Law is an expansive field that encompasses different types of offenses and regulations. In Singapore, criminal cases account for 30 percent of the legal disputes in law courts. People commit crimes for various reasons, some knowingly and others unknowingly. Each criminal offense attracts different punishments in Singapore. It is imperative to understand the different kinds of criminal cases. This knowledge will help you hire a top criminal lawyer in Singapore if you are caught in the crosshairs of one. Before delving into the different types of cases and how to resolve them, you must first understand what a criminal case is.
What is a criminal case?
A criminal case is a legal dispute where the offender is accused of committing an offense. The offense is a violation of the legal code that the legislators make.
Types of Criminal cases
Criminal cases range from minor offenses to major felonies. However, the main categories are:
- Felonies
Felonies are the most severe criminal offense. Felonies involve bodily harm, aggravated assault, and fraudulent practices. However, second-time offenders can have their cases elevated to a felony depending on the degree of the charge and the legal code of the province. Since felonies are more severe, it follows that their punishments are too. The general definition of a felony is any crime that attracts a sentence of not less than a year. In serious felonies in Singapore, the conviction may be life imprisonment without parole. In such instances, you need a criminal lawyer in Singapore to minimize the judgment or plead for bail or a fine of a reasonable amount.
- Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors fall into the middle between mild and extreme criminal cases. Misdemeanors carry up to a year in jail contingent on the type of misdemeanor. However, they attract heavy fines that prosecutors have a field day litigating. Other punishments for a misdemeanor are probation, restitution, and community service. The main types of cases under the misdemeanor category are
- Disorderly Conduct
- Indecent Exposure
- Public intoxication
- Shoplifting
- Rowdy behavior
Some cases fall in between misdemeanors and felonies. Circumstances of the case dictate which type a criminal case is. If the crime involves violence, the issue may fall in the lines of a felony rather than a misdemeanor. A top criminal lawyer in Singapore knows how to defend you in court while employing the penal code of Singapore to your advantage actively.
- Infractions
Infractions are the least punishable crimes. The conventional penalties for infractions are instant fines and up to one year of incarceration in extreme cases. Different legal jurisdictions have additional penalties, and your criminal lawyer will litigate the case in court according to the penal code. However, infractions are not cases you need to haggle about if you have a top criminal lawyer at your service. Minor infractions can lead to more jail terms if they are the primary cause of more serious offenses. Infractions damage your criminal record, and if you feel you are wrongly accused, you can appeal your citation.
Outlook
Criminal cases are a part of our daily lives. Hiring a top criminal lawyer in Singapore is pivotal to navigating through the corridors of justice for a favorable judgment. Expert attorneys offer you the best legal service at a feasible price.
