Felony Attorney in Missoula, MT

A felony offense is a more serious crime that is punishable by imprisonment for longer than one year. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses that do not amount to felonies and include confinement of one year or much less.

What are some examples of Felony charges?

Including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and manslaughter.

Committing a theft through the threat or use of force.

Entering a building or home with the intention of committing a theft offense.

Such as felony assault, rape, human trafficking, child molestation, and child pornography.

Such as manufacturing or cultivating controlled substances, distribution, sale, and trafficking.

Such as malicious destruction, arson, misappropriation of property, grand theft, white collar crimes like fraud, misrepresentation, identity theft, embezzlement, securities fraud, and tax evasion

Including driving while intoxicated with a child in the car.

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Considerations in a Felony Case

If you are convicted of a felony, you will typically face a potential sentence of over one year in state prison or the Department of Corrections. Some or all of this time may be suspended. You could also face other severe collateral consequences such as losing voting rights, your right to possess or purchase a firearm, being barred from jury duty, losing professional licenses, and having difficulty obtaining jobs and housing.

Additionally, most felonies include supervised release programs for one year or longer after serving the sentence, and probation periods may also be imposed based on the crime’s severity. Fines may be imposed based on the criminal statute while victims may be granted restitution depending on applicable laws.

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The Sentencing Process of Felony Crimes

  • If you are convicted of a felony the court will determine the sentence based on the defendant’s prior criminal history and the severity of the offenses.

  • Montana’s statutes can sometimes provide sentencing enhancements for repeat offenses, offenses against vulnerable people, and use of a weapon in the commission of an offense, among other enhancements.

  • The judge has the discretion to sentence you to a suspended sentence, formal felony probation in lieu of jail time or imprisonment depending on the circumstances of each case. Some cases do carry mandatory minimum confinement terms that typically can not be suspended or satisfied with probation.

  • The sentencing judge can also place multiple conditions on any sentence you receive, including treatment for chemical addiction or mental health issues, restricting your ability to freely travel, limit who you can associate with, restrict your license, and many other conditions depending on the issues in your case.

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The Effects of Criminal Convictions

The effects of criminal convictions include long-term consequences such as:

  • Fines and Court Costs

  • Probation

  • Prison Time

  •  Post-conviction restrictions that can have serious long-term consequences, such as revocation of certain professional licenses

  • Inability to hold certain jobs, obtain loans, or rent apartments

  • Damage to reputation with friends, families, and co-workers

  • Loss of important constitutional rights such as the right to vote or possess a firearm