Nebraska Panhandle Felony Defense Lawyers

We also serve Dawes, Sheridan, Cheyenne, Box Butte, & Kimball Counties

While being charged with any crime can be a terrifying experience, facing felony charges in Nebraska can be all the more intimidating. Unlike misdemeanors and other lesser counterparts, felony crimes carry especially severe consequences if convicted, making it all the more crucial for defendants in Scotts Bluff County and beyond to understand and exercise their rights under the law.

Island Law Office, PC, LLO has extensive experience defending clients throughout the Nebraska Panhandle. Unlike larger firms, we concentrate on providing high-quality, customized legal representation to each and every client we serve, empowering our fellow Nebraskans in Scotts Bluff, Dawes, Cheyenne, and Box Butte Counties to take back their freedom and safeguard their future for many years to come.

Facing felony charges in Scotts Bluff County? Turn to a criminal defense firm you can trust to aggressively defend your rights. Call (308) 633-4040 to request a consultation.

What Constitutes Felony Charges in Nebraska?

Facing criminal charges is typically cause for alarm, but felony crimes hold a special weight in Nebraska. Being a convicted felon can have serious legal repercussions on a person’s reputation, academic career, personal and professional relationships, social life, and more.

That’s why it’s crucial to safeguard your freedom by seeking strong representation from an experienced felony criminal defense attorney who can fight to drop or reduce the charges against you. If you or someone you know is facing felony charges in Nebraska, it’s essential to understand state laws, classifications, and potential penalties to avoid life-altering penalties in court.

Types of Felony Offenses

Felony crimes are serious offenses that can carry severe consequences, including imprisonment, fines, and a lasting impact on your life as a convicted felon. Luckily, our accomplished felony crime attorneys are well-equipped to represent clients in a range of felony cases in Morrill County, Scotts Bluff County, and beyond.

In Nebraska, felonies are divided into 4 classes: Class I, Class II, Class III, and Class IV. Each class corresponds to a specific level of severity and carries distinct penalties. Keep reading to learn how felony charges are classified in Nebraska criminal courts:

Class I Felonies

Class I felonies are the most severe type of felony in Nebraska. They include crimes like first-degree murder. The maximum penalty for a Class I felony is death, although the following classifications can also apply:

• Class IA felonies: Life imprisonment
• Class IB felonies: 20 years to life in prison
• Class IC felonies: 5 to 50 years in prison
• Class ID felonies: 3 to 50 years in prison

Class II Felonies

Class II felonies are serious crimes, such as kidnapping, sexual assault, and second-degree murder. Penalties for Class II felonies fall on a wide spectrum. Severe crimes are punishable by anywhere from 1 to 50 years in prison.

• Class IIA felonies are considered lesser offenses that can carry up to 20 years in prison or no imprisonment at all.

Class III Felonies

Class III felonies include offenses like robbery, burglary, and some drug offenses. If convicted of a Class III felony, penalties include:

• Up to 4 years in prison and 9 months to 2 years of post-release supervision; and/or
• A maximum fine of $25,000.

Class IIIA felonies are lesser offenses that can carry the following penalties if convicted:

• 0-3 years in prison and 9-18 months of post-release supervision; and/or
• A maximum fine of $10,000.

Class IV Felonies

Class IV felonies are the least severe type of felony in Nebraska. Examples of Class IV felonies include theft, fraud, and certain DUI offenses. Penalties for Class IV felonies include:

• 0-2 years in prison;
• 0-12 months of post-release supervision; and/or
• A maximum fine of $10,000.

Probation is a common alternative to imprisonment for Class IV felony convictions.

Felony Penalties in Nebraska

As mentioned above, the penalties for each felony classification vary in severity. Generally, penalties can include imprisonment, fines, probation, and post-release supervision. In some cases, additional penalties may apply, such as mandatory drug treatment, community service, or restitution to victims.

Aside from the immediate criminal penalties, being a convicted felon in Nebraska carries long-lasting consequences. Some of these repercussions include:

• Loss of civil rights, such as the right to vote or hold public office
• Difficulty finding employment due to a criminal record
• Ineligibility for certain professional licenses
• Ineligibility for certain government benefits, including public housing and student financial aid
• Loss of gun ownership rights
• Possible deportation if not a U.S. citizen

Given the serious nature of felony charges and their potential consequences, it’s crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney if you are facing felony charges in Nebraska. A skilled attorney can help navigate the complex legal system, protect your rights, and work towards the best possible outcome for your case.

Skilled Defense for Felony Charges in the Nebraska Panhandle

Since 1994, our determined Gering criminal defense attorneys at Island Law Office, PC, LLO have forged a successful track record in defending our neighbors throughout the Nebraska Panhandle. From violent crimes to sexual assault, our assertive legal advocates have the specialized knowledge and skillset to defend your rights and restore your freedom. Don’t wait to secure the fierce representation you need and deserve to clear your good name and avoid a life-altering felony conviction.

A felony conviction can result in harsh penalties, including prison time and loss of civil liberties, like firearm ownership. Call (308) 633-4040 to discuss your case with a knowledgeable defense lawyer in Gering.