Misdemeanor Lawyer Peoria
At Schierer & Ritchie LLC, we’re here to help you understand misdemeanors. Contact us for a free consultation.
If you’re facing misdemeanor charges or have questions about a past misdemeanor conviction, seeking professional legal advice is essential. The consequences of a misdemeanor can be more severe than many people realize, potentially impacting your future in significant ways.
At Schierer & Ritchie LLC, our experienced criminal defense attorneys specialize in handling misdemeanor cases. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Common Types of Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors encompass a wide range of offenses. Some common examples include:
- Violating a restraining order
- Simple assault or battery
- Petty theft or shoplifting
- Disorderly conduct
- Driving under the influence (first offense in many jurisdictions)
- Possession of small amounts of marijuana (in some states)
- Vandalism
- Public intoxication
- Reckless driving
- Trespassing
Prosecution Process
The prosecution process for misdemeanors generally begins with an arrest or citation. The defendant then appears in court for arraignment to hear the charges and enter a plea. Pretrial proceedings may include plea negotiations and motion hearings. The case is usually conducted before a judge or jury if it goes to trial. If found guilty, the judge determines the appropriate punishment within statutory limits.
Consequences of Misdemeanor Convictions
While misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, they can still result in significant consequences, including up to one year in local jail, varying fines, probation, community service, and restitution to compensate victims for damages. A misdemeanor conviction creates a criminal record, potentially affecting future opportunities. Professional consequences may arise, particularly in licensed professions, and certain misdemeanors can impact the immigration status of non-citizens.
Here are some examples:
- Jail Time: Sentences can range from a few days to one year in a local jail.
- Fines: Monetary penalties can vary widely depending on the offense and jurisdiction.
- Probation: Many misdemeanor convictions result in probation rather than jail time.
- Community Service: Courts may require the offender to perform unpaid work in the community.
- Restitution: The offender may be required to compensate victims for damages or losses.
- Criminal Record: A misdemeanor conviction creates a criminal record, impacting future opportunities.
- Professional Consequences: Misdemeanor convictions may affect some professions, particularly those requiring licenses or security clearances.
- Immigration Consequences: For non-citizens, certain misdemeanors can affect immigration status.
Long-Term Impact
Misdemeanor convictions can have lasting effects on various aspects of life:
- Enhanced Penalties: Prior misdemeanors can lead to enhanced penalties for subsequent offenses.
- Employment: Some employers conduct background checks and may hesitate to hire individuals with a criminal record.
- Housing: Landlords may screen for criminal history, limiting housing options.
- Education: Educational institutions may consider criminal history in their admissions process.
- Firearm Ownership: Certain misdemeanor convictions can affect firearm ownership rights.
Expungement and Sealing of Records
Some jurisdictions allow for expunging or sealing misdemeanor records, which can mitigate long-term consequences. Eligibility for these processes typically depends on factors such as the nature of the offense, the time elapsed since the conviction, and the individual’s subsequent behavior.
Misdemeanors vs. Infractions
It’s crucial to distinguish misdemeanors from infractions, which are even less severe offenses. Infractions, such as minor traffic violations, typically only result in fines and do not involve jail time or create a criminal record.
Contact Us Today
At Schierer & Ritchie LLC, our experienced criminal defense attorneys specialize in handling misdemeanor cases. We understand the nuances of misdemeanor law and are committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your situation. Contact us today for a free consultation!