Be careful: misdemeanor charges can have serious consequences!

It’s easy to think that a misdemeanor criminal charge may not be a big deal. Don’t assume that because your charge isn’t a felony, you don’t have to worry. A misdemeanor charge can have serious consequences that require the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Almost all crimes have both direct and indirect consequences and solving them requires professional help.

direct consequences

A judge can impose direct consequences for a misdemeanor charge if you are convicted. While these punishments may be lower than those for felonies, they are not insignificant and can easily alienate you from your family and friends and/or affect your finances.

• cell: If you are involved in multiple misdemeanors, you can be sentenced to a year or more in jail. Some misdemeanors, such as being under the influence of a controlled substance, carry a mandatory minimum jail time of 90 days.

• Fines: Misdemeanors can require fines of $1,000 to $2,500 in some jurisdictions. Once the civil assessments are imposed, the fines add up to a significant amount of money which, if not paid, can lead to a probation violation.

• Mandatory Classes: You may be required to attend classes for some crimes, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, petty theft, being under the influence, or domestic violence.

In some cases, you may be sentenced to community service or court supervision restricting your liberty.

indirect consequences

Indirect consequences are different in that they are typically immigration or civil penalties outside of criminal penalties. These can make it difficult for you to get on with your life and should not be taken lightly either. Some of these can be:

• Loss of the right to own a firearm: Some misdemeanor convictions restrict the right to own a firearm: for example, anyone convicted of a domestic violence-related crime cannot own any type of gun.

• Ineligibility for public housing, housing vouchers, or other public benefits: The public housing authority has the right to deny you housing if there is compelling evidence that you were or are involved in drug or alcohol related activity.

• Find employment: While most states have laws against discrimination based on criminal records, it can be difficult to enforce them if you are in an at-will employment state.

• Driver’s license suspension: In some cases, you may lose your driver’s license. For example, driving under the influence of alcohol can suspend your driving privilege for up to six months.

• Loss or denial of a professional license: If you need a professional license to do your job, a misdemeanor conviction can have your license suspended and put you out of business.

• Deportation: Immigrants with lawful permanent resident status may be deported if charged with certain misdemeanors.

Being charged with a misdemeanor is no small thing and should not be taken lightly. You want to make sure you find an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you with this situation to protect his rights.

How do you find the right criminal defense attorney?

The first thing you should do is go online and look at their background and experience, even if they refer you to an attorney. Look at their reviews, not just a fancy website. You want to know what other clients have said about the criminal defense attorney.