Misdemeanors are criminal charges that have a potential sentence of a year or less in jail. While these don’t seem to be as serious as felony charges, they can have a huge impact on the arrested person’s future. Any person arrested and charged with a misdemeanor will want to have legal assistance from a criminal attorney to minimize the impact the charges will have on their life.
Possible Sentences for Misdemeanor Crimes
After a misdemeanor conviction, the arrested person faces up to a year in jail as part of their sentence. They may also be required to pay fines or do community service. A judge can impose further sentences if they believe it’s necessary. There is usually a maximum sentencing guideline for these crimes that the judge must follow, but they can offer the person a reduced or alternative sentence in some instances.
Possible Future Impact of Misdemeanor Crimes
Along with needing to complete the sentence they’re given, the arrested person will likely be impacted by the conviction for many years. It can be difficult for them to find a job with a conviction on their record and they could lose their current job because of the arrest. Depending on the crime they’re convicted of, there could be further implications for them and it might be difficult to have the conviction erased from their records in the future.
How an Attorney Helps Their Clients
An attorney carefully reviews the case to determine what can be done to minimize the impact a conviction could have. It is possible for an attorney to find a way to have the charges dismissed for their client. It’s also possible for the attorney to convince the judge to provide a minimal sentence for their client. For some charges, the attorney may ask the judge to allow the person to seek rehabilitation and have the conviction erased from their record if they complete the rehabilitation so the person will not have a conviction on their record forever.
After an arrest, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance from a criminal attorney as quickly as possible, even if the arrested person is only charged with a misdemeanor crime. If you need legal assistance to handle an arrest, visit website now. You can also watch video on their YouTube channel.
