Criminal law covers a wide variety of misconduct ranging from identity theft to traffic violations. While prosecuting attorneys build a case against the accused, it is the responsibility of a criminal defense attorney to defend those being implicated in the crimes falling into this category. Many lawyers choose to specialize in one or two types of cases; for example, a Criminal Defense Lawyer PA may practice solely in internet crimes while a Criminal Defense Lawyer FL may defend only drug related cases.
Attorneys commonly see those under suspicion of theft in need of defense. Encompassing petty theft to grand theft, this crime is defined as taking someone’s personal property without consent. Theft of a petty nature refers to items with insignificant value, such as small electronic devices whereas grand theft covers more expensive items like vehicles. Petty theft is generally considered a misdemeanor; however, grand theft is a felony.
Theft is divided into a number of varying charges, the most common being theft by taking. This situation simply covers taking property from another individual. Theft by conversion covers taking property from one person and passing it on to another. One representation of conversion would be illegally gaining possession of a vehicle from its owner, selling the vehicle to someone else and keeping the money from the sale. Theft by deception includes financing items without intent to pay for them. Attempting to use a deactivated credit card or a fraudulent check to make payments on an item fall under deception.
Violent crimes, such as assault, battery and homicide, are also included in criminal law. Assault entails attempting to intimidate another without performing a violent act. Battery is the act of following through with a threat. Brandishing a knife and threatening to stab someone would be assault. Actually stabbing a person would be battery. Homicide is defined as an attack on a person resulting in loss of life. As is the case regarding theft, homicide involves varying forms of the crime.
Terminating someone intentionally and maliciously is considered murder if the accused is believed to have planned the crime in advance. Spontaneous taking of a life is deemed manslaughter. Justifiable homicides indicate ending the life of someone in self defense.
A Criminal Defense Lawyer PA may also handle cases involving DUI, domestic violence, forgery, sexual offenses and a number of other crimes.
