Persons convicted of Federal Felonies are not eligible for probation or parole. In fact, they must serve a minimum of 85% of their sentence, unless the crime they are charged with is one that provides a mandatory minimum sentence. To give yourself the best chance at avoiding or minimizing a prison sentence, contact William M Butler, Jr., as soon as you are questioned about or accused of a crime. For over 35 years, he has practiced in all areas of criminal law, guiding people from all walks of life through the criminal justice system, and he can help you too. In this Criminal Defense Information Guide, we will cover the main areas from your constitutional rights to frequently asked questions and links to resources.
In the United States, every person who is accused of a crime has certain inalienable rights. He or she has the right to remain silent, and the right to know the charge. He or she also has the right to an attorney. William Butler has dedicated his practice to criminal defense. For over 35 years, he has skillfully defended thousands of clients, compiling an impressive record of positive results, and he can help you too. For immediate assistance, call the law office of William Butler at 502-582-2020, or contact him via email or text for your initial confidential consultation. For more information, please see his Case Results and Testimonials. He will fight to protect your rights, and make sure that the court hears your side of the story. A Criminal Defense Information Overview can be found below.
Criminal Defense – An Overview
The criminal justice system can be overwhelming and frightening. The incarceration rate in the United States is much higher than that of many other industrialized countries. Prison sentences are getting longer and more frequent. If you face the possibility of being accused of a crime, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as early in the process as possible, preferably even before questioning or investigation by the police. A criminal defense lawyer can fight to protect your legal and constitutional rights. Don’t delay. Be proactive, call today to schedule your consultation.
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Constitutional Protections for the Criminal Defendant
The United States Constitution and its subsequent amendments define the scope of governmental power and reserve certain individual rights to the people. The first ten amendments, also called the Bill of Rights, contain basic, fundamental rights of individuals on which the government may not impinge. Many of these constitutional rights provide protection to criminal defendants in the criminal justice system. The 14th Amendment extends substantive due process rights beyond the federal system to criminal defendants in state courts, where the vast majority of criminal trials occur.
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Classifications of Crimes
Because the negative behavior regulated by criminal laws varies from relatively minor to devastatingly violent, crimes are classified into levels or degrees. The classification of a crime reflects its seriousness. The actual classification of a particular offense varies depending on the jurisdiction.
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The Right to Counsel
The right to legal counsel is a fundamental right of criminal defendants under the U.S. Constitution. Many state constitutions also include this right, and some states provide broader rights to counsel than the federal constitution does. However, state defendants are still entitled to lawyers in certain scenarios, even if their state constitutions do not provide such rights, under the federal constitution via the 14th Amendment.
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Finding a Job After a Criminal Conviction
If you have been convicted of a crime, you may wonder if you will be able to find employment. Employers are becoming increasingly concerned about knowing whether applicants have criminal records. Part of this fear stems from large jury verdicts that have been rendered against employers for negligently hiring people with criminal histories who subsequently caused harm to others while on the job. Another worry for employers relates to whether they will have to disclose employees’ criminal convictions to others. For example, if a company is trying to raise capital, it may need to make certain disclosures to a bank. Will the company have to disclose that an employee has a criminal conviction for embezzlement or money laundering?
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Criminal Defense Resource Links
Secure Legal Counsel
For immediate assistance, call the law office of William Butler at 502-582-2020, or contact him via email for your initial confidential consultation. For over 35 years, he has successfully defended thousands of clients, compiling an impressive record of positive results, he can help you too. For more information, please see William Butler’s Case Results and Testimonials.
