When it comes to felonies and misdemeanors, most people understand felonies are more serious than misdemeanors and carry harsher criminal penalties, such as a lengthy state prison sentence. Unfortunately, many who are charged with misdemeanors are reluctant to hire a criminal defense lawyer to defend them because of those facts.
The truth is that there are several reasons why it is still important to obtain professional legal representation for a misdemeanor charge, such as the following:
You can still be locked up – While a Class C misdemeanor in Texas is punishable by only a maximum $500 fine, a Class B misdemeanor can result in a maximum jail term of 180 days and a Class A misdemeanor carries a jail sentence of up to one year. In addition, both Class A and Class B misdemeanors are associated with fines worth thousands of dollars.
You will have a criminal record – A conviction can become a permanent mark on your criminal record, which can make it extremely hard to find a job, apply for college, get approved for a loan or housing, or even live a normal life. Not only can an attorney help you try to avoid conviction, but he/she can also get your criminal record expunged or sealed from public view.
You do not fully understand the criminal justice system – Navigating the legal process alone can expose you to many pitfalls that can be detrimental to your case. A lawyer understands the rules and procedures of the criminal justice system, and may even have close relationships with local judges and prosecutors to help you get the best possible result in court. Although you can always hire a public defender, they may not have enough resources or time to find the best legal solutions for your case.
If you or a loved one has recently been charged with a misdemeanor in Bryan or College Station, TX, let Rodriguez & Gimbert, P.L.L.C. Protect your rights, reputation, and freedom. With nearly five decades of combined experience, our legal team has helped many clients facing misdemeanor charges get the outcome and justice they deserve.
For a free initial consultation to discuss your case, contact us today at (979) 559-3599 Serving both English- and Spanish-speaking clients in Bryan and College Station!