Consequences of Breaking the Law

Breaking the law can have serious consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record. Criminal law exists to keep society safe from those who break the law and to provide justice for victims of crime. In this post, we will provide an overview of criminal law, including the types of crimes, the stages of a criminal case, and the potential consequences of breaking the law.

Types of Crimes

Criminal law includes a wide range of offenses, from minor infractions like traffic violations to more serious crimes like murder and rape. Some of the most common types of criminal offenses include:

Drug crimes, such as possession or distribution of illegal drugs

Property crimes, such as theft or burglary

Violent crimes, such as assault, murder, or domestic violence

White-collar crimes, such as fraud or embezzlement

Cybercrimes, such as hacking or identity theft

No matter what type of crime is committed, an individual can face serious consequences, including fines and imprisonment.

“What would people nowadays become if they violate the law? In today’s legal environment, the consequences are more immediate than ever. With the rise of digital evidence, forensic data, and high-tech surveillance, law enforcement in Missouri and Kansas can build cases faster. A violation today doesn’t just result in a fine; it creates a digital footprint that can follow you across state lines and through every future background check.”

Stages of a Criminal Case

If someone is accused of committing a crime, the case will typically go through several stages in the criminal justice system. These stages include:

Arrest: When a person is taken into custody by law enforcement officers

Booking: The process of collecting personal information from the accused and taking their fingerprints and photo

Arraignment: The accused is brought before a judge and informed of their charges

Pretrial: The stage before the trial, where evidence is gathered and plea deals may be offered

Trial: The accused stands trial, and a jury or judge determines their guilt or innocence

Sentencing: If the accused is found guilty, they are sentenced, which can include fines, imprisonment, or probation

Appeals: The accused may appeal their conviction or sentence to a higher court

Potential Consequences of Breaking the Law

Breaking the law can have serious consequences that can affect a person’s life for years to come. Some of the potential consequences of breaking the law include:

Fines: Depending on the crime committed, a person may be required to pay a fine, which can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.

Imprisonment: If someone is convicted of a crime, they may be sentenced to serve time in jail or prison.

Criminal Record: A criminal record can significantly impact a person’s life, including limiting their job opportunities and affecting their ability to obtain credit or housing.

Probation: Instead of serving time in jail, a person may be placed on probation, which requires them to follow certain conditions, such as attending drug treatment or staying away from certain individuals.

Civil Penalties: In addition to criminal penalties, a person may also be required to pay civil penalties, such as restitution to a victim.

Breaking the law can have serious consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record. Criminal law is in place to keep society safe and provide justice for crime victims. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, it is essential to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney, like those at EMERY PARTNERS, who can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive a fair trial. Remember that prevention is the best medicine, and avoiding engaging in activities that can lead to criminal charges is always the best option.

The 4 Primary Legal Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

While the specific penalties vary by case, most criminal convictions in the Kansas City metro carry four primary legal ramifications:

Financial Penalties: This includes court-ordered fines and “restitution,” which is money paid to a victim to compensate for their loss. In local municipal courts, fines often range from $500 to $1,000 depending on the violation.
Incarceration: For misdemeanors, this typically means time in a local or county jail. For more serious felonies, it can involve a sentence in a state or federal prison.
Supervised Probation: Instead of jail, a judge may grant probation. This requires regular check-ins with a probation officer and strict adherence to rules, such as travel restrictions and drug testing.
Collateral Consequences: Beyond the court, a permanent criminal record can lead to “hidden” penalties, such as the loss of professional licenses (nursing, CDL, etc.), difficulty securing housing, and limited employment opportunities.

Local Legal Defense in the KC Metro

The consequences of breaking the law are handled differently depending on which side of the state line you are on. Our firm handles cases across the metropolitan area, including:

Kansas City Municipal Court (511 E. 11th St): Handling city ordinance violations and misdemeanors in KCMO.
Kansas City, Kansas Municipal Court: Managing cases within the Unified Government of Wyandotte County.
Johnson County District Court: For more complex state-level charges in Kansas.

Because the local prosecutor’s “standard offer” varies by court, having a defense attorney who knows these specific courtrooms is vital to reducing your potential penalties.