Cordele Misdemeanors Attorney

Misdemeanors are crimes that are not considered as serious as felonies, but you should not take a misdemeanor charge lightly. A conviction for a misdemeanor can result in jail time, probation and fines. These charges can cause a loss of liberty, the loss of your job, reduced job opportunities in the future and a serious disruption to your personal and family life. If you’re facing a misdemeanor charge, protect yourself by contacting us to talk to one of our criminal defense attorneys.

Types of Misdemeanors

In Georgia, misdemeanors fall into two broad categories: misdemeanors and misdemeanors of a high and aggravated nature. A conviction for a misdemeanor can result in one or more of the following:

• A prison sentence of up to twelve months in county jail
• A fine of up to $1,000
• Probation
• Community service
• Mandatory drug and alcohol counseling
• The suspension of your driver’s license.

The difference between the two depends on the circumstances of the alleged crime. In most cases a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature occurs when a person has been convicted of the same offense multiple times within a given time frame. It can also depend on who the victim is, such as a family member, a member of law enforcement or someone older than 65.

Misdemeanors May Become Felonies, Depending on the Circumstances

How a crime is charged depends on the circumstances and applicable law. A felony is a crime that can be punished by a year or more of imprisonment in state prison.

• If you have been convicted repeatedly for driving under the influence (DUI), it can result in heightened charges known as a serious traffic violation. A DUI charge that would be a misdemeanor could be charged as a felony if a traffic accident causing the death of another is involved.
• Misdemeanor property crimes include theft and shoplifting of items worth $300 or less. This crime would be a felony if burglary, arson, forgery or robbery also occurred.
• Sex crimes considered misdemeanors include sexual battery, indecent exposure and pandering.
• Violent crimes involve acts of violence toward another verbally, mentally or physically. Misdemeanors are battery, assault and stalking.
• Distribution, possession and the sale of illegal drugs are crimes. Whether the charge is a felony or a misdemeanor depends on the amount of the drug.
• Public order misdemeanors are public drunkenness, unlawful assembly and disorderly conduct.
• Domestic violence crimes are misdemeanors unless the victim is a spouse, child or close family member, when the offense becomes a felony.

Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction

A finding of guilt can also have very severe, practical consequences to you and your family:

• Due to the time spent in criminal proceedings, meeting with a probation officer or in jail, you can lose your job, your income and your ability to support your family.
• Increased stress on your spouse, children and family.
• Reduced future job opportunities. You may need to disclose your conviction on job applications and during job interviews.
• Deportation if you’re an undocumented immigrant.

Keep Your Record Clean

Whatever lead to your arrest, with the help of a defense attorney you may be able to remove, or expunge, your record under certain circumstances. This could help you with future job searches and background checks.

Your record could be expunged in the following circumstances, if in the prosecutor’s discretion

• You were arrested but released without being charged, or
• You were arrested and charged, but the prosecutor dropped the charges.

If you’ve been arrested for a misdemeanor, we will argue your case and show why you shouldn’t be charged; or if you’ve been charged, we will tell the prosecutor why the charges should be dropped. We could show the prosecutor why your defenses have merit and the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Because of our knowledge and experience, we may be able to help you put these misdemeanor charges behind you and keep them off your record.

Choose the Right Attorney for You in Fitzgerald

If you’re being investigated for a misdemeanor or have been arrested or charged in Tifton, McRae, Adel, Ocilla, Sylvester, Nashville, Moultrie, Hazlehurst, Cordele, Ashburn, Douglas, Abbeville or Fitzgerald, the Dove Law Firm can help. Because of our knowledge and experience, we may be able to have the charges dropped, negotiate a favorable plea bargain agreement or represent you at a trial to defend your rights and freedom. Your future is at stake, so get the help you need from our supportive, responsive, tenacious criminal defense team.