Have you been charged with a misdemeanor? If so, you need the best criminal attorney in metro Atlanta and Marietta to defend you against the charges to reduce fines and time served. When it comes to criminal law, misdemeanor charges don't often seem like a big deal, but they are. Many people don't understand how a misdemeanor charge affects their life. In this article, you'll learn a little more about these kinds of criminal charges and how they affect your life.

WHAT IS A MISDEMEANOR?

This lesser type of crime isn't considered as serious as a felony and doesn't come with the same long-term punishments. However, it's more serious than a minor traffic violation or other infraction. Depending on state law, most misdemeanors are punishable by a short jail sentence (no more than a year) and/or a fine. Like felonies, misdemeanors are divided into classes such as A, B, C, and D. Typically, Class A misdemeanors carry the most severe penalties.

Examples of misdemeanors include instances similar to the following:

• Possession of Marijuana
• Driving Under the Influence
• Simple Assault and Battery/Domestic Violence
• Petty theft
• Stallking
• Obstruction of an Officer
• Driving on a Suspended License or without Insurance
• Passing bad checks (under a certain amount)
• Criminal Trespass

The list isn't all inclusive, which is why it's important to contact a criminal attorney right away after an arrest. The sooner you have legal representation, the better it is for your defense. Often, when there isn't enough evidence to support a felony conviction, defense attorneys are successfully able to plea out to lesser misdemeanor charges for their clients.

THE LEGAL PENALTIES ASSOCIATED WITH MISDEMEANOR CHARGES

State law dictates penalties. To learn more about the penalties for a misdemeanor offense, you need to contact a criminal attorney in metro Atlanta and Marietta, GA. That being said, there are different punishments for the different classes of offenses. However, it's also important to keep in mind that repeat offenders aren't always give the same sentence for the same offense. Repeat offenders often risk higher penalties even for lesser crimes to the extent that the law will allow. Additionally, Georgia has strict firearm laws that require individuals charged with misdemeanors to surrender their carry permit or license to have guns. This is most notable if you are charged with an offense of domestic violence, which may prevent you from legally owning a weapon in the future.

CONTACT THE LOPES LAW FIRM

If you're being charged with a misdemeanor offense, it's imperative to seek counsel right away to protect your rights. Even if you're guilty of the crime, you still need the legal advice of an experienced attorney to guarantee that you get a fair outcome. An experienced criminal lawyer can argue your case to get a lesser penalty that reduces jail time and fines owed. To learn more about misdemeanor representation, call The Lopes Law Firm at (404) 589-9000 and we will be happy to evaluate your individual situation.