Criminal Law in Nebraska
If you or a loved one is facing any type of criminal charge in Nebraska, immediately talk to a Nebraska criminal defense attorney. The stakes are too high to move forward without professional legal representation. Your entire future may be at stake.
If you’re concerned, we understand and this article (which is based upon Nebraska criminal law)was designed for you. We’ll discuss:
- Nebraska criminal laws;
- What you need to know about criminal defense in Nebraska; and
- How to work with your Nebraska criminal defense attorney.
Nebraska Criminal Laws
Crime
Criminal laws seek to protect individuals and the general public from perceived harm and keep order in society.
- Nebraska criminal laws and punishments are found in the Nebraska Revised Statutes – Title 28.
- There are many crimes listed in the Nebraska’s Title 28, including aiding and abetting, conspiracy, drunk driving, bribery, child abuse, incest, public intoxication, assault, indecent exposure, prostitution, disorderly conduct, child pornography, embezzlement, identity theft, forgery, stalking, hazing, false imprisonment, violation of custody, manslaughter, and murder.
Statute of Limitations
Criminal charges must be brought within a certain period of time or be forever barred. However, for some serious crimes, Nebraska’s statutes of limitation are unlimited, meaning there is no time limit to press charges.
For example, in Nebraska, the statute of limitations for:
- Rape (sexual assault) is unlimited (Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. В§ 29-110(6)).
- Theft is either 18 months or 3 years, depending on the circumstances of the case (Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. В§ 29-110(1) or (2)).
- Disorderly Conduct (disturbing the peace) (Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. В§ 29-110(2)).
Punishment
Sentencing guidelines limit judicial discretion in an attempt to avoid racism, sexism, and punishment for exercising Constitutional rights.
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Sentencing guidelines provide a standard range of punishments such as jail time and fines. There are presumed penalties within that range to punish the “average” crime.
This means, in theory, if are convicted of DUI and have no prior DUI convictions, you’ll get the same punishment as the next guy (who is convicted of DUI with no prior convictions).
- If you have a criminal history, used a weapon, hurt a child, or committed multiple crimes at the same time, your punishment will be stronger than the presumed penalty.
- If you were forced into committing the crime and/or don’t have a criminal history, your punishment may be less than the presumed penalty.
Consult with a criminal defense attorney to determine what punishments apply to the crimes you or your loved one has been accused of.
What You Need to Know About Criminal Defense
- Your entire future may be about to be crushed and you need legal help.
- You need to call Nebraska criminal defense lawyer, immediately – even if you’re innocent.
Good news: Most criminal defense attorneys offer a free consultation so you can get your questions answered and an attorney can explain how he or she can help you – or not.
- When your lawyer asks you what happened, you must answer honestly and completely. Your future depends on it.
- Your conversations with your defense attorney are confidential. Your attorney cannot “tell” on you.
- Do not make a statement to police, other than to ask for an attorney. Nothing you say to a police officer (or friend) is confidential.
How to Work with a Nebraska Criminal Defense Lawyer
You need to be an active partner in your own defense. Your attorney can’t help you if you won’t help yourself.
Everything on this list is mandatory. This means that you must:
- Always heed your lawyer’s advice.
- Tell your defense attorney exactly what happened, even if the facts make you look bad.
- Respond to law firm phone calls, emails, or letters immediately.
- Provide all requested information.
- Stay in contact with your attorney and update your attorney’s office if your phone number, email, or address changes.
- Remember that it is in your best interest for your attorney to question you, even if it feels as though he or she is giving you a hard time.
- Remember it is in your best interest for your attorney to be polite and cooperate with witnesses, the alleged victim, police officers, investigators, and the prosecutor.
- Be patient, honest, and follow your lawyer’s directions.
Regardless of guilt or innocence, qualified Nebraska criminal defense attorney is the key to a full, robust, and strategic defense.
Bottom Line: To find a Nebraska criminal defense attorney, search our site, www.attorneys.org, or ask friends or the bar association for a referral.
