In general, misdemeanors are less serious offenses than felonies. However, a misdemeanor charge, especially for a Class A offense, should not be taken lightly. A conviction for a misdemeanor can hamper you for the rest of our life, creating obstacles to you moving on with your life. Allegations of DUI, drug possession, or other misdemeanors can stay on your record for years, or even permanently. If you have been charged for a crime, the best course of action is to consult a Chicago misdemeanor lawyer from Goldman & Associates. We will work tirelessly to mount an aggressive defense against your charges.
Many people charged with misdemeanors are not particularly concerned, because they believe that even if they are convicted, the offense can be removed from their record. While it is common for courts to grant expungement of convictions, many convictions can never be erased. You should be proactive and seek counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney before a conviction is entered.
Class A misdemeanors are the most serious, and as a result, can lead to more severe punishment than Class B or C misdemeanors. Examples of Class A misdemeanors include:
- Battery
- Driving under the influence
- Possession of marijuana, between 10 and 30 grams
- Possession of firearms
- Reckless driving
This list does not include all types of Class A misdemeanors. It is only meant to illustrate a few examples.
Punishment for Class A Misdemeanors
A conviction for a Class A misdemeanor can carry a sentence of up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. In addition, if the particular crime that you are accused of involved a monetary loss to another person, you could be order to pay them restitution for their loss. In some cases, if you are convicted of a Class A misdemeanor, you can be put on probation or conditional discharge, for up to 2 years. Often, sentences for misdemeanors can be served concurrently. Some drug-related offenses could qualify for diversion into a drug court program. For a clearer picture of how a conviction for a misdemeanor might be treated by a court during the sentencing phase, consult an experienced local defense attorney. Goldman & Associates can advise you as to how different factors might impact your case.
Contact an Experienced Chicago Attorney for Representation
Whether you’ve been charged with a Class A misdemeanor, or any other kind of misdemeanor or felony, it is crucial to enlist the services of a knowledgeable criminal attorney as soon as possible. The Chicago misdemeanor defense lawyers from Goldman & Associates are ready to represent you against charges for crimes of any type. Contact our team at 773.484.3131 or 847.215.2600 for a free consultation on your case in Chicago, Illinois.
