When it comes to being accused of a crime, the experience can be both frightening and stressful. You may be wondering what your options are or how to get an outcome that you can live with. If you are found guilty of a misdemeanor offense, you may face penalties such as heavy fines or even incarceration. A misdemeanour lawyer will defend you and help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities. A Fort Worth misdemeanor lawyer will advise you on the best way to proceed with your case, whether it involves defending yourself in court or striking a plea deal in an attempt to receive a lesser sentence.
Possible Penalties for Misdemeanors
While most people assume the penalties for misdemeanors are the equivalent of a slap on the wrist, that’s not always true. The severity of penalties will depend on various factors, such as:
- Whether there were any injuries involved
- Your previous criminal history
- The nature of the offense
If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor, you may be wondering what your life will look like in the coming weeks. Will it be hard to find a job now? Should you to talk to a lawyer?
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to know exactly how your case will play out, but here are general penalties for misdemeanors and how you might be able to reduce their impact on your life.
- Jail time– If you’re convicted of a misdemeanor in Fort Worth, you’ll face up to one year in county jail. However, many people receive sentences that include no actual jail time but instead, alternatives like fines or community service.
- Fines– In addition to or instead of prison time, people convicted of misdemeanors often have to pay some pretty hefty fines.
- Probation– If your sentence includes probation, this means that after your jail time is served or your fines are paid. Then, you’re required to report to a probation officer and follow his or her rules for a period of time that’s usually between one and three years. This usually involves regular check-ins and also drug testing.
What’s Considered a Misdemeanor?
There are many different types of misdemeanors that can be charged against someone. Some of the most common are:
- Assault
- Traffic violations
- Disorderly conduct
- Minor drug possession
This is only a partial list, as there are a number of different scenarios where you can find yourself on the wrong side of the law.
Seek Expert Legal Help for Your Misdemeanor Case from Fort Worth Misdemeanor Lawyer
If you have been charged with a crime, it’s important to contact a misdemeanor lawyer immediately so we can begin working on your case.
Your lawyer will work closely with prosecutors and other law enforcement officials throughout the process until your case is resolved successfully. Fill out our contact form below or call Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC at 817-334-7900 to talk to an experienced Fort Worth misdemeanor lawyer.
