A misdemeanor crime is not only less serious than a felony, it also tends to be punished less severely than a felony. Misdemeanors are generally tried in lower courts, and if it is determined that any jail time must be served, it is in a county or city jail rather than in a state prison. That does not mean that you shouldn’t take misdemeanor charges seriously. Misdemeanors can have several levels of seriousness which are defined according to various factors. If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor, you need a criminal defense attorney to represent you.
Which are the most common misdemeanors?
Misdemeanors can include quite a wide range of violations and criminal offenses, among them:
- Assault and battery and other minor offenses that involve bodily harm
- Larceny, theft and other similar crimes that involve property
- Various drug crimes, including possession of a controlled substance
- Obscenity and other related crimes
- Violations relating to weapons possession
- Traffic offenses such as those that involve DUI or drinking and driving
What consequences can you face when charged with a misdemeanor?
Initially, you would be facing a fine and jail time, but you should also be concerned with the appearance of this crime on your record. Depending on the misdemeanor that you are charged with, other problems can arise, such as:
- The likelihood of receiving more severe punishment for further criminal convictions
- Losing your driver’s license or having it restricted
- Losing any professional license you might have
- The revocation of your Second Amendment rights
- The possibility of being deported, regardless of your immigration status
- Facing hardships when trying to find a new job
- Lower earning potential now and in the future
- Being unable to have access to public housing benefits
- Increased car insurance premiums
Do you need a criminal attorney in Staten Island to fight a misdemeanor charge?
It is well known that the American legal system requires the presumption of innocence until you are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. That is why it is not only advisable but recommended that you have a criminal defense lawyer who can help you throughout your trial. They will ensure that your rights are preserved and that the outcome of your trial is the best one for you.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that this is “just a misdemeanor” and therefore there’s no need for you to worry about it appearing on your record or affecting your future in any dramatic way. Any criminal conviction can have a permanent impact on a person’s life.
If you want to preserve your long-term personal and professional relationships, you should try to avoid a conviction. In order to be successful, you need the assistance of an aggressive and trustworthy misdemeanor lawyer in Staten Island. Going it on your own will practically ensure that you will not only end up getting a conviction but that you will be unable to persuade the court to reduce your sentence.
Your Staten Island misdemeanor attorney will not only fight for your rights but will be able to help you to have your charges reduced or dismissed. With very few exceptions, New York does not have expungement or record-sealing, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t fight your charges. Your arrest may still be on your record, but if you beat your charges, it will have much less of an impact on your life. Don’t try to tackle this difficult process alone. Your lawyer will help you navigate the complex state laws and guide and advise you as to which steps you will need to take for the most favorable outcome.
Talk to a Misdemeanor Crime Attorney in Staten Island Now
At the Law Office of Yan Katsnelson, P.C. wehave represented individuals who are facing criminal charges of all kinds, both misdemeanors and felonies. We take the time to talk to our clients, get to know them, and listen to their side of the story. We firmly believe that our clients deserve top-tier representation and we take the time to advise you, represent you, fight for your rights, and help you safeguard your future by presenting the strongest defense on your behalf. Give us a call right away if you have been charged with a misdemeanor crime and schedule your confidential initial consultation. Your life is important to you and you should do everything that is in your power to preserve it.
Contact the Law Office of Yan Katsnelson today!
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