Criminal law is a branch of law that deals with the legal aspects of crime and punishment. It is concerned with defining criminal offenses and setting out the legal penalties that may be imposed on individuals who commit those offenses. Criminal law also sets out the legal procedures for investigating, prosecuting, and punishing criminal offenses.
Criminal law covers a wide range of offenses, including:
- Felonies: Serious offenses such as murder, rape, and robbery, that are punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
- Misdemeanors: Less serious offenses such as minor theft, disorderly conduct, and traffic violations, that are punishable by imprisonment for less than one year.
- White Collar Crimes: Non-violent offenses committed by businesses and individuals, such as embezzlement, fraud, and insider trading.
- Drug Crimes: Offenses related to the possession, distribution, and sale of illegal drugs.
- Juvenile Crimes: Offenses committed by minors under the age of 18, including delinquent acts and status offenses such as truancy.
Criminal law also sets out the legal procedures for investigating and prosecuting criminal offenses, including the right to counsel, the right to a fair trial, and the rules of evidence.
Legal professionals with expertise in criminal law, such as criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors, play a crucial role in the criminal justice system. Criminal defense attorneys represent individuals who have been accused of criminal offenses, while prosecutors represent the government in criminal prosecutions.
We provide valuable guidance and representation to clients throughout the criminal justice process, from investigation and arrest to trial and sentencing.