The two categories of criminal offenses are misdemeanors and felonies.  Misdemeanors are criminal offenses jailable for up to one year and felonies are criminal offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year.

A defendant charged with a felony offense is entitled to a preliminary hearing within ten days of arrest if the defendant has not bailed out of jail.  If the defendant has bailed out of jail, then the defendant is entitled to a preliminary hearing within twenty days.

If you have been charged with a felony offense and desire to hire an attorney, you need to do so as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that critical opportunities to get the charges dismissed are lost.  Likewise, if you are charged with a misdemeanor and desire to hire counsel, don't put it off to the last minute.  Your attorney will need time to prepare for trial.  Moreover, if you don't hire an attorney, you might find yourself at the mercy of the prosecutor or having to be in the unenviable position of going to a bench trial against the prosecutor without counsel.

Don't delay, call (304) 205-8915 today to schedule a consultation.