A misdemeanor is a less severe crime than a felony. It’s connected with different charges such as vandalism, speeding, public intoxication, and trespassing. Though these crimes have serious implications as felony charges, that doesn’t mean you don’t require an experienced lawyer to fight a misdemeanor.
Hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Houston could mean the difference between your freedom and incarceration. Regardless of whether you’ve formal charges against you or you have been accused of a misdemeanor offense, your future might be in jeopardy.
Some of the crimes that are considered to be misdemeanors include driving while intoxicated, petty theft, driving under the influence, prostitution, resisting arrest, public intoxication, possession of marijuana, family violence, and more. Different crimes have varying penalties depending on the nature and severity of a particular crime. Here are the reasons you need an attorney.
IT’S YOUR FIRST TIME TO GET IN TROUBLE
If you have never been accused of a misdemeanor or felony, a professional lawyer knows different defense options that can get your charges discharged. The lawyer can also help you understand all your legal options and guide you on how to behave in court.
YOU HAVE A CRIMINAL RECORD
If this isn’t your first misdemeanor crime, the worst thing you can do is to ignore the services of a professional lawyer. If proven guilty, your punishment is likely to be severe. Besides, the chances of your criminal record getting expunged are slimmer. Thus, hiring a lawyer will be your best chance to avoid jail or other harsh punishments.
YOUR LAWYER CAN RESCHEDULE ON YOUR BEHALF
You can face extremely harsh penalties for missing a court date. Your lawyer can safely reschedule your court date and save you from further penalties. Note that more urgent issues can occur on the day you’re supposed to appear in court. Even if you’re charged with less severe misdemeanors, failure to appear in court means additional fines.
YOU PLAN TO PLEAD GUILTY
Most people think that there is no need to hire a lawyer if you intend to ask guilty to any misdemeanor charge. However, having an experienced lawyer is essential. The professional can negotiate and get you a lighter penalty. That’s the reason for having a great lawyer on your side, whether you plead guilty or not guilty, could mean the difference between freedom and jail time.
YOU’RE SURE YOU DIDN’T COMMIT THE OFFENSE
In case you’re falsely charged with a misdemeanor, it might take you a very long time to fight it, and the chances of getting the misdemeanor charge dismissed are slim too. Remember, it’s your word against that of the law enforcement officer or whoever filed the case. Hiring an experienced lawyer makes the process of proving your innocence much easier.
Hiring a lawyer to fight for your rights, regardless of how minor the charge is, will be extremely helpful. Experienced lawyers must have dealt with different cases similar to yours and know correctly what to do to prove your innocence or get you a fair penalty.
