What are mitigating and aggravating circumstances?

Mitigating circumstances are certain factors of a crime that may relieve the accused of some responsibility. He or she may still be found guilty, but the sentence is likely to be lighter. For example, if you commit a crime under pressure from another person, that could be a mitigating circumstance.

In contrast, an aggravating circumstance makes a crime appear worse, and can lead to a higher sentence. For example, drunk driving with a child passenger is generally punished more severely than drunk driving alone.

To learn more about important factors that may affect your case, contact a West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer by calling Eric Klein & Associates, P.A. at 561-353-2800.