward in a case.
• Gather the evidence you need for your case.
• Hire and work effectively with investigators that can help you to draft your case.
• Hire and work effectively with “expert witnesses” that they have found. It may be possible that that they can present evidence that makes a strong case for your innocence.