Felony cases are the ones that lead to the loss of rights and a lengthy jail term, but that doesn’t mean misdemeanors should be overlooked. While they don’t lead to the loss of a person’s rights, they can cause serious issues for the person’s future. Anyone who has been arrested for a misdemeanor will want to make sure they hire a criminal defense lawyer in St. Charles, MO right away.
Potential Penalties for a Misdemeanor
Though felonies are more serious crimes, misdemeanors can lead to up to a year in jail, thousands in fines, community service, and more. Those who have been convicted of a misdemeanor will need to put that on any application they fill out, which could make it far more difficult for them to get a job or find a place to live. They also could lose their current job because of the arrest and could be kicked out of their school if they’re a college student.
Possible Outcomes for a Misdemeanor
Once the arrested person hires a lawyer, they’ll start receiving assistance to help reduce the chance of a conviction or the maximum penalties if they’re convicted. The first thing the lawyer will look into is whether the charges can be dismissed. It’s hard for a person to figure this out on their own, but the lawyer will look at all of the evidence against the person as well as the legality of the evidence to determine if there’s a possibility the charges can be dismissed altogether.
If the charges cannot be dismissed, the lawyer will work on other options to minimize the impact this may have on the person’s life. For instance, they might be able to get a plea deal that reduces the charge to a ticket and fine. In other instances, the person may have to serve their sentence for the conviction, but they could have the conviction erased from their record at a later time. The lawyer will discuss all options with them.
If you’ve been arrested, you do not have time to wait. Speak with a criminal defense lawyer in St. Charles, MO right away to ensure you get the help you need. Even though you’re not charged with a felony, you need help right away. Learn more about us to find a lawyer to help you today.
