There is more at stake than just your reputation when accused of a crime. While word may spread quickly in a small town, word can spread even quicker by those who have access to the internet. Since arrests are a matter of public record, you may be wondering what other potential impact a charge of theft and property crimes could have on you and your family.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, a charge related to theft & property crimes could be tried as a misdemeanor or a felony. A felony conviction could mean jail time of one year or more, while a misdemeanor conviction could result in a one-year sentence. Beyond that, this criminal charge becomes a matter of permanent record if a person is convicted.
Even if a person is accused of a crime, everyone in this country is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This means that one will be able to bring a criminal defense against said accusations, if one so chooses. A criminal defense can be built around a person’s specific circumstances, which is one way we help our clients at the Law Firm of Christopher T Adams PC.
No matter the circumstances, a person is entitled to their time in court to show their side of the story. To tarnish one’s reputation is one thing, but to have a criminal record is another. While you may not be able to control what those around town may be saying about you, one does have the right to build and control their criminal defense strategy.