Some Common Terms You May Hear On a Criminal Law Case

Criminal matters can be confusing and scary. If you are in the midst of a criminal case, your head may be spinning with many questions and concerns. Our criminal attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help answer all of your questions. Answering all of your criminal law questions may not be able to predict the outcome of your case, but it can help you get a good idea of what to expect during the process. Take a look below for top questions that are asked during a criminal case at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Term #1: What is a "white collar" crime?

A white collar crime is typically not a violent crime. It is often an intellectual crime that involves a large amount of money. Crimes that are white collar in nature are typically tax fraud, identity theft, and embezzlement.

Term #2: What is a grand jury?

A grand jury does not have the authority to rule guilty or innocent like a typical jury does. This kind of jury will rule whether there is enough evidence available for the government to continue with the proceeding.

Term #3: Do I need an attorney if I was falsely accused?

Even if you know you are innocent, it's the jury or judge that has to make the final decision. An attorney can help gather the right information and present your case in a professional manner. The experience of a legal professional can help deal with last minute changes or evidence that may be presented. A lawyer can help your case in a number of ways.

Term #4: What is "restitution"?

The amount of money that is required for a criminal to pay the other party is known as "restitution". Its purpose is to cover any cost that may have been caused by the crime. Medical bills, lost wages, and property damage are common reasons for restitution to be paid out.

Term #5: Is there a difference between "parole" and "probation"?

Parole is when a criminal is released early from prison on good behavior but is still being monitored closely. Probation is when a criminal is allowed to remain in the public community and to be under strict rules and regulations, instead of being sentenced to prison.

Did we answer your burning criminal law questions? If not, contact our Lake of the Ozarks law office today. We can schedule a consultation to discuss your case and help answer any other questions you may have. Gibbons Law Firm looks forward to helping you through this stressful and confusing process. Don't forget your first consultation with us is free!


Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

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2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Answers To Common Legal Questions: Criminal Law

Legal matters are complex and confusing. If you are engaged in your first brush with the law, your mind may be spinning with multiple questions about what the future holds. While it is impossible to predict certain aspects, such as whether or not you will receive a criminal conviction, our criminal attorney in Camden County MO may be able to help ease your mind by answering some of the other questions you may have about criminal law.

Question #1: What is the difference between probation and parole?
Answer: In some cases, convicted criminals may receive probation instead of a prison sentence. Instead of being incarcerated, probation allows the person to remain in his community providing that he follows certain guidelines, obeys certain restrictions, and meets regularly with his probation officer. The parameters surrounding parole are similar, but parole applies to individuals who are released from prison early for good behavior instead of individuals who avoid incarceration altogether.

Question #2: What are "white collar" crimes?
Answer: White collar crimes are high-profile, intellectual crimes that may involve a great deal of money and/or financial assets. They are generally nonviolent in nature. Examples of white collar crimes include embezzlement, tax fraud, identity theft, and bank robbery. While some are relatively minor, most white collar crimes are classified as felonies.

Question #3: I have been falsely accused. Do I still need an attorney?
Answer: The short answer is that yes, hiring an attorney may still be beneficial even if you did not actually commit the crime in question. Police officers sometimes make mistakes, and surrounding circumstances may stack up against you to create an incriminating scene. Our team will be here to defend your rights if you have been falsely accused.

Question #4: What is a grand jury?
Answer: Unlike the typical jury most people are familiar with, a grand jury does not have the authority to render an "innocent" or "guilty" verdict. Rather, the grand jury evaluates the evidence presented and determines whether or not the government has enough evidence to continue the criminal proceedings.

Question #5: Do I need an attorney if I've been charged with a DWI?
Answer: The consequences for many traffic violations are relatively minor, and many people choose to address certain traffic law issues without an attorney. However, the consequences of a DWI conviction are serious and may affect your life for years to come. If you are faced with DWI charge, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a criminal attorney.

Question #6: What is "restitution"?
Answer: Restitution refers to the funds convicted criminals are sometimes required to pay their victims in order to cover the losses they incurred as a result of the crime. Restitution may be ordered to compensate for expenses such as medical bills, property damage, lost income, or funeral expenses.

Contact Gibbons Law Firm For Criminal Representation
If you are facing criminal charges in Camden County MO, we hope you'll consider Gibbons Law Firm. Our criminal defense attorney in Osage Beach has successfully represented criminal cases of all types and would be honored to assist you with your case. For more information about our criminal defense services, visit our website at GibbonsLawFirm.com/Criminal-Law.

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Gibbons Law Firm

4075 Osage Beach Parkway, Suite 300

Osage Beach, MO 65065

(573) 348-2211

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No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.