Penalty Enhancement in a Criminal Case

There are times when the prosecution may seek to enhance the penalties or charges in a criminal case. However, only certain types of circumstances are significant enough to warrant an enhancement. The following is a list of several examples that could easily lead to enhanced penalties or charges:

• Using a weapon to commit a crime
• Carrying a loaded weapon during the commission of a crime
• Killing or injuring another person in the commission of a crime
• Killing or injuring another person in the commission of a felony crime
• Committing a crime against a child
• Committing a crime in the presence of a minor
• Committing an offense while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Having a prior criminal record
• Violating parole or probation and then committing another crime
• Committing a crime based on age, sex, race, gender, sexuality, nationality, etc.
• In regards to child pornography, distributing or possessing materials with children of prepubescent age, distributing or possessing materials that show penetration of a child, and distributing or possessing large quantities of child pornography can led to an enhancement
• In regards to drug crimes, large quantities of illegal drugs can lead to enhanced penalties

These are just some examples of circumstances that can lead to enhanced charges or penalties. To increase your chances of avoiding the penalties associated with a criminal conviction, it’s best to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon after your arrest as possible. An attorney can work quickly to defend you against the accusations and ensure your rights are aggressively fought for from the onset of your case until its resolution.

Click here to search for a criminal lawyer near you if you need helping finding an attorney to defend you case.