CRIMINAL

If you are arrested for a Traffic offense or a Crime, or are a suspect, it is important to know and understand your rights BEFORE you say or do something that may further incriminate you or affect your case, and JUPITER LAW CENTER can counsel you as to those rights so that you can make an intelligent decision about how to handle your case. Don’t simply Plead Guilty just to get it over with – call us so that we may explain to you all of your rights.

Below are a few interesting facts about Criminal law:

• In a CRIMINAL case, a Defendant cannot be compelled to be a witness against himself/herself.

• A FELONY is a crime that results in a punishment of going to prison for one or more years or death. On the other hand, a MISDEMEANOR is a lesser crime with a lesser punishment (up to one year in jail).

• Only FELONIES and MISDEMEANORS are considered “crimes.” NONCRIMINAL VIOLATIONS are those that are punishable by no more than a fine or other civil penalty.

• Generally, TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS are non-criminal violations. However, some traffic violations, such as DUI, are criminal traffic offenses.

• The use of FORCE - except Deadly Force - is justified to protect one’s property. However, one needs a reasonable belief that the use of force is necessary to prevent interference with your property.