Fighting Against Your Misdemeanor Charge
The primary difference between the sentence you could receive for a misdemeanor and the punishment for a felony is the length of the term of imprisonment that you might be sentenced to serve. In misdemeanor cases, the sentence is no more than one year, and is often set at a month or half a year. Felonies, on the other hand, are punishable by a year or more in prison, with sentences ranging up to life or even the death penalty. A misdemeanor offense will often carry a fine as well as - or in lieu of - a sentence of imprisonment.
Do not try to handle your case on your own. Contact our Modesto criminal defense lawyer today!
Understanding the Charge Against You
Generally speaking, misdemeanors constitute a less-serious category of crime than felonies. Common examples include:
- Shoplifting
- Minor theft offenses
- Small-scale drug possession
- Simple assault
With many crimes, the charge may be increased to a felony based on certain circumstances. For example, if the value of stolen goods is greater than $950, a theft crime will be charged as grand theft, which is a felony. Similarly, assault will be increased to the felony of assault with a deadly weapon if you are accused of carrying a firearm or similar weapon at the time of the offense.
Take Action Today. Contact the Modesto Criminal Defense Attorney!
Don't let the fact that a misdemeanor is less serious than a felony mislead you into thinking that it is not a grave matter in its own right. Even the simple matter of being arrested can throw your entire life into disarray, and if convicted you could face serious consequences. Even after serving your sentence, completing probation and paying your fines, you would still have to struggle with the fact of having a conviction on your criminal record, which can make it exceedingly difficult to find suitable employment.
Fortunately, you do not have to let this happen to you. Contact us at Scott Mitchell Law Incorporated now for a free, confidential consultation with a Modesto criminal defense attorney. We offer our services through flexible payment plans, and we are ready to put our skill and dedication to work for you!