5 Myths About Misdemeanors

To say the legal system is confusing would be a huge understatement. The vast majority of people don’t have a strong understanding of what many of the legal terms mean, or worse, they have a real misunderstanding. One of the best examples is what most people believe about misdemeanors. While almost everyone has heard of this term, and knows a little about it, there are many myths regarding what it is, how serious it can be, and how to react to misdemeanor charges. The following are five of the most common (and most dangerous) myths associated with legal misdemeanors.

You Can’t Go to Jail for a Misdemeanor

When people are charged with a misdemeanor, they typically assume that if they are found guilty, they will have to pay some sort of fine and that will be the end of it. While some people will get off with just a fine, almost all misdemeanor charges come with the potential for jail time. Whether or not a judge assigns jail time will depend on many factors, but in the end that is always a serious risk that needs to be understood when deciding how to react to a misdemeanor charge.

All Misdemeanors are Just Minor Offenses

While it is true that misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, that does not mean that they are only minor offenses. From the point of view of the legal system, this type of charge is still quite serious and can cause major problems in your life. Being found guilty of a misdemeanor can cost you thousands of dollars, result in restrictions on your rights, and even land you in jail for a considerable amount of time. Never assume that this type of charge is a minor thing that doesn’t warrant your full attention.

It is Best to Just Plead Guilty to a Misdemeanor

This is perhaps the worst of these myths, and the most dangerous. Far too many people respond to a misdemeanor charge by simply pleading guilty and then dealing with the consequences. All too often, these consequences are much more serious than they had expected. While there may be times when a guilty plea is the best course of action, it should never be the default decision and should only be taken after consulting with an experienced attorney.

Misdemeanors Won’t Show Up on Background Checks

When applying for a new job, most companies just ask if you have a felony conviction on your record. This has led many people to assume that misdemeanors won’t show up on background checks or other types of research. This is not true, and has undoubtedly cost many people a lot of important opportunities. A guilty conviction will show up on your background checks and could have long term consequences that you may never know the full extent of.

You Don’t Need an Attorney for a Misdemeanor Charge

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when facing misdemeanor charges is thinking you can handle it on your own. At the very least you should have an attorney go over the details of your case and advise you on how to proceed. In the vast majority of cases, it will be well worth the investment to have an attorney at your side throughout the case. While misdemeanors are still very serious, the legal expenses associated with them are typically much lower than with a felony, which makes it a very smart decision to retain a lawyer. Contact Abdallah Law to schedule a consultation and discuss your situation today.