Sometimes, sentences in one case can be wildly different than other, similar cases. Prosecutors sometimes have wide leeway to determine the strength and length of the sentences handed down.
Aggressive prosecution and lengthy sentences make it all the more important to always have a strong defense. If you’re charged with a crime, you’ll need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.
Factors Affecting Sentencing
There are many factors that can affect the kind of sentence you get, and not just what the crime is:
- The jurisdiction in charge of prosecuting. (For example, Smith County takes a particularly harsh approach to credit card fraud. There have been several criminal sentences spanning decades for crimes like credit card skimming.)
- The history of the person convicted. People with more arrests and convictions on their record often receive longer sentences.
- The circumstances around the crime. For example, some crimes include aggravating factors, such as whether or not a weapon was involved.
Financial Crimes Versus Violent Crimes
Typically, things like financial crimes have more lenient sentences than violent crimes. Financial and other white collar crimes are subject to sentencing guidelines which provide the range of potential penalties for these offenses.
Some advocates believe that financial crime should not lead to extended prison stays. Others argue that the sentence should match the harm done, and some financial crimes have the power to harm hundreds or thousands of people.
Violent crimes like assault are different in several ways. They’re often done on a smaller, more personal scale than financial crimes. The crime and the harm done are easier to explain to a jury. Attitudes toward violent crime may be more fixed and uniform because people feel they understand these crimes.
Because of that, violent crimes tend to be prosecuted harshly. If you’re accused of a crime, you need a strong defense.
Crafting Your Defense
Criminal defense is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. The right defense in one case might be very different from the right defense in the next, even if they involve the same criminal charge. Things like jurisdiction can matter as much or more than the actions that led to the charges in the first place.
Your lawyer needs to have the experience, skill and knowledge to take all factors into account. The outcome of your case is not set in stone. Your defense matters, and so does the defense attorney you choose to help you.
Contact Our Knowledgeable Defense Team Today
Every criminal case is important. The outcome of your case can change your life in ways you can’t imagine. At Lee & Wood, GP, our Texas criminal defense attorneys will take your case seriously. We work hard to protect every client to the best of our ability. Contact us today at 817-678-6771 to discuss your criminal defense needs.