Should I Hire an Attorney for a Misdemeanor?

Should I Hire an Attorney for a Misdemeanor?

When people are charged with a misdemeanor, they often assume that it is very minor. They sometimes even believe they can defend the case on their own. While it is true that misdemeanors are not as serious criminal offenses as felonies, a conviction will still come with serious penalties. If you have been charged, it is critical that you work with a Michigan defense attorney who can defend against your charges and provide the protection you need.

Protect Your Reputation, Rights, and Freedom

As soon as you hire a lawyer, they can guide you through the complex legal process. You may have hearings you have to attend, and failure to appear is also taken seriously. A lawyer will advise you of your responsibilities so you do not face other charges or consequences. A lawyer can also provide other sound legal advice, such as how not to incriminate yourself. Of course, a lawyer will also help you obtain the best possible outcome so your freedom, rights, and reputation are protected, now and in the future.

Avoid Jail Time

In Michigan, there are three different types of misdemeanor offenses. The first are misdemeanors that are punishable by a maximum of 93 days in jail. The second are misdemeanors with a one-year maximum jail sentence. Lastly, there are high-court misdemeanors, which carry a jail sentence of two years. Regardless of the type of misdemeanor you are charged with, a conviction can always result in jail time.

Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid jail time, particularly when you are charged with a misdemeanor and not a felony. A lawyer will know how to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution, which can get your charges reduced to a less serious offense and avoid jail time. A lawyer can also prepare a defense to get your charges dropped or negotiate for a diversion program instead of jail time and high fines.

Keep a Clean Criminal Record

Any conviction for a crime on your criminal record can prevent you from pursuing employment, housing, and even academic opportunities. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, it can make it much more difficult to find a job, rent a home, or obtain scholarships. The people who perform these background checks often view misdemeanors just as they do felonies. A lawyer can help get your case dismissed so your criminal record remains clean. Even if you are convicted, a lawyer can help you get your charges expunged so you can honestly say that you have never been charged or convicted of a crime.

Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Michigan Can Help with Misdemeanor Charges

At Lucido & Manzella, P.C., our Michigan criminal defense lawyers know the strategies to beat misdemeanor charges so your future is protected. We can put that experience to work for you. Call us now at 586-228-3900 or reach out to us online to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and to learn more about how we can help.