If you've been charged with a misdemeanor, it is important to speak to a lawyer who has experience in representing people in your state. Misdemeanor charges can be serious, and the consequences can be dramatic. You need a lawyer who is familiar with all of the laws for your state, as well as what defenses you might have available.
Finding the top misdemeanor attorney to defend you can be a daunting task. There are many lawyers out there who specialize in misdemeanor cases but finding one who is good at handling these types of cases can be difficult.
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Here are some things to look for when hiring a misdemeanor lawyer:
- Experience with these types of cases
- Knowledge of the law
- Availability
A Few Things to Keep in Mind When Consulting a Misdemeanor Attorney
Understand the Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies:
A misdemeanor is a less serious crime than a felony. misdemeanors typically involve violations that are punishable by up to one year in jail, while felonies can lead to jail time and even criminal record suspensions.
Know What Crimes You Have Committed:
Unless you have been charged with a minor offense, your potential misdemeanors will be listed on your criminal record. It is important to familiarize yourself with these charges so you can better determine which defense options are available to you.
Consider Your Defense Options:
Depending on the nature of your charge, there may be certain defenses that are available to you. For example, if you were acting in self-defense, you may use the insanity defense. In this case, you will have to convince a judge of your mental break and therefore could face more severe penalties than if you plead guilty.