Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are a class of offenses that are legally less serious than felonies and more serious than infractions. The federal government defines misdemeanors as crimes that involve a potential sentence of no more than one year in jail. Misdemeanors variously classified either alphabetically or numerically, with the most serious misdemeanors receiving first position. For example, an assault charge usually qualifies as a class A or 1st degree misdemeanor, while public intoxication is usually a class B or 2nd degree misdemeanor. Other examples of misdemeanors include DUI, petty theft, prostitution, vandalism, disorderly conduct and trespassing.

The higher a misdemeanor is classified the tougher the legal penalties it receives. But while full jail time is an option for some misdemeanors, a fine and/or probation is the most common punishment. Other punishments in lieu of or in addition to fines and probation include community service and part-time incarceration served on weekends. Those who are convicted of a misdemeanor and receive a “jail sentence” will serve the sentence in a local jail as opposed to a prison.

Unlike felonies, misdemeanors typically do not result in the loss of civil rights such as the right to vote and the right to own firearms; however, misdemeanor convictions may lead to such consequences as the revocation of professional licenses and the termination of public employment. As with felonies, the most effective way achieve the lightest punishment for a misdemeanor is to hire a criminal defense attorney who has experience handling your type of case.