It is defined as a crime that may carry a local jail term of six months or less (but can be up to one year for an offense like repeat drunken driving). Usually, a fine can be imposed instead of or in addition to jail time. Reporting or non-reporting probation, community service, restitution, and other sanctions are common. In other words, misdemeanors should not be taken lightly and you should not take matters into your own hands. Misdemeanors show on your police record and they cannot be expunged for several years after the case is over.
Depending on the severity of the charges, I may have a misdemeanor dropped to a minor misdemeanor, which carries no jail term and a small fine to be paid to the court. If this option were not available, I would try to diminish the penalties of the misdemeanor and will try to get the client a lower fine, less days in jail and some sort of program instead of jail among other options.
Contact my office for a free consultation where I will give you an honest assessment of what to expect, what your legal options are and how much it will cost you. You are under NO obligation to hire me after this consultation. I accept cash, checks and money orders. If you cannot afford to pay the entire amount at the time of hiring me, we can talk about a payment plan over a period of time.
| Web Page Content ©2011 by Grisselle L. Príncipe. All rights reserved. Disclaimer |