Mankato Criminal Defense Lawyer
Misdemeanor offenses come in a wide variety of offenses, and can include traffic offenses, disorderly conduct, and certain assaults. Although not as serious as felonies, misdemeanor offenses (other than petty misdemeanors) are considered crimes in Minnesota and you could serve time in jail if convicted, pay hefty fines, and/or serve time on probation under a number of restrictive conditions. Some misdemeanor-level crimes could even disqualify you from working in certain licensed facilities for seven or even ten years! For these reasons, you should consult the help of a southern Minnesota criminal defense attorney. With the right representation by your side, you may be able to avoid jail time, reduce the possible restrictions you may have to abide by, reduce the charge to something non-criminal, enter into a diversion program, or even have the charges completely eliminated.
At Farrish Johnson Law Office, CHTD, we commit ourselves to your case so that you can be confident that you are receiving the attention that you deserve.
Fighting Misdemeanors And Their Penalties
There are three classifications for misdemeanors. They are:
- Petty misdemeanor – This is a very low-level offense and is not considered a crime in Minnesota. Most traffic violations are petty misdemeanors. The potential consequences include a $300 fine if convicted and a mark on your permanent record, but no jail time.
- Misdemeanor – Unlike petty misdemeanors that can usually be handled outside of court if unchallenged, a misdemeanor is usually handled in court and can be punishable by time in jail. Simple theft, first offense DUI, and simple assault are classified as misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are classified as crimes in Minnesota and the penalty can be up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 in fines.
- Gross misdemeanor – A gross misdemeanor crime is just one level below a felony. Second offense DUI within a 10-year period, certain assaults, and certain thefts are examples of gross misdemeanors. The penalty can be up to a year in jail and $3,000 in fines.
Although misdemeanors are not felonies, fighting the charges may result in not having to pay the maximum penalty or any penalty at all. It can be easy to rationalize that misdemeanors aren’t as serious, but you don’t want to pay penalties that you don’t have to or be subject to restrictions or even jail time if that can be avoided.
Strategic Criminal Defense
At Farrish Johnson Law Office, CHTD, we work hard for our clients. We give each case the attention that it deserves and we give our clients support. False accusations happen and so do personal mistakes that lead to charges. Sometimes the facts, even if true, are not criminal. Our goal is to give you the best representation to help you move on with the rest of your life in the best way possible.
Contact A Southern Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney
A misdemeanor, although not as serious as a felony, still has serious consequences for your future. It is important to have proper legal representation to get you through the charges and work to achieve an acceptable resolution. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, you deserve to have an attorney by your side. To learn more, contact Farrish Johnson Law Office, CHTD at 507-625-2525 to request a free consultation.