Misdemeanors & Felonies
Dutchess County Criminal Defense Lawyers – (845) 605-4330
When you are charged with a serious criminal violation, it will either be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony. Make no mistake – both misdemeanors and felonies can carry significant, life-changing penalties upon conviction. To fight for your rights and do everything you can to avoid an unjust conviction or sentencing, work with the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC and our criminal defense attorneys in Dutchess County.
Reasons why people choose our law firm for their most difficult cases:
- We have decades of combined legal experience.
- We have three former prosecutors on our team.
- We always prioritize your case and satisfaction.
- We offer case evaluations to inquiring clients.
The sooner you act, the better your chances will be to challenge the prosecution’s case or an investigator’s argument. Put us in your corner today by filling out our contact form.
How Do Misdemeanors & Felonies Compare & Contrast?
Taking a look at your charges, you should see mention of either a misdemeanor or a felony crime. If you are facing multiple charges, you could even see both mentioned. What are the actual differences between misdemeanors and felonies, and how do those come into play for your case?
Misdemeanors categorize “less serious” crimes, like petty theft. People convicted of misdemeanors cannot be incarcerated for more than one year and will be sent to a jailhouse, not a prison, if they are sentenced to incarceration. Fines for misdemeanors typically do not exceed more than $1,000 but this is not guaranteed. As misdemeanors do range in degree, it is possible for the consequences of a first degree misdemeanor conviction to feel quite extreme in comparison to the alleged crime. You should defend yourself from them full-heartedly and with our legal services.
Felonies are “serious” crimes, like assault with a deadly weapon, grand theft auto, and most sex crimes. Felony convictions are permitted to include incarceration sentences in excess of one year, ranging to life without the chance of parole. People incarcerated due to a felony conviction will be sent to a state or federal prison, not a county jail. Fines for felonies can be severe, taking people's entire savings. Prosecutors gain reputation by securing felony convictions, and so you should anticipate an overzealous opposition whenever you are charged with a felony.
Your Defense Begins With Our Insight
Whether you are staring down a misdemeanor or felony charge against you, know that you can depend on our Dutchess County criminal defense attorneys to provide the quick-thinking, hard-hitting representation you need and deserve. We take the time to get to know our clients and understand all facets of their cases. Through our representation, we know you are going to feel confident that your criminal defense case has a great chance of panning out in your favor.
Discuss your options today by calling (845) 605-4330.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
READ WHAT PAST CLIENTS HAD TO SAY
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"Unfortunately some of the hardest times in our lives we need an attorney to help guide us through such emotional and uncertain and scary period"Unfortunately some of the hardest times in our lives we need an attorney to help guide us through such emotional and uncertain and scary period. Choosing the best attorney can take away some of the fear and anxiety Dennis and his absolutely amazing team have held my hand and calmed my nerves on more than one occasion Stacey is always on the other end of the phone to reassure me that it is a process and it will be ok.I have found such comfort in Dennis his knowledge and strong confidence that he and his team have it all under control allows me to focus on myself and my children while they handle my case. I highly recommend this firm!- Jennifer Garofolo
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"I am extremely thankful for having received the best representation from my attorney Kristen D. Farris for a temporary order of protection case against my soon to be ex-husband."
I am extremely thankful for having received the best representation from my attorney Kristen D. Farris for a temporary order of protection case against my soon to be ex-husband. Everything went so smooth with her amazing expertise and professionalism. In the court, she took charge right away and everything was just so well. I was so relieved! The outcome of the case was perfect and the case settled without any issues. I had no chance to stress! Finally, the office staff was so friendly and the communication, which was mostly through e-mail, was perfect. I am looking forward to working with Kristen with the next steps of getting a divorce. God answered my prayer when I asked for a great attorney :) I was so nervous but thankfully everything went so well!!!
- Rosa Gonzalez -
"Kristen and Erika were wonderful to work with. Very professional, yet compassionate. They thoroughly explained everything in understandable terms."
Kristen and Erika were wonderful to work with. Very professional, yet compassionate. They thoroughly explained everything in understandable terms. Both Kristen and Erika were prompt in all communications and kept me informed throughout.
- Rebecca T. -
"Tough, gracious, generous, and committed describe Kristen’s qualities as my attorney."
Tough, gracious, generous, and committed describe Kristen’s qualities as my attorney. And much thanks to the paralegal team as well. Their combined experience provided prompt support whenever I had any questions and helped talk me through my situation and to provide clarity. I can’t thank Kristen and her team enough for the all hard work and kindness through the process.
- T. Curtis-Verderosa -
"Christal Prinz is OUTSTANDING! She has compassion and a wealth of knowledge about the law."
Christal Prinz is OUTSTANDING! She has compassion and a wealth of knowledge about the law. She has a good common-sense approach as well. It was a delight to work with her considering the circumstances and nuances of my case and the law.
- A.P. -
"I am so thankful I found this law office to handle my divorce. Kristen was a pleasure to deal with and handled my divorce flawlessly. Communication was always very fast, and always very clear."
I am so thankful I found this law office to handle my divorce. Kristen was a pleasure to deal with and handled my divorce flawlessly. Communication was always very fast, and always very clear. I highly recommend! Couldn’t have been handled better. Thank you.
- Claudia Franciosa -
"The guidance and knowledge they provided was immeasurable."I am so grateful for the wonderful team that assisted me through one of the most difficult times of my life. The guidance and knowledge they provided was immeasurable.- Jessica Conklin
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"I am happy to recommend DRV Law and Kristen F. specifically. As a father divorcing an intractable and vengeful spouse, I was terrified of how the court would treat a father vs a mother, as well as of how my ex could muddy and delay the process."I am happy to recommend DRV Law and Kristen F. specifically. As a father divorcing an intractable and vengeful spouse, I was terrified of how the court would treat a father vs a mother, as well as of how my ex could muddy and delay the process. And all in the midst of a pandemic that made everything more complicated. Kristen and her team’s legal advice was consistently spot on, the office’s communication was regular and helpful, and their billing was fair and understandable. You won’t be disappointed in them!- A.B.