Are Misdemeanors Serious?
In Alabama, there are two levels of criminal charges: misdemeanors and felonies. Felony offenses are more serious, and the potential penalties reflect that. However, just because there are lesser possible penalties for a misdemeanor does not mean that these charges are not serious. On the contrary – misdemeanors are serious matters, and you need a Montgomery criminal defense lawyer handling your case right away.
Common Misdemeanors
Alabama has three levels of misdemeanor offenses: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A is the most serious, just under felonies. Some common misdemeanor charges include the following:
Class C:
- Trespassing
- Disorderly conduct
- Harassment
- Taking a shopping cart from a store
Class B:
- Stealing cable TV service
- Menacing another person
- 2nd-degree stalking
- Resisting arrest
Class A:
- 3rd-degree assault or domestic violence
- Dog fighting
- Possession of marijuana (for personal use)
- Theft of something worth up to $500
Many people downplay misdemeanors, but the reality is that every violation of the law is something that you should take seriously. Prosecutors will pursue misdemeanor charges and penalties to the fullest extent of the law, so you need to defend against your charges with the highest quality of defense representation possible.
Potential Penalties for Misdemeanors
A misdemeanor is different from a felony, as a misdemeanor conviction cannot result in over a year behind bars. Even though misdemeanors have lesser penalties than felony convictions, the possible penalties can still impact your finances, freedom, and future. The maximum penalties for misdemeanors can be:
- Class C = $500 fine and up to three months in jail
- Class B = $3,000 fine and up to six months in jail
- Class A = $6,000 fine and up to one year in jail
If the prosecutor believes your misdemeanor conduct was driven by the victim’s disability, race, ethnicity, or religion (hate crime), you can be sentenced to a mandatory minimum of three months in jail.
While you might not think that possessing marijuana is a big deal, it becomes one once you face a possible year behind bars and a fine of multiple thousands of dollars. Furthermore, if you are convicted of any level of crime, it will go on your permanent criminal record. This record can be checked by potential employers, landlords, professional licensing boards, and others. These parties might not offer you jobs, housing, or other benefits once they see you have a criminal conviction – no matter how minor it might seem.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
You always want professional defense help for a misdemeanor charge. A skilled defense attorney can work to have your charges dropped, so you do not have a criminal record. If you are convicted, your attorney can fight to keep you out of jail and seek probation or community corrections instead.
Is Marijuana Possession Still a Crime in Alabama? Read More!
Common Theft Charges and Penalties – Read More!
Consult with a Montgomery Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
If you are arrested and charged with a misdemeanor offense, you want Luck Law, LLC, on your side. Contact us to discuss your criminal charges and the many ways we can help with your defense.
