Chattahoochee County, Georgia Criminal attorney

Chattahoochee County, Georgia Criminal attorney

A "civil infraction" is not a crime, although it is a charge filed by the state. The state has to prove that you are guilty of a civil infraction by a "preponderance of the evidence," which is to say, that it is more likely than not that you committed the violation. This is a much lesser standard unlike the "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" standard which applies in civil cases. A typical civil infraction is decided by a judge, without a jury, in what is typically a short proceeding.

Some states have a class of "petty offenses," where the defendant can be tried without a jury before a magistrate. Often, the only punishment for a "petty offense" is a fine. But, these offenses can be of a criminal nature.

A "misdemeanor" is a criminal offense, and conviction generally creates a criminal record. Misdemeanors are technically less serious crimes, however the impact of conviction can nevertheless be quite severe. Possible punishments for misdemeanors are imprisonment, probation, fines, and some times driver's license suspensions. Some misdemeanors are classified as "sex crimes" and mandate that a convicted person register as a "sex offender", and inform the police informed of his place of residence -- a requirement that may continue for life.

Felonies are the most serious offenses that can be charged. At times, the distinction between "felonies" and "misdemeanors" seems arbitrary. However, every serious criminal offense such as murder, sexual assault, embezzlement, burglary, robbery, arson, and treason are felonies.

If you have been charged with a crime in Chattahoochee County, Georgia , contact a criminal lawyer.

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Columbus GA DUI Lawyer | Fort Benning Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney.

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