What is a misdemeanor? Misdemeanors are less serious than felony charges but more serious than petty offenses. The typical result of a misdemeanor charge is a steeper fine that what someone would be required to pay had they committed a petty offense, or a jail sentence of not more than one year. If the judge sentences jail time, it is served at a county, city, or local jail, not a federal or state prison. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor you need a misdemeanor lawyer to handle your case.

Even if you think the charge you are facing is small you still need to find a misdemeanor lawyer to represent you. Do not try and represent yourself as you will be going up against an experienced prosecutor which puts you at a huge disadvantage, and you may find yourself facing the maximum misdemeanor penalties.

If you have been falsely accused of a misdemeanor crime do not try to handle it alone. Prosecutors and judges do not discuss the facts of a case with a defendant, even if it their own case. It is important that you secure yourself a skilled and experienced misdemeanor lawyer as he/she will be familiar with the criminal justice system and has the ability to talk to the prosecutor and judge on your behalf. They will also be privy to all the facts of the case that you would not be able to get if you go it alone.

A misdemeanor charge does not necessarily mean jail time but you still need an experienced misdemeanor lawyer to handle your case.