When to Contact a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor Offense
Being arrested for or charged with a criminal offense can be a frightening and frustrating experience, especially if it is your first time in this type of situation. In Michigan and the rest of the United States, crimes are broken down into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies.Although felonies are associated with more severe penalties, a misdemeanor conviction should not be considered as a slap on the wrist either. There are a wide variety of factors which determine the extent of the penalties you face, such as the type of offense, your previous criminal record, whether any injuries occurred during the commission of the offense, the value of property or goods involved, and the intent behind the crime. You could face the following types of penalties for a Michigan misdemeanor:
- Maximum jail sentence of one year
- Costly fines and fees
- Driver’s license suspension
- Community service
- Alcohol and drug treatment
- Probation
If you are convicted of a misdemeanor offense, it will be entered into your permanent criminal record. Having a criminal record can affect your ability to obtain or maintain employment, find a place to live, apply for loans, and other life opportunities.
The Importance of Hiring an Attorney
If you have been arrested for or charged with a misdemeanor offense in Michigan, it is still imperative to seek legal help from an experienced criminal defense attorney. A skilled lawyer can evaluate the specific circumstances of your case and determine all of your available legal options to either get your charges reduced or your entire case dismissed.
If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor offense, an attorney can help you expunge the crime. When your conviction is expunged, the records are destroyed and the public cannot access records related to your crime.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
At White Law PLLC, we have six decades of combined experience helping our clients obtain the best results possible in their cases. Our Okemos lead attorney has been invited to the National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan and understands how to win the most favorable outcome.
For more information, contact us and schedule a consultation today.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
