When someone is found guilty of a crime, the court process isn't quite over yet. The person must now wait for their sentencing, in which the judge will determine what punishment is most fitting for a crime. This means that the defendant's lawyer still has a big role to play, even if they were not able to get the jury to declare their client innocent. In fact, this part of the court process is where Stephenville, TX, lawyers have the most work to do, because the sentencing could go multiple ways. If you're facing a sentencing soon, there are a number of outcomes that you may face depending on your crime. This article will introduce you to the possible sentences you may receive. Fine This punishment is usually used for misdemeanors, like traffic violations or shoplifting small items. For such violations, you will be required to pay a fine, of which the court can determine the amount. Once the judge has set the amount to be paid, it cannot be negotiated, but a good lawyer may be able to help you get a lower fine amount set during the hearing. Afterwards, you must pay the fine; if you don't, you risk going to jail. In some cases a fine will be coupled with jail time. Prison This sentencing is usually used to punish those who have committed a felony. This could include armed robbery, rape, assault, drug crimes, or a large number of other crimes. A judge will determine how much time you will spend in prison based on the seriousness of the crime you committed, your criminal history, and in some cases, the individual circumstances surrounding the crime. Your lawyer can help to fight for a shorter prison sentence during this phase of the hearing. Restitution Paying restitution is different from paying a fine in that you have to pay back the costs that your victim incurred due to your crime. This can include loss of property, property damage, or medical bills if the victim was physically harmed during your crime. Sometimes, a victim can seek restitution in a civil case against you even after you have been sentenced in public court. Probation If you don't have a criminal history, some judges may be inclined to put you on probation rather than sending you to prison for your crime. This means that the judge will set certain rules for your behavior--not committing further crimes, getting and holding down a job, checking in with a probation officer regularly, etc. So long as you play by the rules for the given amount of time, you will not have to go to jail. However, if you break the terms of your probation, the judge can enforce another sentencing, which is usually jail time. Death Penalty This sentence is reserved for only the most serious of crimes--typically, murder in the first degree. This usually means that the murder was premeditated and committed with extreme malice. Those who commit multiple murders, or whose murders are extremely gruesome in nature, may also receive this sentence. However, a defense lawyer will always fight for another sentence, even if it is life in prison. Alternative Sentences There are a few other sentences that you may receive for your crime. These can include things such as house arrest, attendance at an addiction recovery program, or community service. Typically, these sentences are for those with misdemeanors, or for first-time offenders. If you've reached the sentencing phase of your case, your lawyer's work is far from over. They can still make a big difference in the final outcome, so make sure you only work with the best Stephenville, TX, lawyers.
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