FORMER PROSECUTOR REPRESENTING THOSE FACING
CHARGES IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 28 YEARS.
Northampton Felony Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a felony in Northampton, it is imperative that you seek out the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. A felony charge is a very serious matter and can result in significant prison time if you are convicted. The stakes are high, so you need to be sure that you have an aggressive and knowledgeable lawyer on your side who will fight for your rights.
The Law Office of Thomas Kokonowski has extensive experience handling all types of felonies, from drug charges to murder. We understand the severity of the situation you are facing and will do everything in our power to help you avoid a conviction and harsh penalties. We offer a free initial consultation so that we can review your case and discuss your legal options. Contact us today to schedule yours.
What Is a Felony in Northampton?
In Massachusetts, a felony is defined as any crime that is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for more than one year. There are five classes of felonies, with first-degree felonies being the most serious and fifth-degree felonies being the least serious. The different classes of felonies are as follows:
- First-degree felonies: Up to life in prison
- Second-degree felonies: Up to 20 years in prison
- Third-degree felonies: Up to 10 years in prison
- Fourth-degree felonies: Up to 5 years in prison
- Fifth-degree felonies: Up to 2.5 years in prison
Some examples of felonies that our Northampton criminal defense attorney can defend you against include, but are not limited to:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Rape
- Armed robbery
- Aggravated assault and battery
- Home invasion
- Burglary
What Are the Potential Defenses to a Felony Charge in Northampton?
When you are facing a felony charge, it is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. Just because you have been charged with a crime does not mean that you will be convicted. There are many potential defenses that can be used in felony cases, and an experienced criminal defense attorney will know which ones to use in your particular case. Some of the most common defenses that our firm uses in felony cases include:
- lack of evidence
- mistaken identity
- self-defense / defense of others
- illegal search and seizure / violation of Miranda rights
- duress / coercion
- intoxication (not applicable to all charges)
- insanity
If any of these defenses apply to your case, we will aggressively pursue them in order to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed.
Drug trafficking or distribution charges, including possession with intent to sell or distribute drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, prescription drugs, etc.
- Possession of a firearm without a permit
- Felony OUI / DUI charges
As you can see, the penalties for a felony conviction are very severe. If you are facing any type of felony charge, it is essential that you seek out experienced legal help as soon as possible. The sooner you have an attorney on your side, the better your chances will be of achieving a favorable outcome in your case.