3 Scenarios Where a Misdemeanor Defense Attorney Is Necessary

Posted on: 8 January 2018

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Misdemeanors often carry less harsh sentences with them than do felonies. However, there is quite a bit of flexibility in the sentencing for various misdemeanor crimes. Still, you would want to avoid jail time whenever possible, and that is quite a common punishment, even for minor crimes. A misdemeanor defense attorney can help. You will need one if your case is similar to any of the following.

You Committed a Misdemeanor Within the Boundaries of Washington, D.C.

The rules within the nation's capital are wildly different than they are anywhere else. It is legal to smoke marijuana, but not legal to possess large amounts of it. If you are caught with a small enough amount of weed in the country's capital, it can turn into a felony, even if the amount you are carrying would otherwise be a misdemeanor in some other city and state. With rules this tough here, you can expect the punishments to be even tougher. No exclusions are provided first-time offense leniencies either, so your lawyer needs to be present at all legal meetings and hearings.

This Is Your Second Offence for the Same Crime

Repeat offenders are in deeper trouble than one-off offenders. The law does not like repeat offenders; it does not matter if it is a drunk driving offence or a jaywalking offence. Repeats are repeats, and the law assumes you will do it again without a stiffer penalty. Related, but not exactly the same offences, might get just a tiny bit of leeway, but not much.

A Misdemeanor Followed a Felony

This is probably the least smart thing you could do. Following probation, or in the midst of probation, any crimes committed automatically result in your return to jail. If you want to stay out of jail, you have to stay out of trouble. Victims of circumstance, or being in the wrong place at the wrong time, are not likely to get your charges dropped or suspended either.

The law expects people to use their brains and think about where people are going and why they are going there. If you drive a friend to the bank, ask yourself first if that is a really good idea. Using common sense first will prevent you from needing a lawyer again. Additionally, misdemeanor defense lawyers can only do so much for previously convicted felons who made a poor choice to supposedly help out a friend, but your lawyer will help you as much as they can.

To begin the process, contact a law firm such as Law Offices of Lynda Latta, LLC.