Misdemeanor charges are looked at as “simple” or “petty.” But the truth is that many carry very serious consequences that may not be known to the offender at the time they enter their plea. For example, entering a plea to possession of marijuana can suspend your driver’s license privileges for two years. Entering a plea to petit theft charges can also suspend your license. In addition, petit theft charges are considered crimes of dishonesty. This means it can be used against you when you apply f

Sometimes it may seem as though you do not need an attorney to represent you for a misdemeanor charge. But it is always a good idea to hire good representation, even for a misdemeanor. If you do not have an attorney to represent you, the State may offer something that sounds like a good deal. For example, if you were caught with a small amount of marijuana, they may offer you a deal where you are adjudicated guilty and complete some community service hours instead of going to jail. This may soun

When you hire an attorney to represent you for a misdemeanor charge, there are several things the attorney will do to help you. First, they will review the case to see if there is a factual basis for the charge to be brought in the first place. It is possible that you committed no crime at all. If necessary they will file motions on your behalf. Second, an attorney can request discovery to ensure that you can view any and all evidence that can be used against you. The attorney is also trained to

Don’t talk to the police and request an attorney!! The very first thing to do is to remain silent! Don’t make any statements at all to anyone! Next, call an attorney to discuss all of your legal options in a secure setting. The attorney can help guide you through the process. An attorney can also help to protect all of your legal rights. If you have any witnesses, make sure that you get their names, addresses and if possible their phone numbers. If you were at a location with cameras, inform the

Be quiet and call a lawyer! If you are arrested for a misdemeanor charge it is a criminal offense. That means you have the right to remain silent. Make sure you do not discuss your case with anyone as the State will use it against you. When you are arrested, you will be given an opportunity to make at least one phone call. If you do not know an attorney’s number, call a friend or family member to contact one for you. The attorney can assist in posting bond and preserving any evidence that may he

It depends. Some misdemeanor charges such as petit theft are considered “crimes of dishonesty.” Some businesses will not hire anyone with a crime of dishonesty. This is because the employers worry about theft from their businesses. Charges such as battery, domestic battery and violation of domestic injunctions, can prevent you from obtaining employment in the health care fields and sometimes teaching or daycare positions. If you are convicted of possession of marijuana, DUI or possession of para

There are several crimes that are classified as misdemeanors. A misdemeanor is any crime punishable by less than one year in the county jail. Common misdemeanor crimes include: Possession of Paraphernalia Possession of Less Than 20 Grams of Marijuana Driving on a Suspended License Prostitution DUI Trespass Domestic Battery Simple Battery Violation of Domestic Injunction and Petit Theft These are not the only crimes that are misdemeanors but they are some of the most common. All of the crimes lis

A misdemeanor is a crime that is punishable by less than one year in jail. Many people think of misdemeanors as “petty crimes.” As a general rule, misdemeanor crimes are not considered as serious as felony offenses. However, some types of misdemeanor charges can have similar consequences. For instance, it is a misdemeanor to possess under 20 grams of marijuana. But pleading out to a misdemeanor marijuana charge can suspend your license for two years, disqualify you from financial aid, and preven