This is the first post in a series of articles which will address the handling of misdemeanor charges in Little Rock and other Arkansas areas. I consider it important to write on this topic as many individuals do not appreciate the serious nature of such charges. While it is true that misdemeanors do not carry penalties as severe as felonies, one can still receive jail time. The goal of my coming articles is to provide information which will help people understand the severity of their situation. It is also my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of a criminal defense attorney. If you or a family member are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
I will be addressing several topics over my coming articles. Issues which I will analyze include:
- Whether one can go to jail for a misdemeanor
- Defending against Class “A” charges
- Defending against Class “B” charges
- Defending against Class “C” misdemeanor charges
There are a number of reasons why I am choosing to address these topics. First, while misdemeanor charges are generally probationable, a defendant can still receive up to one year in jail. Furthermore, if the misdemeanor is charged in conjunction with a felony then one may be facing a prison sentence. Second, understanding the types of offenses with each class of misdemeanor, as well as the potential penalties, is important to knowing what to expect from the process. Finally, there are several long-term consequences of a conviction. These consequences include having a permanent criminal record, difficulty with passing a background check, and more.
An important point that I will make in each of these articles is that you should contact an attorney as soon as possible if you or a family member have been charged with a crime. The sooner you retain counsel then the sooner your representative can begin building a defense on your behalf. This can include visiting the scene of the offense, interviewing witnesses, filing any necessary Motions, and more. These are just a few examples of how hiring counsel can help to ensure that your rights remain protected.
If you are in need of assistance then contact my office to speak with a Little Rock misdemeanor defense lawyer. My firm is devoted to protecting the rights of the accused and we will give your case the attention it deserves. Contact us online or by telephone to schedule an initial consultation. We also handle matters in Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Springdale, Jonesboro, North Little Rock, Conway, Rogers, Pine Bluff, and throughout the rest of Arkansas.