What Is a Misdemeanor?

Criminal offenses are categorized by state laws. One category of offense is known as a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are considered more serious than violations, yet less serious than felonies. A misdemeanor conviction can result in fines, probation and/or jail time of up to one year depending on the charge. An experienced criminal defense attorney should always be consulted as he or she may be able to reduce the penalties or even get the charges dismissed. The penalties for a misdemeanor conviction will give you a permanent criminal record and potentially follow you for the rest of your life. This is why it is imperative that if you’re charged with any type of crime in New York or Long Island that you seek counsel from a dedicated criminal defense attorney in Mineola.

As your criminal lawyer can explain to you, New York law recognizes three levels of misdemeanor offenses. The most serious misdemeanor charge is Class A (examples: Assault, Petit Larceny, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance) and sentences for convictions for a Class A misdemeanors can range from fines, probation (up to 3 years) and/or jail (up to 1 year). The next level of misdemeanor offenses is Class B offenses (examples: Unlawful Assembly, Prostitution, and Issuing a Bad Check) which can carry sentences that range from fines, probation (1 year) and/or jail (up to 90 days). Unclassified misdemeanors are most commonly found in the Vehicle and Traffic Law (examples: Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, and Aggravated Unlicensed Driving). Regardless of which of these offenses a person is charged with they must hire a criminal defense attorney to protect their rights and ensure that their record is protected.