If you are arrested for a misdemeanor, you may think that all you have to do is pay a fine and go home. After all, it’s not like you committed a felony, and judges have “real” criminals to worry about without spending time on petty offenders. Unfortunately, this line of thinking can have long-lasting consequences for your family and your future.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor Charge
Misdemeanor charges are less serious than felony offenses, but that doesn’t mean you do not need a lawyer to represent you. Depending on the charges, you could still go to jail and see marked changes in your life even after you have served time.
If you plead guilty or are convicted of a misdemeanor offense in Ohio, you could:
- Spend time in jail. Even a fourth-degree misdemeanor can result in a jail sentence of up to 30 days, with jail time rising to a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail for a first-degree misdemeanor.
- Lose your driver’s license. If you were charged with a misdemeanor DUI offense, you could have your driver’s license suspended for between 90 days and 2 years. In order to reinstate your driving privileges, you may have to retake both written and on-road driving tests and complete an alcohol treatment course and remedial driver’s training.
- Be held back by your criminal record. A conviction will create a criminal record that will follow you everywhere in your personal and professional life. You could be prevented from getting a job, rejected by college admissions boards, or even denied entry into the military. Our attorneys work to help you avoid conviction, or advocate for a reduced sentence that will allow you to get your criminal record expunged.
The criminal justice system can be stressful and confusing, especially if you have never committed an offense before. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight the charges against you and protect you from common mistakes throughout the legal process.
Are you or someone you know facing criminal charges?
If you are facing criminal charges, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams is recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, The Best Lawyers in America, National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and is one of U.S. News' Best Law Firms. Please contact us online or call our Cincinnati office directly at 513-929-9333 to schedule your free consultation.
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