Criminal law is a general term for the system that covers criminal offenses. Regulating the laws, charging individuals with crimes, administering trials and issuing penalties to offenders are all part of the criminal law and justice system in California.

Criminal law principles

The original purpose of criminal law is to cover a morally wrong act and action of the offender. The system gives punishment depending on the harm done and how if the accused shows guilt. In the present era, the criminal law code thinks about how punishment affects the accused’s future life and protects the public from them.

Types of criminal cases

There are three major types of criminal cases. The lowest form of criminal law is a violation. Examples of criminal violations are disorderly conduct and trespassing. Violations are not seen as a crime and can only jail a defendant for 15 days.

Misdemeanors are more serious than violations. Examples of criminal misdemeanors are the creation of graffiti and prostitution. The punishment for a Class A misdemeanor is up to one year in jail. A Class B misdemeanor could result in up to three months in jail.

Examples of felonies are murder and arson. Felonies are the most serious, so the accused could spend at least a year in jail if convicted. The judge might offer less time and make the remainder probation time. The types of felonies are A-I, A-II, B, C, D and E. A Class E felony has a maximum penalty of four years in jail, and a Class D felony has a max of seven years in jail. A Class C felony has a max of 15 years in jail while a Class B felony has a max of 25 years in jail. Class A felonies have a max of life in prison.

Felonies are not only divided by class but violent and non-violent as well. Whether a person is accused of committing a felony or misdemeanor, it’s important to know which type and what class because that will greatly affect the range of potential penalties.