How a Misdemeanor Lawyer Can Help You

A misdemeanor lawyer can help you avoid a conviction and help negotiate the best possible plea agreement for you. If you have already pled guilty or are convicted, a misdemeanor lawyer can help you expunge your criminal record so convictions in your record will be erased.

If you are looking for a misdemeanor lawyer in New York, we at the Law Offices of Albert Goodwin are here for you. You can send us an email at [email protected] or call us at 212-233-1233.

Misdemeanors in New York

In New York, a misdemeanor is a crime that carries a potential sentence of imprisonment between 16 to 364 days. Offenses that carry a potential imprisonment sentence of 15 days or less are considered violations and not crimes. Crimes that are punishable by one year or more is considered a felony.

Although misdemeanors are not considered felonies, misdemeanors are still considered crimes. A misdemeanor charge is serious, and you need to consult with a misdemeanor lawyer immediately to ensure you are using the best legal strategy to move forward with your case. Not all misdemeanors can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. A misdemeanor lawyer can evaluate your case and will be able to identify its strengths and weaknesses that will equip him in negotiating the best possible plea agreement with the prosecutor. A misdemeanor conviction can affect your professional license, your ability to get into college or a scholarship, or future employment opportunities.

Misdemeanors can be classified into Class A and Class B. Class A are more serious than Class B. Class B misdemeanors are punishable by imprisonment of up to 90 days.

Examples of Class A misdemeanors are

• theft of not more than $1000
• writing graffiti without the property owner’s permission
• forcibly touching someone sexually
• third-degree assault
• accessing a computer or computer network without authorization

Examples of the less serious Class B misdemeanors are

• stalking
• harassment
• public lewdness
• setting off fireworks without a permit

Some unclassified misdemeanors are driving with a suspended license, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving.

In Class A misdemeanors, you are entitled to a jury trial but may opt for a bench trial, while Class B misdemeanors are resolved by a bench trial. In a bench trial, the judge acts as both jury and judge. Your misdemeanor lawyer will usually recommend a jury trial but depending on the circumstances of your case, may also suggest a bench trial, especially when the case is legally complex.

Getting a misdemeanor lawyer

Although one might think that a misdemeanor is not a serious offense since it is not a felony, it is still advisable to hire a misdemeanor lawyer to protect your rights. A misdemeanor lawyer can get your case dismissed or your charges reduced. Although you can ask for a public defender, these types of lawyers have a large caseload, and they might not be able to give your case the kind of attention and time that a private lawyer can give you.

A misdemeanor lawyer will be your advocate and protector when you have been charged or are being interrogated for a misdemeanor. The lawyer is there to help you navigate the criminal system.

Many people immediately confess to misdemeanors, not thinking about the consequences. It’s important to remember that not all misdemeanors can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. You always have a right to remain silent.

Your misdemeanor lawyer will help you come up with the best legal strategy and story for your case.

If you have been arrested for a misdemeanor or would like to get your prior convictions expunged, we at the Law Offices of Albert Goodwin are here for you. We have offices in New York City, Brooklyn, NY and Queens, NY. You can send us an email at [email protected] or call us at 212-233-1233.