Blair, NE Criminal Defense Attorneys

Lawyers for Drug Crimes, Weapons Charges, and Other Offenses in Blair, Nebraska

After an arrest, a person will need to understand how they may be affected by criminal charges. Criminal cases need to be taken seriously, no matter the nature of the alleged offense. A conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record, even if an offense is classified as a misdemeanor. In cases involving felony charges, the consequences are likely to be even more serious. A criminal conviction may continue to affect a person for years or even for the rest of their life.

The criminal justice system is complex, and legal counsel can be crucial for anyone who has been charged with a crime. Prosecutors are experienced litigators who handle criminal cases every day. A skilled criminal defense attorney can make sure a person will be able to respond to the tactics used by prosecutors and develop a successful strategy to help avoid a conviction. At Olsen Law Offices, P.C., L.L.O., our lawyers understand the system, and we know how to evaluate evidence and identify the ideal strategies that will be most likely to produce a favorable outcome in a client's case.

Misdemeanor Charges

Many crimes are classified as misdemeanors. While these charges may be on the less serious end of the spectrum of criminal cases, they should not be treated as if they are minor matters. A misdemeanor conviction will result in a permanent criminal record, and it can affect a person's employment opportunities, their ability to find housing, and more. Jail time is also a real possibility in these cases.

In Nebraska, there are several categories of misdemeanor offenses. The penalties for these categories include:

• Class I Misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine
• Class II Misdemeanor: Up to six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine
• Class III Misdemeanor: Up to three months in jail and/or a $500 fine
• Class IIIA Misdemeanor: Up to seven days in jail and/or a $500 fine
• Class IV Misdemeanor: No jail time; a fine of up to $500
• Class V Misdemeanor: No jail time; a fine of up to $100
• Class W Misdemeanor: Reserved for DUI offenses, with penalties depending on whether it is a first, second, or third offense

A wide range of offenses can be charged as misdemeanors, including:

• Assault in the Third Degree: This offense involves intentionally causing someone to suffer an injury, reckless actions that resulted in injuries, or making threats. It is a Class I misdemeanor in most cases, although in situations where the parties were engaging in mutual combat, it may be charged as a Class II misdemeanor.
• Shoplifting and Theft: A case involving property valued at less than $500 may be charged as a Class II misdemeanor. If property that was allegedly stolen was valued between $500 and $1,499, Class I misdemeanor charges may apply.
• Criminal Mischief: This offense is also known as vandalism, and it may involve damaging or destroying another person's property. Damage resulting in losses of less than $500 can result in Class III misdemeanor charges. If damage is between $500 and $1,499, a person may face Class II misdemeanor charges. Damage between $1,500 and $4,999 may lead to Class I misdemeanor charges.
• Trespassing: In most cases, a person who enters an occupied building without permission may face first-degree criminal trespass charges. This offense is a Class I misdemeanor.
• Third-Degree Domestic Assault: A person who is accused of intentionally injuring or making threats against an intimate partner may be charged with a Class I misdemeanor.

Felony Charges

A felony conviction can result in a prison sentence, thousands of dollars in fines, and the loss of civil rights such as the right to vote and the right to possess firearms. The classes of felonies in Nebraska are as follows:

• Class IV Felony: Up to two years in prison and 12 months of supervision after release and/or a $10,000 fine
• Class IIIA felony: Up to three years in prison and 18 months of supervision after release and/or a $10,000 fine
• Class III felony: Up to four years in prison and two years of supervision after release and/or a $25,000 fine
• Class IIA felony: Up to 20 years in prison
• Class II felony: One to 50 years in prison
• Class ID felony: Three to 50 years in prison
• Class IC felony: Five to 50 years in prison
• Class IB felony: 20 years to life in prison
• Class IA felony: Life in prison
• Class I felony: Death penalty

Some offenses are always charged as felonies based on their nature. Others may initially be classified as misdemeanors, but they may escalate to felony charges based on prior convictions or aggravating factors. Specific offenses include:

• Assault: First-degree assault involving the intentional infliction of a serious injury is a Class II felony. Second-degree assault involving intentional injuries with a weapon or another instrument is a Class IIA felony.
• Robbery: Theft of property through force, violence, or fear is a Class II felony.
• Burglary: Breaking and entering into real estate property with the intent to commit theft or a felony offense is a Class IIA felony.
• Sexual Assault: First-degree sexual assault involving sexual intercourse without consent is a Class II felony. Second-degree sexual assault involving sexual contact that resulted in serious injuries is a Class IIA felony.
• Theft: An offense involving property valued between $1,500 and $4,999 may be charged as a Class IV felony. Theft of property worth at least $5,000 is a Class IIA felony.
• Drug Crimes: Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance such as heroin, methamphetamine, or cocaine may lead to Class IV felony charges. Penalties will increase at higher amounts. Felony charges will also typically apply in cases involving allegations of drug distribution or drug manufacturing.
• Weapons Offenses: Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person such as a convicted felon is a Class ID felony. Unlawful possession of a firearm in a school is a Class IV felony. Possession of certain prohibited weapons, such as machine guns or sawed-off shotguns, is a Class IV felony.

Contact Our Blair Criminal Defense Lawyers

Whether you are facing accusations of a misdemeanor or a felony, the outcome of your case will depend on the defense strategies that may be used by a criminal defense lawyer. At Olsen Law Offices, P.C., L.L.O., we can review the charges you are facing, investigate the facts of your case, and fight on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome. Contact our Blair, NE criminal law attorneys at 402-598-5789 to schedule your free consultation.