Criminal laws, also known as Penal Laws, include the rules and statutes that are written up by the Congress and state legislators, that deal with various criminal activity that may cause harm to the public. It covers criminal procedures that are linked to charging, trying, sentencing, and then imprisoning the defendants that are convicted of the crimes. These laws also seek to regulate how defendants are investigated, charged, and then tried.
Criminal defense attorneys cover a wide range of cases. From simple traffic violations and shoplifting charges, to the more serious crimes of murder, rape, and other violent crimes. Criminal defense laws are varied, and the state prosecutor initiates them.
The areas of criminal defense law include both felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are serious offenses like murder and ripe, while misdemeanors are less serious offenses like petty theft and jaywalking.
Felony charges are punishable by imprisonment terms, that exceed more than a year, or even death.
Misdemeanor crimes are punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to a year, or jail and fine.
The areas of criminal defense law include the following:
1. Kidnap – the act of leading, taking, or enticing a person away. It is also defined as to detain an individual, while intending a ransom to take place in exchange for the hostage.
2. Assault – the act of intentional or reckless personal violence.
3. Embezzlement and Theft – Embezzlment is an offense committed by a clerk or servant, who misappropriates the property appointed by the employer. Theft on the other hand, is a term that usually describes stealing and larceny.
4. Homicide – all cases of homicide are classified as manslaughter or murder. It is the unlawful or lawful, killing of one human being by another, with or without the intent to kill or do serious bodily harm.
5. Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Assault