Four Common Consequences of a Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is punishable by up to one year in jail. In contrast, a felony is a criminal offense that is punishable by more than one year in prison. Although misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, they can still have significant consequences.

Here at Danks & Danks, our defense attorneys are well-versed in defense law and have extensive experience handling misdemeanor cases. In this post, we’ll discuss four of the most common consequences associated with a misdemeanor conviction. Questions? Don't hesitate to contact us today.

Fines

Depending on the severity of the crime, you may be required to pay hefty fines as part of your sentence. Fines can range from a few hundred dollars up to thousands of dollars. Either way, these fines can put a major financial strain on you and your family, so it’s critical to consider engaging an experienced defense attorney immediately.

Prison/Jail Time

Misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail. However, many misdemeanor convictions result in less than a year of jail time or no jail time at all. It will depend on the nature of your offense and the jurisdiction of your conviction.

Probation

In some cases, you may be required to serve a period of probation instead of jail time. During this time, you will have to meet regularly with a probation officer and be subject to certain restrictions such as curfews or drug tests. You must follow these restrictions to stay out of jail.

Negative Employment Consequences

A misdemeanor conviction can make it difficult to find or keep a job. Many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with criminal records, so a misdemeanor on your record may limit your employment options. Additionally, some professions (such as healthcare) have strict rules against hiring individuals with certain criminal convictions.

If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor, it’s crucial to contact an experienced defense attorney. At Danks & Danks, our defense attorneys have extensive experience handling misdemeanor cases. Contact us today for a case evaluation!

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