What is Criminal Law?
Criminal law is an area of law where a person is accused of an act that’s considered a crime to the community at large and punishable by a fine, and maybe even jail or prison time. This includes, but not limited to:
- Assaults
- Thefts
- Fraud
- Harassment
- DUI which is driving under the influence
- The possession, manufacturing, or distribution of illegal drugs or narcotics
- Burglaries
- Robbery
- Homicide
There are two different classes of crimes under Tennessee law:
- Misdemeanors (crimes that are punishable by a prison term less than one year)
- Felonies (crimes that are punishable by a prison term of one year or more)
Understanding the difference between the two can often be confusing. Sometimes, someone may be charged with a felony when the evidence actually shows that they’re guilty of committing a misdemeanor. But many people are unfamiliar with criminal law and need guidance on what to do in and before their case comes to court.
Why do you need an attorney?
Having an attorney is really important. I would say that it’s necessary, since pleading to a crime can have some long-reaching consequences on your life.
For example, did you know that once you plead guilty to a felony or misdemeanor:
- It stays on your record for the rest of your life?
- Did you know that pleading guilty to a crime could have implications to your job prospects or future career, as a criminal history can prevent you from a career in nursing, teaching, and even as an attorney, just to name a few?
- Did you know that pleading guilty to or being found guilty of a felony means that you must voluntarily submit a DNA sample to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s database?
- That you are forbidden from possessing a firearm?
- Did you know that some crimes, such as DUI, have a mandatory jail sentence, and can’t be waived by the court?
If you’re a regular citizen, you probably have no idea about the crime or crimes that you’ve been charged with, and really need someone to look out for your interests. That is why an attorney is good to have. In many ways, criminal law is like a complicated game, and you’re being asked to make decisions without anyone there to explain the rules to you. But an attorney already knows the rules, and can help you navigate the confusing and often stressful legal process.
Why should you hire Chessia Cox as your attorney in south east Tennessee?
Before opening her own practice, Chessia Cox worked as an assistant public defender for 4 years. During that time, She represented thousands of clients for various crimes in McMinn, Bradley, Polk, and Monroe Counties in southeast Tennessee. Not only is she familiar with the criminal system, but is also comfortable in dealing with the criminal courts, the various police departments, and the District Attorney’s office. Should you allow her to be your representative, you’ll be zealously represented and all options will be explained to you so that you can best decide what action to take on your case.
Click here to go to the Cox Law Office Web Site!
The true genius shudders at incompleteness and usually prefers silence to saying something which is not everything it should be. Edgar Allan Poe