When you are charged with a misdemeanor criminal offense, you might think that hiring an attorney is a waste of time because a misdemeanor isn’t a serious charge, but this is far from the truth. Although a misdemeanor isn’t as severe as a felony charge, it can still come with hefty fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record.
It’s often in your best interests to hire a criminal defense attorney after being charged with a misdemeanor so you can try to fight the charges in court. At The Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy, our lawyers have a thorough understanding of the criminal court system. We can handle the legalities of your case and do our best to ensure your future isn’t tarnished because of one mistake.
In the state of Texas, there are three levels of misdemeanor criminal charges. If you’re charged with a Class C misdemeanor, the penalties can include a $500 fine. A Class B misdemeanor is more severe and can include a $2,000 fine and up to 180 days of jail time. The most severe criminal misdemeanor is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which can include a $4,000 fine and up to one year of jail time.
Not only are these penalties significant, but just like a felony charge, a misdemeanor can remain on your permanent record. Depending on the situation, a criminal misdemeanor can hinder you from obtaining jobs in the future. Although a misdemeanor is not as severe as a felony, having a clean record is of the utmost importance when trying to ensure your future is bright.
A criminal defense lawyer can be helpful in getting your misdemeanor charge dismissed. Although there’s no guarantee that the charges will be dropped immediately, many judges will remove the charge from your record if good behavior is demonstrated for a specific period of time in the future. At The Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy, we’ll do everything in our power to get you the best possible outcome.
To discuss your case in greater detail, you can schedule a free consultation with a Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer today by calling 817-605-1010 or by visiting our website.
